If you have hemorrhoids, you have a lot of company. In the US, about every third adult has them, too. However, when hemorrhoids make bowel movements painful or even excruciating, you may feel very much alone.
The understanding and expert team at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford treats hemorrhoids at their offices in Bloomfield, South Windsor, and Plainville, Connecticut. In addition to less invasive therapies, we also offer a variety of hemorrhoid surgeries for difficult and painful cases.
Are you ready for hemorrhoid surgery? Answering the following questions can help you decide.
Many hemorrhoids respond to lifestyle changes, including adding more fiber to your diet and drinking more water and other healthy liquids. If you have a mild case of hemorrhoids, or if you’ve just developed them, the following habits will improve your health overall and may resolve your hemorrhoids, too:
Your colorectal specialist may also recommend supplements that add fiber to your diet and create a healthier, more comfortable stool consistency. If you’ve tried all these lifestyle recommendations and haven’t experienced improvement, you may benefit from surgery.
When your hemorrhoids dangle outside of your anus, your bowel movements could be excruciating. The protruding hemorrhoids may also make you uncomfortable throughout your day, particularly while sitting.
If your hemorrhoids protrude when you have a bowel movement, lifestyle changes may prevent more hemorrhoids, but they may not resolve the ones you have now. Our doctors offer a minimally invasive procedure called rubber band ligation.
Our colorectal experts “strangle” the hemorrhoids with a rubber band, which cuts off the circulation to those aberrant blood vessels. The hemorrhoid forms a clot and then falls off on its own within just two days.
Even if your hemorrhoids are deeply internal and never protrude, if they don’t improve with lifestyle adjustments, you’re probably not enjoying your life to the fullest. While rubber band ligation may still be the answer, our experts also offer a surgical procedure called transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD).
With THD, your doctor sutures closed the blood vessels that feed your hemorrhoids. This procedure is recommended for more severe hemorrhoids.
No matter what type of surgical procedure you have, our doctors give you post-care instructions so you know how to stay comfortable as you heal. You need to stay adequately hydrated, eat a soft, bland diet for a few days, and apply ice packs to control swelling and pain.
Soaking in warm sitz baths can also control muscle spasms and pain. Adding more fiber to your diet, including with supplements, can make your stools easier and less painful to pass.
You don't have to put up with hemorrhoids and their pain and discomfort anymore. Contact the colorectal specialists at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford today by calling the office nearest you, or by using the online form.
