A
hemorrhoid is an enlarged blood vessel
the lining of the anal canal. All
people have internal hemorrhoids.
When these hemorrhoids become enlarged,
they may cause painless rectal bleeding.
Swelling of the hemorrhoid may cause
it to prolapse (slide out) during
a bowel movement. Treatments
Your
physician may feel your hemorrhoids require
one of the following treatments:
- Barron
ligatures (rubber bands)--A rubber
band is put around the hemorrhoid,
causing it to wither and fall
off over a seven- to ten-day
period.
- Thermal
coagulation--A light source is
used to cause a small burn on
the surface of the hemorrhoid,
causing it to stop bleeding and
shrink down to normal size.
- Injection
of hemorrhoids--A liquid is injected
into the hemorrhoid, stopping
the bleeding and preventing it
from protruding.
These
treatments are only used for internal
hemorrhoids. They would be extremely
painful if used for external hemorrhoids.
After
Treatment
Symptoms
You may feel mild to moderate pain,
a dull ache, or essentially nothing
for the first 36 to 48 hours. A sense
of urgency to have a bowel movement
is normal after these treatments. If
discomfort is mild, take over-the-counter
medications such as Tylenol® or
Advil®. Do not take aspirin or
products containing aspirin because
they promote bleeding. If your pain
is more severe, you will be given a
prescription for pain medicine. Taking
warm baths for 15 to 20 minutes will
help relieve your discomfort.
Generally
it takes two to four treatments
three to six weeks apart to get
rid of all the prolapsing internal
hemorrhoids. Usually only one area,
or occasionally two, is treated
at a time. Remember that bleeding
and prolapse will probably persist
until all the hemorrhoids and prolapsing
tissue have been treated.
Diet
After your treatment, it is important
to keep your bowel movements soft
and regular. Eat foods high in
fiber and drink lots of water (6-8
glasses a day). Continue the fiber
supplement recommended by your
doctor. Caffeine contributes to
constipation so limit your consumption
of coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate.
Activity
You may continue your normal physical
activities. You will be able to
drive your car immediately, walk
up stairs, and do normal exercise.
Causes
For Concern
Call
the doctor if you have any of the following
problems:
- Pain
that does not gradually lessen
in three days
- Increasing
pain several days after treatment
- Tender
swelling in the anal area
- Fever
or chills
- Difficulty
urinating
- Severe
constipation (no bowel movement
for three days)
- Diarrhea
(more than three watery stools
within 24 hours)
- Increased
bleeding (more than one cupful)
- Three
to four large bloody bowel movements
within three hours
- Drainage
of pus from the rectum
If
your own doctor is unavailable, the
doctor on call is available 24 hours
a day, every day of the year. After
hours, call any of our offices and
the answering service will locate
one of our doctors on call. In an
emergency try to contact us for advice
before you go to the hospital. A
telephone call may save you a lot
of time, discomfort and expense. |
