What are Piles?

Piles problem is a general term used for a medical condition called as haemorrhoids. 

Haemorrhoids or piles means abnormal engorged blood vessels in the anal region. 

Symptoms of Piles/ Haemorrhoids:

1. 1. Blood in the stools/poop- fresh blood

1. 1. Abnormal swelling/ skin tags in the anal region

1. 1. Itching in the anal region

1. 1. Soiling of underwear with mucus or blood

1. 1. Pain in the anal region- due to blood clots

1. 1. weakness/tiredness due to excess blood loss/anaemia

Who is at Risk for Developing Piles/ Haemorrhoids?

Piles or haemorrhoids can develop in any age group, but are more common in young and middle age between 30 to 50 years. It’s becoming more commonly seen in young individuals with sedentary lifestyles such as software and IT professionals who tend to sit for long hours. It is more common in young females mainly after pregnancy due to hormonal and pressure effects. Elderly people with chronic constipation are also at increased risk of developing piles. So to conclude, the following category of people are at increased risk of piles.

1. 1. Sedentary lifestyle

1. 1. IT professionals with long working hours

1. 1. Women during pregnancy and after delivery

1. 1. People suffering from chronic constipation

1. 1. Heavy weight lifting at Gym/workplace

1. 1. Sudden weight loss due to diet/ illness

1. 1. Familial – with no obvious risk factors

Diagnosis of Piles/Haemorrhoids

Piles or haemorrhoids can be diagnosed  by proctoscopy. The treating doctor will perform a simple examination of your anal region called as proctoscopy and can visualise the piles if present.

Piles Classification 

1. 1. Internal piles- inside the anal canal

1. 1. External piles- visible outside the anal canal

Grading of Piles/haemorrhoids

Grade I – only bleeding/ visible only on proctoscopy

Grade II – Piles mass protrude only while straining

Grade III- Piles mass will go inside only when pushed manually

Grade IV- large piles mass which always hang outside

Treatment Options for Piles/ Haemorrhoids

Treatment of piles depends on the grade of haemorrhoids as well as severity of symptoms.

1. 1. Diet changes- shifting to high fibre diet

1. 1. Drinking plenty of water

1. 1. Regular exercises

1. 1. Local application of cream/ointment

1. 1. Sitz bath

1. 1. Stool softeners

1. 1. Surgery- open / staplers

1. 1. Minimally Invasive Procedures (MIS)- LASER/ cryosurgery/ band ligation

Mild grade piles can be cured with simple  measures like diet changes, lifestyle modification, sitz bath and some local cream/ ointment application. Severe degree of piles/haemorrhoids require some kind of surgical procedure or minimally invasive procedures like LASER.

LATEST TREATMENT FOR PILES/ HAEMORRHOIDS:

LASER treatment of piles is the latest treatment for symptomatic piles with many advantages. The procedure is very quick, painless, with negligible blood loss and post procedure pain and has become the most opted treatment option for piles/haemorrhoids. It gives a very good relief if done by a trained and experienced LASER PROCTOLOGIST.

• • Dr. Sujay B R

  MBBS,MS,FMAS(Minimal Access Surgery)

  FICS, FIAGES, FALS (Bariatric Surgery)

The author Dr Sujay B R is an experienced Senior Consultant General and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Certified Endoscopist and Laser Proctologist Practising in South Bangalore. For more details and Appointments Visit  https://drsujaybr.com/contact-us/