What Symptoms Are Warning Signs of Hemorrhoid Risk?
Hemorrhoids can be divided into two types: internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids, each with different treatment methods.
For internal hemorrhoids in stages 1-2, doctors usually consider treatment with medication and rubber band ligation, while stages 3-4 primarily require surgical treatment.
External hemorrhoids are also treated with medication, and surgery is performed only when there is significant inflammation, swelling, and heavy bleeding.
The key symptoms that serve as warning signs indicating a risk of hemorrhoids include:
- A heavy or itchy sensation around the anus
- Bleeding with fresh blood, which is related to bowel movement timing, not spontaneous bleeding
- Lumps or protrusions around the outside of the anus, which is a characteristic of external hemorrhoids
- Pain in the anus when standing, walking, or sitting due to inflammation of the hemorrhoids
Laser Hemorrhoid Surgery: A New Safe and Effective Alternative
Laser hemorrhoid surgery uses heat from laser waves to burn the swollen and inflamed blood vessel walls, causing them to flatten and shrink. This method is mostly used for patients with internal hemorrhoids in stages 2-4 who have not responded to medication or have severe conditions that cannot be treated with rubber band ligation.
Laser surgery is not commonly used for external hemorrhoids because the skin outside is delicate and may cause pain similar to a burn. The advantages of laser surgery over traditional surgery include less pain and a shorter hospital recovery time.
Since it is not an anal surgery, the risk of anal stenosis or incontinence is lower than with open surgery. The laser surgery procedure includes the following steps:
- The doctor evaluates whether the patient is suitable for laser surgery
- To reduce pain during treatment, which may occur due to inflammation, sedation is given before surgery
- The doctor uses a laser to operate on the hemorrhoids, which takes about half an hour to one hour depending on the number of hemorrhoid heads. Each hemorrhoid requires about 3-5 laser applications, taking approximately 3-5 minutes per head. Therefore, the more hemorrhoid heads, the longer the surgery. Ice packs may be applied during surgery to reduce heat
- After surgery, there may be pain and swelling. The doctor will advise the patient to sit in warm water to reduce pain and swelling, usually recommended after bowel movements. If pain and swelling are minimal, soaking is not necessary
- After surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for 1-2 days before going home. They can live normally and eat all foods but should avoid foods that cause diarrhea, as frequent bathroom visits can slow recovery
- Doctors usually schedule a follow-up 1-2 weeks after surgery. If there are no complications, the patient will recover fully and no further follow-up is needed
Advantages of Laser Surgery
- No scarring. The doctor uses a laser to penetrate the side of the wound to destroy hemorrhoids without directly cutting the anus. The puncture is about 2-3 millimeters, and the number of punctures depends on the number of hemorrhoid heads. Multiple heads require multiple punctures, but no stitches are needed after surgery
- Local anesthesia can be used. Patients do not need spinal blocks or urinary catheters, eliminating concerns about urinary retention after surgery and reducing recovery time
- Short procedure time. The surgery takes about half an hour for puncturing and laser application
- Patients can return to work after 1-2 days of recovery
- After surgery, patients can move normally. If there is no wound pain after recovery, exercise is allowed, unlike traditional surgery which requires long rest, wound care, and limited movement until fully healed
Hemorrhoids are more common than you might think. Everyone is at risk if they do not maintain a proper diet and healthy bathroom habits. Even after treatment, whether with medication or laser surgery, hemorrhoids can recur if constipation and diarrhea frequently occur.
Therefore, understanding the causes of hemorrhoids and adjusting lifestyle habits to maintain healthy bowel movements is crucial. Along with regularly monitoring for abnormal symptoms, if you experience difficulty passing stool and notice blood during bowel movements, do not be embarrassed. Seek medical consultation promptly for diagnosis and timely treatment planning. This may prevent the need for painful and costly surgery.
