Latest Treatment for Piles

What are piles? Piles, or otherwise known as hemorrhoids, are a common malady affecting up to 50-60% of the general population. It is a condition whereby chronic engorgement of the anal canal veins results in bleeding during defecation. With time, the ligaments that suspend the veins break, and the piles protrude from the anus, resulting in prolapse. What causes piles? The exact cause is unknown. Chronic constipation, straining and pregnancy are known to aggravate the condition. Some patients will say hot spices cause piles but there is little scientific evidence to substantiate this claim. What are the symptoms? Piles Early Symptoms Piles Early Symptoms In it’s early stage (1st degree), the piles will bleed fresh blood. It then becomes prolapsed but will retract on its own (2nd degree). Third degree piles remain permanently prolapsed and can cause a great deal of discomfort. They may also cause significant itch and seepage of liquid feces. The most extreme symptom is when the piles harden and become inflammed (4th degree). Patients are in a great deal of pain and often present as an emergency. Piles are not considered malignant and will not progress to become cancer. Medical Treatment In its early stages (1st and 2nd degree), piles can be treated with medication and rubber band ligation. Together with a high fiber diet and stool softeners, they frequently resolve. Surgical Treatment Advanced hemorrhoids (3rd and 4th Degree) will require an operation for quick resolution. The traditional mode of operation for piles is diathermy hemorrhoidectomy. This method utilizes an electric knife to cut through anal skin to remove the piles. The resulting wounds are painful and slow to heal. Over the past 15 years, advances in surgical instrument technology has resulted in new devices that offer less pain and faster recovery compared to the old diathermy method. Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy This special instrument allows the surgeon to perform the entire hemorrhoid operation within the anus. In another words, there is no external skin wound. As incision is inside the anus and not on the skin, patient is more comfortable and recovery is faster. This operation is done as a day procedure and patients are discharged 1-2 hours after the operation. Normal bowel functions resume immediately and the patient can resume normal activities like walking. This technique is ideal for the 3rd degree prolapsed type of haemorrhoids. Ligasure Hemorrhoidectomy Ligasure Hemorrhoidectomy Ligasure Hemorrhoidectomy This device delivers low and yet precise level of energy to the operation site. It cuts as well as seals at the same time. Because the energy delivered is calibrated, the damage to surround tissues is low with significantly less charring. This is ideal for single quadrant hemorrhoid or 4th degree thrombosed type. Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD) Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization This uses a special Doppler ultrasound probe to precisely locate the hemorrhoidal blood supply. Once the location is determined, the surgeon can suture off the artery, thereby cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoids. As there is no cutting or burning, discomfort is minimal and return to function is rapid. This is ideal for patients who persistently bleed in spite of medication and rubber band ligation. It is not suitable for more advanced or prolapsed haemorrhoids. Conclusion Advances in technology now offer patients with hemorrhoids better surgical options. Newer methods are less painful and allow faster return to normal function and activities. There is no reason to fear piles surgery now. Contact Us For more information, please visit http://colonrectal.com.sg or http://colonrectal.com.sg/effective-piles-treatment/ to book for review appointment with Dr Wong Nan-Yaw.