What Doctor Takes Care Of Hemorrhoids

What Additional Qualifications Are Required By Hemorrhoid Specialists

After finishing medical school, a hemorrhoid specialist will complete a four-year residency in order to train in a major discipline, such as the vascular field or in gastroenterology. Once licensed to practice in one of these fields, a hemorrhoid specialist must then undertake a two-year fellowship to acquire the skills and specialist knowledge this area of medicine demands.

The Leading Medicine Guides quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.

• At least 10 years of experience in medical treatment
• Mastery of modern diagnostic and surgical procedures
• Representative number of annual surgeries, treatments and therapies
• Outstanding focus of treatment in their special field
• Active member of a leading national medical society
• Managerial position

How Do Doctors Treat Hemorrhoids

Doctors can treat hemorrhoids by prescribing medications or by performing minor surgery to major surgery. Here are several treatment options:

These usually contain an emollient . In addition, there may be an anesthetic and/or steroid . Prescription strength medications often work better than their over-the-counter cousins. But sometimes not so much.

An oral tablet called Vasculera comes with some prescription treatment kits and also helps reduce the size of hemorrhoids.

In this common treatment, the doctor applies miniature rubber bands to the internal hemorrhoids. This causes them to shrink up, stop bleeding and pull back inside. There are several different techniques for performing the procedure.

In one form, single bands are applied once a week for several weeks. This is done as an outpatient in the doctors office. Multiple bands can also be placed right after a colonoscopy or other endoscopic procedure while you are still sedated. This would be done in an outpatient surgery center or hospital procedure room. Bands can also be placed without another procedure.

Depending on the doctor and your individual situation, it could be with or without sedation. While rubber band ligation works for most patients, it doesnt work all the time. Also, there are some potential complications bleeding, pain and infection. Recovery can range from a day or 2 to 6 weeks.

The advantages include:

Hemroids Doctor For Surgery

When hemroid surgery is indicated, the proctologist will generally refer you at that point to a colorectal surgeon another specialist hemroids doctor you may encounter. This doctors sole purpose and practice is to do surgical procedures on your colorectal region, thats it, thats all.

Your proctologist will probably handle post-surgical care and should remain an active participant in your care throughout the process. The proctologist will consult with both the colorectal surgeon and you on what surgical procedure fits your condition the best.

As long as you agree, the surgeon will give you instructions on pre-surgical procedure and what you can do at home to prepare for the surgery, with requirements for self-care before surgery and what you can expect after surgery.

While some surgical procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, where you go home the same day of the surgery, every surgical procedure usually forbids at least some physical activity for up to a week afterwards.

You should also get predictions on how much pain will be involved, and prescriptions and instructions for dealing with pain, inflammation, bleeding, and other common side effects. Either the surgeon or your proctologist, or maybe both, will want to see you a few days after the surgery to make sure that healing is progressing well and no complications have come up.

Recommended Reading: Hemorrhoids Surgery Cost Without Insurance

When To See A Gastroenterologist

In the U.S., it is estimated that by age 50, about half of the population has experienced one or more of the classic symptoms of hemorrhoids. But only about 4.4% seek treatment for the condition at any one time.

It’s fine to start with over-the-counter treatments, says Dr. Dacha.

“There are quite a few over-the-counter treatments that are available for treatment,” says Dr. Dacha. “These include steroids like Preparation H, Proctofoam cream and Perineal Ice Packs. Then there is a sitz bath that can shrink the hemorrhoids. So there are quite a few over-the-counter options available for patients.”

If none of those work, it’s time to see a gastroenterologist. Here are some tell-tale signs:

• Rectal bleeding

What Are The Symptoms Of Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids develop in the rectum, so they cant be seen or felt, and dont typically cause pain or discomfort. However, if straining or irritation occurs during a bowel movement there can be signs that youre experiencing an internal hemorrhoid. Painless bleed can be indicated by small amounts of bright red blood on the toilet or on the toilet paper. In extreme cases, an internal hemorrhoid can become prolapsed and protrude through the rectum, which will cause irritation and pain.

Recommended Reading: How To Use Hydrocortisone Cream 2.5 For Hemorrhoids

Are There Any Preventive Measures That I Can Take

A healthier lifestyle is the key to preventing hemorrhoids. Small, gradual changes in your diet and daily activities can be very helpful. For instance, staying active and incorporating moderate exercises in your daily routine will not only help keep your weight in check but also reduces the chances of getting constipated.

Additionally, try to add more fibre rich foods to your diet and drink plenty of water. This will help keep regulate bowl movements and prevent constipation.

Also, as simple as it sounds, go to the bathroom as soon as you have the urge. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to pass the stool. If you do get constipated, dont force a bowel movement because that builds up pressure on the veins causing hemorrhoids to form.

If you are pregnant, avoid sleeping on your back. Try to sleep on your side. This can help lower the pressure on the blood vessels in your pelvis and prevent hemorrhoids from forming.

