Hemorrhoids, popularly known as piles, are swelling containing enlarged blood vessels that are found inside or around the rectum and anus. These swellings can cause localized inflammation of other tissues. They can vary in size and location. Piles occur when the tissues become enlarged, then weaken, and eventually come free of their supporting structure. This results in a sac-like bulge that extends into the anal area. Piles can occur at any age, but they are more common between the ages of 45 and 65.
What Are The Types Of Piles?
Piles can happen inside or outside of our rectum. Some people sometimes develop internal and external piles at the same time. Piles can be of 4 types:
- Internal Piles: These piles form above a point, 2-3 cm inside the anal canal or lower rectum.
- External Piles: These piles start off nearer the surface, below a point 2-3 cm inside the anus.
- Prolapsed Piles: These remain outside the anal canal with lots of complications.
- Thrombosed Piles: These are clotted piles.
What Causes Piles?
It is not clear what actually causes piles. The veins around our anus tend to stretch under pressure and may swell or bulge. Piles can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum due to the following reasons.
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
- Lifting heavy weights
- Straining while passing stool
- Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet
- Being obese
- Being pregnant
- Having anal intercourse
- Eating a low-fiber diet
- Family history
Piles also seem to have genetic or hereditary relevance. If you have a family member with a history of piles, it would be wise to lead a piles-preventive lifestyle.
How Can You Tell If You Have Piles?
Symptoms of piles can vary depending on the size, position, and grade of the piles. In the initial stages, piles do not readily show any noteworthy symptoms. If there are symptoms, they may include:
- Painful lumps in and around the anus
- Itching and discomfort around the anus
- Discomfort during and after passing stools
- Bloody stools
- Leaking feces or slimy mucus discharge from the anus
How Is Piles Treated?
Piles develop in four stages. The first two stages are usually manageable through dietary changes and some medication. However, if left untreated, and the condition advances to stage 3 or 4, surgical intervention is the only successful treatment. However, there are a few types of surgeries and you can discuss with your surgeon to know which one will suit you the most.
- Hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of hemorrhoids. This is usually reserved for larger and more severe cases.
- Stapled hemorrhoidectomy (PPH procedure) is a surgical technique that uses a stapling device to remove the swollen tissue.
- Laser surgery uses laser energy to remove the hemorrhoids.
- Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the blood supply to the hemorrhoids and shrinks them.
“Hemorrhoids affect around 3 out of 4 adults at least once in their lives. It is a common condition that is preventable and highly treatable. And only 10% of all piles patients actually need surgery. Even these surgeries have a success rate of 95%,” explains Dr Mustafa Razvi, a Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist & Gastro Cancer Surgeon with over 15 years of experience. If you are suffering, it is best to talk to a medical professional and customize your treatment plan to get fast relief!
