Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, or haemorrhoids, are a condition of the anus. Hemorrhoids are a tangle of blood vessels covered with mucous membrane within the ring of the sphincter of the anus. They form the valve of the anus. This means they are important for holding up bowel movements.

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Symptoms

The symptoms below may occur:

  • Pain
  • Blood loss
  • Moisture
  • Itching
  • False urge to defecate and feeling of pressure (like sitting on a ball).

When pressing hard due to hard or difficult stools, there may be so much pressure in the tangle that they bulge out of the anus. This can cause bleeding, or bulging mucosa can cause fluid loss and itching. Due to congestion, a painful blood clot can form, called haemorrhoidal thrombosis. In a fluctio haemorrhoidalis (grade 4), the hemorrhoids are strangled, as it were, by the sphincter muscle, causing pain.

Prevention of symptoms

Dietary habits affect the development of hemorrhoids. It is best to eat plenty of high-fiber foods and try to drink plenty of fluids. Spicy food and alcohol have a negative influence. It is important to make time to visit the toilet, but keep it short and don't press too hard.

Other factors that play a role in the development of hemorrhoids are obesity or leading a sedentary life with little exercise. Pregnancy can also trigger it.

Examination

The normal symptoms associated with hemorrhoids also occur with other diseases of the colon. Therefore, a thorough examination is important. The doctor examines the anus externally in a lateral lying position and/or in a knee-elbow position. An internal examination with the finger is a basic examination with which much information can be obtained. In addition, it is also often necessary to examine the first ten centimeters of the anus and anal canal with an anoscope, a short illuminated viewing tube.

In certain cases, additional examinations are necessary. From the age of 50, the above symptoms may be caused by malignant tumors or diverticles of the colon. Then a camera examination of the colon is recommended: a colonoscopy.

Alternative examinations are X-rays (RX colon walk-in) or a CT scan(virtual colonoscopy).

Treatments

We always see if we can address the cause first. It is important to try and prevent the problem. Initially, ointments or suppositories will be prescribed to reduce your symptoms.

Other treatments are discussed with the patient in consultation with the treating physician and applied on a customized basis if needed:

  • Sclerotherapy
  • Rubber band ligature
  • Haemorrhoidectomy
  • Haemorrhoidopexy
  • Laser haemorrhoidopexy (LHP)

Departments

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General and abdominal surgery

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