The Procedure
What can I do about them?
The following self-care techniques may be all you need:
Take a Sitz bath; sit in a shallow bath with hot water for 15-20 minutes, three to four times a day.
Over-the-counter pain medication may be used for aching.
Topical creams and suppositories relieve burning and itching, and can also shrink hemorrhoids.
Cleanse the rectal area with warm water after each bowel movement Use a bulk fiber laxative to soften stools. This helps eliminate straining.
Increase your fluid intake to 8 – 12 glasses of water a day.
Bulk fiber supplements may take several days to work: If you have existing hemorrhoids and hard stools, try a fast-acting stool softener/laxative to avoid further aggravation of hemorrhoids
When should I seek medical help?
See your doctor if hemorrhoids don’t improve with self-care, cause pain, or bleed frequently or excessively. Since such bleeding can mask a more serious condition (particularly colorectal cancer), persistent hemorrhoids should be treated.
What would a surgeon do to fix them?
Rubber band ligation: A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off circulation, and the hemorrhoid withers away within a few days. This done in the office setting and requires no in hospital stay.
Hemorrhoidectomy:
Occasionally, severe internal or external hemorrhoids may require surgical removal. This is known as a hemorrhoidectomy, which shrinks and eliminates compromised tissue.
Dr. Richards is one of the only physicians in Montana trained in the new technique of stapled hemorrhoidectomy. This innovative procedure significantly decreases the pain associated with a traditional hemorrhoidectomy. If you suffer from hemorrhoids, do not hesitate to contact our office and set up an appointment.
