Piles / Hemorrhoids � Treatment Options

Diagnosis & Surgical options for piles

Piles are classified into different degrees based on the position within the anal canal

1. First degree piles: these piles are small and they are present within the anal canal and do not protrude out beyond the anus

2. Second degree piles: the piles may prolapse out of the anal canal but they could also spontaneously go back (reducible) into the canal

3. Third degree piles: here the piles have protruded out beyond the anal canal and cannot be pushed back inside

The diagnosis is done by visual insopection and sometimes by using an instrument called proctoscope.

On visualizing through the proctoscope, the piles appear in three positions-3, 7 and 11 o'clock. They are purplish red and resemble bright red grapes.

Surgical treatment options for piles

Hemorrhoidectomy - Surgery for hemorrhoids can be done as a day-care procedure. After the pre-operative assessment and required tests, the patient is admitted to the hospital. The suitable anesthesia is administered and the patient is made to lie on his back with legs up and supported on stirrups.

The piles is grasped and then separated and cut away from the anal canal and the required stitches are made. The raw area is packed withmedicated gauze. Recovery may take upto a week.

Latest techniques involve using staples to remove the pile mass,

Laser Treatment for Piles - Lasers and a procedure called 'transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialisation' uses the Doppler to locate the blood supply to the hemorrhoids. These procedures cause less pain and bleeding.