May 31, 2023
piles: diagnosis and treatment

Piles or haemorrhoids is a condition in lumps form inside and around a person’s anal canal. These lumps are the growth of muscle tissues, fibres and blood vessels. Piles can cause inflammation, pain, bleeding, itching among other symptoms. In this article, Dr Mayank Madan, the best general surgeon in Gurgaon, discusses the diagnosis and treatment protocol of piles. 

Dr Mayank Madan can be reached at the CK Birla Hospital, the best hospital for piles treatment in Gurgaon

How are piles diagnosed?

Haemorrhoids can be triggered as a result of chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, heavy weight lifting, pregnancy and more. Your doctor will discuss your personal medical history to diagnose your condition accurately. 

Piles is a very common condition. Therefore, its diagnosis is not very difficult to draw. Your doctor will do the following tests:

Digital rectal examination: In a digital rectal exam, your doctor will analyse the lumps in your rectum manually. It is a simple exam and allows the doctor to check the size and location of the lumps. 

Visual inspection: Sometimes, the internal haemorrhoids cannot be easily felt through a rectal exam. The size and place of lumps can be missed. In such cases, your doctor may indicate a visual inspection of the rectum through proctoscope. 

Your doctor may also recommend as a colonoscopy if he/she suspects the need for additional exams. 

How are piles treated?

Piles are categorised into four grades: from 1 to 4. The treatment offered to you depends upon various factors including your overall health, the grade of piles, the severity of your symptoms and more. 

To learn about suitable treatment methods for you, book an appointment with Dr Mayank Madan, the best general surgeon in Gurgaon. 

There are several types of treatment protocols available for piles. These include:

Lifestyle remedies

Dietary changes: One of the most common reasons for haemorrhoids is straining during bowel movements. This straining can be caused by the amount and type of food you intake. If you are suffering from low-grade piles, your doctor will guide you towards a lifestyle that enables easy and soft passing of stool. You will be advised to eat more fibrous foods, that is more fruits and vegetables, for this purpose. 

Bodyweight: Excessive body weight can also cause straining. Your doctor will recommend you to lose extra weight by exercising. 

Medicine-based treatment 

Piles can be effectively treated with the use of laxatives and other medicines. Your doctor will provide you with a medicinal treatment if your symptoms are mild to moderate and can be managed over time. 

Surgery 

Surgical treatment of piles offers permanent relief from this condition. Your doctor may recommend surgery if your symptoms are severe and likely to worsen. The objective of a piles surgery is to remove the lumps of inflamed tissue. Your surgeon may remove internal or external haemorrhoids or block the flow of blood towards them. 

There are various types of surgical techniques (including minimally invasive treatments) available for piles. These include:

Rubber band ligation – It is a minimal access procedure in which surgeons cut the blood circulation towards internal haemorrhoids by using an elastic band around its base. 

Sclerotherapy – In this procedure, your surgeon shrinks the lump by injecting a special chemical into it. 

Coagulation – Coagulation is a method in which the haemorrhoid tissue is exposed to infrared light or heat. This procedure causes the lump to crumble. It is also a minimally invasive technique and offers more benefits such as fewer side effects and pain. 

Haemorrhoidectomy – A haemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of haemorrhoids. It is usually indicated when you have severe or recurring piles. Your surgeon accesses the lumps and cuts them off. 

Haemorrhoidal artery ligation – This procedure is also referred to as haemorrhoid stapling. Your surgeon restricts the blood flow to the tissues by stapling its source. It is a successful treatment method for internal haemorrhoids. 

You can avail the above-given treatments from Dr Mayank Madan, the best general surgeon in Gurgaon. 

Visit the CK Birla Hospital, the best hospital for piles treatment in Gurgaon, for more information. 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360280

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/piles-haemorrhoids/