Hemorrhoids

Treatment

Most people find relief from hemorrhoidal symptoms through simple self-care methods which may include:

• Daily warm baths
• Dietary changes
• Gentle hand-washing of the affected area with soap and water
• Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting
• Anorectal lubricants or ointments

If self-care methods don't relieve your symptoms, more intensive treatments may be considered.

• Rubber band ligation. The surgeon attaches tiny rubber bands to the base of internal hemorrhoids to cut off circulation. In seven to 10 days, the hemorrhoids painlessly fall away and are expelled with stool. Usually, one or two hemorrhoids are treated at a time.

  After the rubber band ligation procedure, a pain reliever is prescribed if needed and warm baths are recommended. Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), and anticoagulants should not be taken for two weeks afterward as they could increase bleeding.

  Serious infections are rare after rubber band ligation. You should seek immediate treatment if you experience persistent anal pain, inability to urinate, or fever.

  Because of the chance for infection, rubber band ligation is not a good option for transplant recipients, those undergoing chemotherapy or people with immunodeficiencies.

• Sclerotherapy. A chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid tissue to shrink it.
• Coagulation. Laser or infrared light or heat techniques are used to harden and shrivel your hemorrhoids.

Surgical procedures

Surgery is considered if hemorrhoids severely protrude, do not improve with rubber band ligation or are complicated by another disorder. Options at Mayo include:

A circular stapled hemorrhoidopexy

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• Removal (hemorrhoidectomy)
• Stapling (hemorrhoidopexy)
• Blood clot (thrombus) removal. An external hemorrhoid is incised and the blood clot removed.
• Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization and rectal mucosal pexy. Guided by Doppler ultrasound, the surgeon uses a suture to tie off the hemorrhoidal arteries and the rectum lining is repaired to prevent future protrusion. This procedure has a quicker recovery than does a hemorrhoidectomy and is performed under general or regional anesthesia. This procedure is offered at Mayo Clinic in Florida.

Read more about treatment of hemorrhoids.