Piles or Hemorrhoids (or Haemorrhoids) are vascular cushions, i.e. swollen veins in the anus, anal canal and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. It is a common condition in adults. It develops due to various causes related to increased pressure in the anal canal and the lower rectum.

Causes for piles:

• Chronic constipation
• Chronic diarrhea
• Heavy weight lifting
• Low-fiber diet
• Pregnancy
• Sitting for a longtime on the toilet bowl
• Straining while passing motion

Types of piles

• External: noted in the skin around the anus
• Internal: noted within the anal canal and lower rectum
• Others: Thrombosed piles or Perianal hematoma

Piles can present as:

• Anal itch or irritation
• Anal pain or discomfort
• Painless bleeding during bowel movements
  • It is usually self limiting and can be managed with medications
  • If it is large amount and persistent, then it is a medical emergency and requires urgent attention
• Prolapsing or protruding anal lump

Treatment:

• Defecation habit modifications
• Dietary modifications
• Lifestyle modifications
• Medications
• Other intervention:
  • If the piles are medium, the aforementioned is required, and we may give pile ligation with rubber bands.
  • If the piles are huge and prolapsing, the procedures listed above will be necessary, and the patient will need surgery.
  • Traditional or diathermy hemorrhoidectomy, ligasure hemorrhoidectomy, stapled hemorrhoidectomy, and other procedures are used to treat piles.
  • We’ll talk with the patient about which option is best for them.