Over the past 10 years, Phyathai 2 Hospital has performed over 3,600 surgeries for hemorrhoids, averaging about 300 cases per year.
From these numbers, it’s clear that hemorrhoids are not an uncommon problem and can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or life stage. The primary causes of hemorrhoids include poor bowel habits, such as straining during bowel movements, sitting for long periods, constipation, and diarrhea. If symptoms are mild, they can often be alleviated by lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake with fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly to promote bowel movement, and allowing for self-healing. However, if symptoms worsen, it is essential to consult an experienced physician for accurate diagnosis to determine whether it is indeed hemorrhoids or another serious condition, facilitating appropriate and timely treatment.
Severity Levels of Hemorrhoids The rectum has tissue that acts as a cushion to aid in bowel movements and ensures that the anal canal remains closed. If this cushion protrudes or does not retract after a bowel movement, or if there is bleeding, you might be experiencing hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be classified into four severity levels:
- Level 1: Bleeding during bowel movements but no protrusion.
- Level 2: Protrusion occurs but retracts on its own.
- Level 3: Protrusion requires manual assistance to retract.
- Level 4: Protrusion remains outside and cannot be pushed back in. If you experience this level, you should seek medical attention immediately to prevent tissue necrosis due to lack of blood supply.
Surgical Options for Hemorrhoids There are several surgical methods to treat hemorrhoids:
- Traditional Surgery: This method can treat all types of hemorrhoids but tends to be more painful and varies significantly based on the surgeon’s skill.
- Automated Stapling Surgery: This technique is less painful, has quicker recovery times, and leaves no external scars. However, it is not suitable for all cases, primarily for internal hemorrhoids and multiple growths.
- Laser Surgery: This method offers good outcomes with minimal pain and fast recovery. It is most effective for mild hemorrhoids with smaller protrusions. Laser surgery requires skilled practitioners and is ideal for those concerned about pain, as it is quick and requires less recovery time. Advances in laser technology have improved results significantly compared to the past.
- Other Methods: There are other treatments, such as suturing the blood vessels supplying the hemorrhoids, which have various names but are less popular due to results comparable to rubber band ligation.
Currently, there are many treatment options available for hemorrhoids. With modern surgical techniques, patients may only need to stay in the hospital for one night post-surgery and can return home the next day. After surgery, patients can have normal bowel movements without the need for warm water sitz baths or special cushions. If the procedure is performed correctly by a qualified surgeon, concerns about involuntary bowel control should not arise, and patients should be able to maintain normal bowel function afterward.
The expert surgeons at Phyathai 2 Hospital are certified in colorectal surgery and have over 20 years of experience in treating colorectal conditions, including hemorrhoids.
