There are two types of hemorrhoids (often also called “piles“):
Internal hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside the rectum that form in an area where there aren’t any nerve endings. When internal hemorrhoids become enlarged, the tissue may protrude out through the anus causing symptoms such as itching, bleeding, and swelling. The level of protrusion indicates the degree of severity.
External hemorrhoids often occur as bulges or lumps around the anus. Because of the sensitive nerves in this area, these abnormal vessels are often painful, especially when sitting. If an external hemorrhoid becomes thrombosed, it may even cause severe pain.
There are several effective treatments for hemorrhoids. One of the most proven and pain free procedures is the CRH O’Regan System as it take less than a minute to perform and there is almost no post procedure pain or recovery time. The CRH O’Regan system is a hemorrhoid banding, or rubber band ligation procedure which is a fast, effective, nonsurgical approach to hemorrhoid treatment. Unlike a hemorrhoidectomy, it doesn’t require fasting or sedation. There is also no downtime involved and significantly less costly than surgery (it’s covered by most insurance plans). Unlike home remedies designed to provide temporary relief, banding completely treats hemorrhoid symptoms in a matter of moments – and it’s a procedure that’s 99% effective.
Other hemorrhoid treatments include:
Creams and Home Remedies – Hemorrhoid creams can be good in providing temporary relief during a flare-up, however, they just temporarily alleviate discomfort like burning, itching and inflammation without getting to the root of the problem.
Hemorrhoidectomy – As mentioned, a hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids. Typically a hemorrhoidectomy is only needed for the most severe cases. Types of surgical treatments include:
With any type of surgery there are severe risk factors involved which is why the CRH O’Regan System, non surgical approach is highly sought after by Lubbock residents.
Infrared Coagulation (IRC) – This is a procedure that uses hot infrared light to treat small or mid-sized hemorrhoids. As the treatment tends to be more superficial, often times multiple procedures are required and the wait period between treatments is usually 90 days.
Ultroid Non-Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatment – This is a procedure where a probe is introduced into the anus through an anoscope which uses dc electrical current (“direct current”) to cause the hemorrhoid to scar and shrink.
Sclerotherapy: Chemical Injection Treatment – This treatment involves injecting a chemical through an anoscope into the hemorrhoid tissue, causing it to scar and shrink. Sclerotherapy is rarely practiced today because it has a high potential for complications compared to more safe and effective procedures, like rubber band ligation.
Common Hemorrhoid Treatment Options
Treatment | Details | Average Time | Recovery Time |
CRH O’Regan System | Placing a band in an area without any nerve endings using a disposable device with gentle suction | 30 seconds – 1 minute | 0-1 day |
Conventional Rubber Banding | Banding using clamps/metal-toothed forceps | 5-10 minutes | 0-3 days |
Infrared Coagulation (IRC) | The use of hot infra-red light to reduce the size of the hemorrhoid | 30 seconds – 3 minutes | 0-1 day |
Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy | Surgery using a circular stapler device that interrupts circulation of the hemorrhoid | 15-90 minutes | 1-10 days |
Conventional Hemorrhoidectomy | Surgery involving clamping, tying off, and cutting hemorrhoid tissue away | 45-90 minutes | 10-14 days |
Over-the-counter creams and medications | Relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids but do nothing to address the hemorrhoid itself, often resulting in symptom recurrence | Ongoing | N/A |
If you think you have hemorrhoids, be sure to contact us for a consultation and accurate diagnosis.