Haemorrhoids are cushion-like vascular structures present in the anal canal. Their function is to control and keep track of stools. Any inflammation or infection to these structures causes a disease called piles or haemorrhoids. Hence, haemorrhoids are often termed in context with the disease.
Haemorrhoids are of two sub-types, Internal haemorroids and External haemorroids. Signs and symptoms vary with the type of haemorriod. In case of internal haemorroids, it is painless but causes bright red rectal bleeding when you pass stools. External haemorroids are painful and swell the anal area. In this type, bleeding can be darker in color. After healing an external haemorroid, it leaves a skin tag on the area it was present.
The exact reason that causes a haemorroid condition is still unknown to the doctors. They believe that some factors that increase the pressure on the abdomen are involved in the occurrence of haemorroids. These factors may include constipation, diarrhea, etc.
Haemorroids are known to be very common during pregnancy. Initial measures to deal with haemorroids include increasing fiber intake in your food, drinking fluids to maintain hydration in your system, using anti-inflammatory drugs to ease pain and inflammation, and most importantly, getting proper rest.
Some severe piles cases cannot be fixed with generic medications and therapies. Such piles conditions require surgical assistance. Haemorroids can be surgically removed to eliminate further problems for the patients. Surgical method of removing haemorroids is known as haemorroidectomy.
Haemorroidectomy procedure begins with giving enema to the patients that clears the lower part of their bowel. General anesthesia is also provided to the patient to keep his/her body at rest while carrying out this operation. An electrical cutting instrument called diathermy is used in this procedure. Haemorroids and tags are removed using diathermy. The complete process takes about 45 minutes.
Patents can consume food or drink fluids after the Haemorroidectomy procedure. It is an out-patient procedure. Doctor will inform patients about all the necessary guidelines that they must follow during their recovery phase.