Blood in stool: The onset of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids If the symptoms are not severe, they can be relieved by adjusting lifestyle habits, such as eating fresh fruits and vegetables high in fiber, exercising regularly to promote bowel movement, drinking plenty of clean water—at least 8-10 glasses a day—to soften stools, maintaining a regular bowel routine, avoiding prolonged straining during defecation, and abstaining from alcohol.

In cases where lifestyle adjustments do not improve symptoms, or if there is fresh blood in the stool or a lump protrudes during defecation, Dr. Theerasan Tantitemit, a colorectal and anal surgeon at Phyathai 2 Hospital recommends that patients see a doctor to find appropriate treatment options before the condition becomes severe.

Types of Hemorrhoids

1. Internal Hemorrhoids are covered by intestinal mucosa and can mostly be treated with medication, suppositories, injections, or rubber band ligation.
2. External Hemorrhoids appear as skin tags at the anus. Most patients experience pain and cannot be treated with injections or rubber band ligation. Treatment involves medication or surgery, and there may be anal fissures present as well.

Some patients may have both internal and external hemorrhoids simultaneously.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids Divided into 4 Stages

Stage 1 Bleeding occurs but no prolapse.

Stage 2 Prolapse occurs during defecation but retracts on its own.

Stage 3 The hemorrhoid prolapses significantly during straining and cannot retract on its own; it must be pushed back manually.

Stage 4 The hemorrhoid prolapses permanently and cannot be pushed back.

Treatment Approaches for Hemorrhoids

1. Adjust lifestyle habits
2. Take medication to soften stools
3. Injection or rubber band ligation; some patients may experience recurrence within 2-5 years
4. Surgery, which can cure hemorrhoids long-term with low recurrence within 10-20 years

Patients in stages 1 and 2 are usually treated with medication, suppositories, injections, or rubber band ligation combined with lifestyle changes. Injection or rubber band ligation can cause the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off. Stages 3 (late) to 4 indicate the need for surgery. Some patients may also experience acute heavy bleeding.

Surgical Treatment for Hemorrhoids

There are several popular surgical methods for hemorrhoids in Thailand. Doctors will consider the type and number of hemorrhoids primarily. Additionally, each hospital has different levels of staff and equipment readiness. For the best results, patients should choose hospitals with colorectal and anal surgery specialists.

Types of Surgery Divided into 3 Methods

1. Traditional Hemorrhoid Surgery can be used for all types of hemorrhoids but tends to be more painful than other methods. If the surgeon is not experienced, there may be postoperative bowel movement problems.
2. Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy has the advantage of less pain, faster recovery, and no external wounds. However, it is not suitable for all cases and is best for patients with multiple internal hemorrhoids.
3. Laser Surgery is another effective method with less postoperative pain and quick recovery but is suitable for early-stage hemorrhoids with small prolapse.

Treatment and surgical methods vary depending on the severity and type of hemorrhoids. For complete cure and minimal side effects, patients can consult colorectal and anal surgery specialists at the Colorectal and Anal Disease Clinic, Phyathai 2 Hospital.