Are you suffering from hemorrhoids? If you can actually see the hemorrhoids or feel them outside the anus, they are considered to be external hemorrhoids. Unfortunately, external hemorrhoids are much more difficult to deal with than internal ones, and can be more painful as well. Fortunately, there are lots of great treatment options for external hemorrhoid removal. Here’s a look at what can be done, ranging from things you can do at home to various types of surgery.
The first thing that your doctor will probably suggest is to take a sitz bath. This involves sitting in a basin of warm water that covers the buttocks and hips. Sitz baths are very effective for relieving hemorrhoids, and are one of the simplest treatments that you can try to start off.
If that doesn’t work, the next step will be to use a topical relief product. There are various over-the-counter hemorrhoid products that you can try, such as Preparation H. This type of product eases inflammation and itchiness in order to relieve your discomfort. Another approach is to use a product like Hemorrhoids No More, a completely natural form of treatment that is frequently recommended by physicians, although you don’t need a prescription to buy it. It actually shrinks the swelling, unlike many other products which merely mask the symptoms.
If these methods fail, you might be faced with having to undergo a surgical procedure for removing your external hemorrhoids. There are a number of different procedures that can be performed, and which one your doctor recommends for your situation will depend on the severity of your condition. Following is a look at the most common ways to surgically remove external hemorrhoids.
Rubber band ligation: A special device is used to attach a small rubber band to the base of the hemorrhoid. This is actually less painful than it sounds, since there are no nerve endings in the rectum, and therefore there is no anesthetic necessary. The rubber band cuts off the circulation and supply of nutrients to the hemorrhoid, so it shrivels up and eventually falls off, usually after about a week. A scar will remain.
Sclerotherapy: This procedure consists of injecting a chemical hardening solution into the blood vessels around the hemorrhoid. The procedure produces inflammation and scarring which eventually cause the hemorrhoids to shrivel up and disappear.
Infrared coagulation: A small probe directs infrared light to the area above the hemorrhoid. The veins coagulate and the hemorrhoid shrinks and eventually falls away. There is a brief sensation of heat, but the procedure is not painful as rule, and no anesthetic should be required.
Hemorrhoidectomy: If the problem is severe, hemorrhoids may require removal by a procedure known as a hemorrhoidectomy. This procedure involves the use of a scalpel to excise the tissue. Unlike most other treatments for external hemorrhoid removal, it involves a hospital stay and a lengthier recovery period of a few weeks.
Laser surgery: Laser treatment for hemorrhoids is becoming more and more common, as it is a less invasive, less painful alternative to other procedures used to remove hemorrhoids. The laser burns away the hemorrhoidal tissue, while simultaneously cauterizing the wound, so there is no bleeding.
Each situation is different, and sometimes one procedure is better suited to your problem than another, based on the severity of the hemorrhoids and whether they are internal or external. This information should give you a good starting point for discussing the matter with your doctor.
Links:
Harvard Health Publications
Mayo Clinic