Some of the most frequently asked questions have been answered below for you. In case you have any other queries or would like to get medical advice from a doctor, feel free to reach out to one of our doctors.

For Mild Hemorrhoids Simple Treatments May Help

I was surprised to learn from Dr. Cima that over-the-counter hemorrhoid lotions and gels often do not help as much as people expect them to. They might briefly ease symptoms, he said, but they dont resolve the underlying problem.

If your hemorrhoid symptoms dont ease, an office-based procedure could help, Dr. Narang said. One popular treatment is rubber band ligation, in which a doctor uses a tool to place a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, which stops blood flow to the inflamed tissue and causes it to die and fall off within one to four days. It is fast, relatively painless and requires very little downtime for the patient, Dr. Mathur said some people can go right back to work after the procedure. But you may need to come back in for multiple treatments. Another less common office treatment is infrared photocoagulation, in which a physician uses infrared light tocut off blood supply to the bothersome tissue, causing it to shrink.

Read Also: Can Hemorrhoids Be Cured Without Surgery

Also Check: How Do You Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids Non-surgical

What Is Recovery Like After Irc

It is normal to feel the need to urinate and experience minor rectal bleeding after each treatment. It is usually well-tolerated, but using a stool softener to help with bowel movements during healing can be helpful. Warm shallow baths, such as sitz baths, can also help in the healing process. Any concerning symptoms after your surgery should be discussed with your proctologist in NYC.

Laser treatment of hemorrhoids with IRC is usually very well tolerated with minimal side effects.

What Type Of Doctor Should I Go To For My Hemorrhoids And Urinary Problems

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â its anonymous and free!

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â its anonymous and free!

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

Recommended Reading: How To Care For Hemorrhoids

Don’t Miss: Walk In Clinic For Hemorrhoids

What To Expect At Your Appointment

Surgery, where the excess tissue causing the blood is removed, is only required in a small number of hemorrhoids cases. Such removal is known as hemorrhoidectomy.

In any event, if the symptoms don’t go away, Dr. Dacha urges people to see a doctor, not only to confirm a diagnosis of hemorrhoids, but also to eliminate other possible diseases.

Diagnosing Conditions Related To Narrow Stool

Your doctor will conduct multiple tests to help to determine the cause of narrow stools and any related symptoms. The tests will depend on which other symptoms are present, but they may include:

• blood tests to check for anemia, which can be a sign of internal bleeding
• digital rectal examination, which examines the rectum
• colonoscopy to examine the colon
• sigmoidoscopy if the large intestine, or lower part of the colon, needs to be examined

You May Like: What Causes Hemorrhoids To Flare

Key Points To Remember

• Home treatments for hemorrhoids work for most people: Eat more fiber, drink more fluids, use a stool softener, and use ointments to help your symptoms.
• When home treatments don’t work on internal hemorrhoids, fixative procedures may help. These are treatments that involve cutting off the blood flow to the hemorrhoids using rubber bands, lasers, heat, or electrical currents. These procedures are usually less painful than surgery.

Continue Learning About Hemorrhoids

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Recommended Reading: How Do You Relieve Hemorrhoids

Change Your Lifestyle To Decrease Strain On Your Bowels

When you feel the urge to defecate, dont hesitate! The longer stool remains within the body, the more your body draws water from it. However, when youre defecating, dont bear down or strain to push the stool out of your body. If youre straining to move your bowels, its time to get more fluids and fiber in your diet.d

You can also help move your bowels by getting regular exercise. A twenty-minute daily constitutional can provide all kinds of health benefits, including helping your bowels move.

If you can avoid sitting for prolonged periods, it will help keep weight and strain off your bottom!

Recommended Reading: What Foods Are Good For Hemorrhoids

Rubber Band Ligation Procedure

For large or prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, your doctor may recommend an in-office rubber band ligation. No pain medication or anesthesia is required for this procedure.

Before we begin, we will briefly evaluate the tissue and then place a small band around the base of the hemorrhoid. Over time, the excess tissue will fall off and leave the body through a regular bowel movement. Most of our patients experience minimal side effects and can return to their regular activities within the same day.

Also Check: Can Drinking Alcohol Cause Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid Medication: When Why And Which Ones To Use

A number of OTC creams, ointments, and pads that contain hydrocortisone or witch hazel are available to help relieve pain, swelling, and itching caused by hemorrhoids. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, doctors recommend using over-the-counter products for a week. If symptoms persist beyond a week, follow up with your doctor.

Creams and suppositories containing hydrocortisone can cause the skin to weaken and thin, so they should not be used for more than a week. If any of these creams cause a rash or dry skin around the area, contact your healthcare provider.

A fiber supplement, such as psyllium , or a stool softener, such as methylcellulose , can help prevent constipation.

Avoid laxatives, which can lead to diarrhea and worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.

