What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids (also called piles) are swollen or inflamed veins in the anal canal. These veins normally provide cushioning during bowel movements and may swell after repeated lifting, straining, constipation, passing hard stools, diarrhea, or pregnancy. Hemorrhoids aren't life-threatening but they can be painful, and if swelling persists the veins may become permanently stretched ("prolapsed").
Are there different kinds of hemorrhoids?
Please visit our Causes and Treatment page for information.
What are the symptoms?
Please visit our Causes and Treatment page for information.
Have any new treatments been developed?
Yes. The newest treatment used to relieve the suffering without the need for painful surgery is Infrared Light Coagulation (IRC). This procedure is quick and easy, rendering excellent and long-lasting results. The cost is about one-fourth the cost of traditional hospital surgery and is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance companies.
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Is there any special preparation required before IRC?
No. The procedure requires no fasting, no special diet, no enema, and requires no anesthesia.
What should I expect during the procedure?
Before the first treatment Dr. