HAEMORRHOIDS

Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are enlarged blood vessels in your anus and lower rectum. They usually appear as small, round lumps and you might be able to feel them on your anus or hanging down.

Rectal bleeding is often a symptom of haemorrhoids, but do not assume that is the case, especially if you have changes in your bowel habits or in the appearance of your stools. Rectal bleeding can be a sign of something more serious and it’s important to seek medical advice.

TYPES OF HAEMORRHOIDS

Internal piles start inside your anal canal, but they might hang out of your anus. Your surgeon will assess how advanced they are; first degree piles may bleed but don’t come out of your anus. Second degree piles will come out of your anus when you have a bowel movement but will retract on their own. Third degree piles have to be pushed back physically, but fourth degree piles cannot be pushed back inside.

External piles are swelling closer to your anus. You can suffer from both external and internal piles at the same time.

HAEMORRHOIDS TREATMENT

The symptoms of piles can be greatly improved by simple lifestyle changes you can make yourself. Eat a high fibre diet to keep your stools soft and reduce straining when you have a bowel movement. Consider fibre supplements, such as psyllium or methylcellulose, as they have been clinically proven to improve the symptoms of haemorrhoids. Stay hydrated but avoid caffeinated drinks.

Keeping active is also important as it helps to prevent constipation and can also help you to lose excess weight which can be a factor. Avoid long periods of sitting as it puts pressure on the veins in the anus.

If there is no improvement in the symptoms of your haemorrhoids, then you may need them removed. This can be achieved in the outpatient setting by rubber band litigation or sclerotherapy.

Surgical treatment of piles include haemorrhoidectomy when your piles are cut out or stapled haemorrhoidopexy, where they are stapled back inside your anus. During a haemorrhoidal artery ligation, stitches are used to stop the blood supply, causing the haemorrhoids to shrink. These procedures are performed under general anaesthetic.

Mr Alan Woodward was the first surgeon in Wales to undertake radio frequency (microwave) ablation of haemorrhoids, and he is currently the only surgeon in Wales offering this new procedure. Known as the Rafaelo technique, it is a safe, quick, and less invasive treatment option that is proving very successful for patients with grade 2 or grade 3 haemorrhoids. It can be performed under a local anaesthetic, with a quicker recovery time than other haemorrhoid treatments.

HAEMORRHOIDS TREATMENT

The symptoms of piles can be greatly improved by simple lifestyle changes you can make yourself. Eat a high fibre diet to keep your stools soft and reduce straining when you have a bowel movement. Consider fibre supplements, such as psyllium or methylcellulose, as they have been clinically proven to improve the symptoms of haemorrhoids. Stay hydrated but avoid caffeinated drinks.

Keeping active is also important as it helps to prevent constipation and can also help you to lose excess weight which can be a factor. Avoid long periods of sitting as it puts pressure on the veins in the anus.

If there is no improvement in the symptoms of your haemorrhoids, then you may need them removed. This can be achieved in the outpatient setting by rubber band litigation or sclerotherapy.

Surgical treatment of piles include haemorrhoidectomy when your piles are cut out or stapled haemorrhoidopexy, where they are stapled back inside your anus. During a haemorrhoidal artery ligation, stitches are used to stop the blood supply, causing the haemorrhoids to shrink. These procedures are performed under general anaesthetic.

Mr Alan Woodward was the first surgeon in Wales to undertake radio frequency (microwave) ablation of haemorrhoids, and he is currently the only surgeon in Wales offering this new procedure. Known as the Rafaelo technique, it is a safe, quick, and less invasive treatment option that is proving very successful for patients with grade 2 or grade 3 haemorrhoids. It can be performed under a local anaesthetic, with a quicker recovery time than other haemorrhoid treatments.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

— What are the causes of haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids can develop as a result of increased pressure such as straining during bowel movements, suffering from chronic constipation or diarrhoea, obesity, pregnancy, eating a low fibre diet and heavy lifting. As you get older, you are more at risk of developing piles.

— What are the symptoms of piles?

External piles can cause irritation, swelling around the anus and bleeding. Internal haemorrhoids can cause painless bleeding during bowel movements and can push through the anal opening. A thrombosed haemorrhoid is an external haemorrhoid with blood clotted inside; it can result in severe pain and swelling and a hard lump near your anus.

— Can haemorrhoids come back after treatment?

The risk of haemorrhoids reoccurring depends on a number of factors including the treatment you initially underwent. In most cases, non-surgical techniques such as sclerotherapy or banding have a higher recurrence rate than surgical procedures. We also advise our patients to adopt lifestyle changes such as a high fibre diet and regular exercise to prevent your haemorrhoids coming back.

HAEMORRHOIDS

HAEMORRHOIDS

TYPES OF HAEMORRHOIDS

HAEMORRHOIDS TREATMENT

HAEMORRHOIDS TREATMENT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For more information or to make an appointment,
please call my secretary Ceri Hatcher on 01443 449277.

For more information or to make an appointment,
please call my secretary Ceri Hatcher on 01443 449277.

CLINICS

NUFFIELD HEALTH THE VALE HOSPITAL

NUFFIELD HEALTH CARDIFF BAY HOSPITAL

HAEMORRHOIDS

HAEMORRHOIDS

TYPES OF HAEMORRHOIDS

HAEMORRHOIDS TREATMENT

HAEMORRHOIDS TREATMENT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For more information or to make an appointment, please call my secretary Ceri Hatcher on 01443 449277.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call my secretary Ceri Hatcher on 01443 449277.

CLINICS

NUFFIELD HEALTH THE VALE HOSPITAL

NUFFIELD HEALTH CARDIFF BAY HOSPITAL

For more information or to make an appointment,
please call my secretary Ceri Hatcher on 01443 449277.

For more information or to make an appointment,
please call my secretary Ceri Hatcher on 01443 449277.