Professional Hemorrhoids Treatment

Rather than depend on ointments or creams to provide your hemorrhoids with temporary relief, you can count on the professionals at Kalamazoo Gastroenterology Hepatology to provide hemorrhoids treatment that is painless and effective. With decades of experience, our gastroenterology doctors have a long track record of success in treating those suffering from hemorrhoids. Learn more about them below, or contact our office if you think you may be suffering from hemorrhoids.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are cushions of tissue in the lower rectum that loosen and push into the anal canal, which can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. They can occur for a variety of reasons, from pregnancy to a sedentary lifestyle. They are a common occurrence that will affect 50% of the population by age 50. If you think that you may be suffering from hemorrhoids, you can count on Kalamazoo Gastroenterology Hepatology to help you overcome them.

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Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids

A painless treatment process.

Treating your symptoms with messy creams and ointments only provides temporary relief. The physicians at KGH-DHC utilize a non-surgical process that is:
• Fast (as little as 60 seconds).
• Painless (return to work the same day).
• Proven (reported 95% effective).
• Easy (no anesthesia, fasting or other prep).
• Covered by most insurance plans.

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Common questions and important information regarding hemorrhoids.

Learn more about hemorrhoids and how they relate to your digestive health by viewing these commonly asked questions that we receive. Our gastroenterology doctors have all the resources necessary to help you feel comfortable with how to approach dealing with hemorrhoids.

External hemorrhoids are dilated veins covered by the skin near the anal opening. They may be felt as bumps or lumps near the outside of the anus, and become painful when they are swollen with blood.

Internal hemorrhoids are dilated veins that form inside the rectum and above the anal opening, and are therefore “internal.” However, in some situations they may enlarge and protrude (prolapse) out of the anus.

External hemorrhoids may be present and cause no symptoms. When they cause symptoms, the most common are pain, itching, pressure and bleeding; they can often be felt as a bulge in the skin near the anal opening.

Internal hemorrhoids may be present and cause no symptoms. When they cause symptoms, the most common are painless rectal bleeding, which usually is seen as bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. It is important to know that just a few drops of blood in toilet water can change the color of the water dramatically.

Hemorrhoids may develop as a result of repeated straining to have a bowel movement, sometimes as a result of longstanding constipation. They are also seen commonly in any condition that leads to increased pressure inside the abdomen. Examples would include pregnancy and lifting heavy weights.

Hemorrhoids are suspected when they produce the characteristic symptoms listed above. External hemorrhoids may occasionally be seen on visual examination of the anus. A full exam usually includes a digital rectal exam, where the doctor will insert a gloved finger into the rectum. Internal hemorrhoids may be identified on external exam if they protrude with straining or may be detected during a check with a flexible or rigid tube with a light and a camera that is inserted in order for the doctor to see the inside of the anal canal and lower rectum. The rigid tube is called an anoscope and the flexible tube is a sigmoidoscope.

Most hemorrhoids resolve spontaneously, or with simple measures. These measures include avoidance of straining, and treatment of hard stools or constipation with increased fluids, addition of increased fiber in the diet and stool softeners or lubricants. There are over the counter or prescription creams and suppositories that may be helpful to improve symptoms of itching. Some people find cleaning the anal region with a moist towel after a bowel movement to be soothing.

In some circumstances, hemorrhoids that do not resolve or bleed repeatedly need other type of treatment. These include:
• Rubber bands: Bands are placed around the hemorrhoid and they clot and eventually form a scar.
• Injection sclerotherapy: A chemical is injected directly into the hemorrhoid to make it clot.
• Infrared coagulation: Heat is used to destroy a hemorrhoid.
• Surgery: Removal of the dilated, stretched veins.