Hemorrhoids
A hemorrhoid is a swollen vein that can occur in or near the anal canal. While hemorrhoids can be painful, they are usually not a serious condition. They can develop within the anal canal, known as internal hemorrhoids. They can also occur near the opening of the anus, called external hemorrhoids. Many hemorrhoids vanish without treatment. However, if you are suffering from persistent and painful hemorrhoids, the team at the Colorectal Center Los Angeles has a unique, individualized approach to hemorrhoids, giving you the relief you deserve.
Hemorrhoid signs and symptoms
Hemorrhoids are often detectable by the patient before ever seeing a doctor. In some cases, as with internal hemorrhoids, a professional diagnosis may be needed. Hemorrhoid symptoms and signs include:
- Bloody bowel movements
- Irritation and itching in or around the anus
- General pain or discomfort in the anal region
- A lump on the anus which is usually painful to the touch
- Fecal leakage
In general, external hemorrhoids are easily detected by the patient. Internal hemorrhoids rarely cause symptoms unless they are pushed out of the anus by straining.
If you experience any of the above hemorrhoid symptoms, especially rectal bleeding, we recommend you set an appointment for a consultation. While this may be indicative of a harmless hemorrhoid that will go away without treatment, it may indicate other conditions that require professional care such as hemorrhoid surgery. If you have any questions, please call the Colorectal Center Los Angeles.
Getting treatment
At the Colorectal Center Los Angeles, we pride ourselves on delivering rapid, effective hemorrhoid surgery & treatment. It all begins with a diagnosis, which may be done by simple observation. Additional diagnostic tools may include a scope for visual inspection of the anal canal. With any method used, our hemorrhoids specialists put your comfort first while also ensuring an accurate result.
Once a diagnosis is made, we can begin treatment. The treatment method depends upon the nature and severity of the hemorrhoids. In some cases, non-surgical treatment may be an option, while more severe cases may require hemorrhoids surgery.
Non-surgical Treatment
Rubber band ligation may be used to cut off the hemorrhoid's blood source. This causes it to wither and fall off, usually within a week.
Sclerotherapy shrinks the hemorrhoid by injecting a chemical solution directly into the hemorrhoid tissue.
Coagulation can be used against internal hemorrhoids, using infrared light to cause hemorrhoids to harden and shrivel.
Hemorrhoid Surgery
At the Colorectal Center Los Angeles, we specialize in surgical treatment of the colon and rectum. When patients are struck by severe or persistent hemorrhoids, we can provide complete relief through precise and effective hemorrhoid surgery procedures. We understand the pain and discomfort that can come with hemorrhoids, and we want to eliminate them as quickly as you do. We offer some of the most effective hemorrhoid surgery Los Angeles has available.
Hemorrhoidectomy, also known as hemorrhoid removal, is surgery to completely remove the hemorrhoid tissue. A hemorrhoidectomy is the most thorough way to treat severe or recurring hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid stapling may be used to block blood flow to hemorrhoids, causing them to die and fall off. Hemorrhoid stapling carries a greater risk of recurrence, but does present advantages, such as less pain following the procedure.
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