What To Expect At Your First Appointment

For your appointment, please:

• arrive 15 minutes ahead of your appointment time to complete necessary paperwork.
• bring your insurance card.
• make sure our clinic has access to any medical records, imaging scans, or colonoscopy reports that were completed outside U of U Health.

During your visit, our specialist will:

• ask about your medical history and discuss your health concerns.
• perform a rectal exam to check for internal hemorrhoids or anything else out of the ordinary.
• provide information about your diagnosis, answer your questions, and discuss the best course of treatment for your needs.

You May Like: Can T Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids

When Hemorrhoid Surgery May Be Necessary

Very few people fewer than 10 percent of all adults who see a doctor because of symptomatic hemorrhoids will require a surgical operation.

Surgery to remove hemorrhoids is called a hemorrhoidectomy.

Your doctor may recommend a hemorrhoidectomy if:

• You have large external hemorrhoids
• You have both internal and external hemorrhoids
• An internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed
• You have excessive bleeding

In a hemorrhoidectomy, the doctor makes a small incision to remove the hemorrhoid and surrounding tissue before closing the wound with stitches.

A hemorrhoidectomy is performed in an operating room and can be done under general anesthesia, in which you are unconscious and unable to feel pain.

Hemorrhoidectomy is associated with postoperative pain, but the procedure is successful for 95 percent of cases.

More recently, another option aimed at avoiding the postoperative pain of a hemorrhoidectomy has become available, called a stapled hemorrhoidopexy. A circular stapling device pulls the hemorrhoidal tissue upward and to its normal position, stapling it in place. The staples eventually fall out over time.

According to a study published in the journal Techniques in Coloproctology, in the long term, patient satisfaction, resolution of symptoms, quality of life, and functional outcome appeared similar among patients after stapled hemorrhoidopexy and hemorrhoidectomy. But other sources note that stapling has been associated with a greater risk of recurrence and rectal prolapse.

Talk To Us To Learn More

At Los Angeles Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates, our surgeons pioneered the use of less invasive hemorrhoid treatments that significantly reduce postoperative pain. We focus on using the latest advances to effectively treat hemorrhoids and other perirectal and perianal conditions. We also offer preventative and diagnostic support, in additional to routine screenings. Call 273-2310 today to schedule your confidential consultation.

You May Like: What To Do For Hemorrhoids After Birth

How Do You Know You Have Hemorrhoids

• Bleeding after a bowel movement

The good news is that most cases of external and internal hemorrhoids are treatable and relief is possible. However, hemorrhoids can come back after being treated if the underlying cause isnt addressed.

If you think you have hemorrhoids, its always a good idea to speak with your doctor about treatment and rule out any severe causes or effects.

Look For Board Certification In Colon And Rectal Surgery

The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery holds certified surgeons to the highest standards. There are very stringent educational, experiential, and testing requirements they must meet, in addition to passing the written Qualifying examination and the oral Certifying examination from the American Board of Surgery.

A board certified specialist will have at least four years of medical school in addition to at least five years of extensive general surgery training. In addition to all that, they will also undergo an additional year or more of supervised colon and rectal specialty training in an accredited fellowship program under the supervision of a certified specialist. This translates into a much higher level of operative and treatment experience than a general practitioner.

Don’t Miss: How Do I Stop Hemorrhoids Itching

What To Expect During Your Visit

Our team is knowledgeable and experienced. We treat patients with hemorrhoids every single day. But equally important is that we take the time to listen to our patients to really understand what they are experiencing and why they are seeking our care. We want our patients to feel comfortable even when it comes to discussing topics like hemorrhoids, that are sometimes a bit uncomfortable to talk about. Our commitment to providing an excellent patient experience allows us to deliver thoughtful and compassionate care, and the best possible outcomes.

What Else Do You Need To Make Your Decision

Check the facts

• Youre right! Try eating more fiber, drinking more fluids, using a stool softener, and using ointments to help your symptoms.
• Sorry, thats the wrong answer. Try home treatment first: Eat more fiber, drink more fluids, use a stool softener, and use ointments to help your symptoms.
• It may help to go back and read Key points to remember. Home treatments work for most people: Eat more fiber, drink more fluids, use a stool softener, and use ointments to help your symptoms.

Dont Miss: How To Treat Hemorrhoids After Delivery

Don’t Miss: Best At Home Treatment For Hemorrhoids

How Can Hemorrhoids Be Prevented

There areseveral ways to prevent the development of hemorrhoids. Begin by staying hydrated by drinking pelting of fluids. Six to eight glasses of water will help to keep your stools soft. High-fiber diets that include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help to reduce or prevent straining. Minimizing holding a bowel movement and reducing straining are two critical ways to decrease your chance of developing hemorrhoids. There are also simple habits and activities that can prevent this condition. Minimize long periods of sitting, specifically on the toilet. Also, a regular exercise routine can reduce the pressure on your veins and prevent constipation.