What kinds of treatment are available?
There are various types of treatment available depending on their location, problems being caused, and seriousness of condition. In many instances, time and the natural healing process are the only required treatments.
When treatment is required, the following general measures are recommended:
- Conservative Treatment
- used for both internal and external hemorrhoids
- keep area clean using a mild soap and avoid vigorous rubbing of the area
- keep anus and hemorrhoids as dry as possible – soft tissue or powder may be used to absorb moisture
- eat a high fiber and roughage diet – fiber retains water in the stool and create soft, bulky stools, this allows easier passage of stools and eliminates straining
- avoid straining to have a bowel movement
- hot Sitz bath – 10-20 minute hot tub bath two to four times a day which provides heat to the area for pain relief and to promote healing
- Ligation
- used in treatment of internal hemorrhoids only
- a rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid to stop circulation, the hemorrhoid eventually will fall off
- may require repeat treatments
- can be done in the clinic setting
- Infrared or Bipolar Photocoagulation
- used in treatment of internal hemorrhoids only
- an infrared light source or bipolar current is used to coagulate internal hemorrhoid veins
- usually requires more than one treatment
- Surgery
- acute, painful clot of hemorrhoid
- profusely or continually bleeding
- longstanding, irreversible, large hemorrhoids
- when all other options haven’t been successful
- Used in treatment of internal and external hemorrhoids
- Surgical options include conventional surgery and stapled hemorrhoid surgery
- Usually recommended in the following instances:
Your doctor will evaluate your case to determine the appropriate treatment for you.