Piles – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment Methods

Piles are also known as Haemorrhoids. They are vascular structures in the anal canal which help in stool control.

They are usually composed of some amount of connective tissue and vascular channels which are mainly venous.

They usually appear normal but in some conditions may become inflamed. They are divided into two simple types, internal and external.

Symptoms of piles

Piles are usually asymptomatic but may cause trouble when swollen or inflamed. This is way you should choose only the best hospital for piles in chennai when searching for piles treatment

Blood in the stool may be a common symptom of piles. Pain is usually not a feature unless there is thrombosis. A thrombosed pile mass may be external or internal and cause pain.

Swelling may appear in the perianal region and this swelling actually persists as a skin tag even after the thrombosis is relieved.

Causes for piles

There are many reasons for the formation of piles. Diet plays an important role in the formation of piles.

Diets low in fibre may increase constipation and the increased straining associated with constipation may cause the formation of piles.

Any chronic increase in intra abdominal pressure like an abdominal mass or pregnancy can cause the formation of piles. Repeated diarrhea could be a risk factor. Chronic cough, pelvic floor problems and even pregnancy can contribute.

Diagnosis of piles

Piles are usually diagnosed based on symptoms and physical examination.

Anoscopy which is an internal examination of the anus with a scope and a light helps in picking up the lesions.

Perianal excoriation may sometimes be present. Grades or Degrees of piles may be identified based on a typical classification.

Prevention of piles

Losing weight, avoiding straining while passing stool, avoiding constipation, avoiding sitting for long periods on the toilet seat are all simple techniques that can be adopted.

Piles Treatment without Surgery

It is not mandatory that all piles need to be operated. Simple techniques like hydrating oneself well, avoiding constipation, losing weight, warm baths, steroid creams can all help keep the piles under control.

Inflamed piles may be treated with anti-inflammatory medicines. Local creams, petroleum jellies can all be tried.

Rubber band treatment of piles

In early piles, stage 1-3 rubber band ligation can be tried. An elastic band is usually applied to the internal pile above the dentate line.

This is given time about 5-8 days after which the piles wither and fall off. It is a highly effective treatment with success rates touching nearly 80%.

Stapler Piles Surgery

Stapled hemorrhoidectomy, also known as stapler piles surgery, is a procedure that involves the removal of much of the abnormally enlarged hemorrhoidal tissue, followed by a repositioning of the remaining hemorrhoidal tissue back to its normal anatomic position.

It is generally less painful and is associated with faster healing compared to complete removal of hemorrhoids.

Laser Surgery for Piles

The latest treatment for piles which is extremely effective is Laser Haemorrhoidectomy or Laser Piles surgery. This is carried out with the help of the Holmium Yag Laser.

The Laser is used for excision with precision with no pain, very minimal or almost negligent blood loss, and very early recuperation. Postoperative stay is less than 24hrs and most patients return to work in less than 48hrs.

Know more about Piles and Piles treatments in one of our blog.

References

Mayoclinic article on hemorrhoids

Overview:

1 Blood in the stool
2 Pain due to Thrombosis
3 Swelling may appear in the perianal region
4 Diet, increase in intra abdominal pressure, repeated diarrhea
5 Rubber band treatment, Stapler piles surgery etc.,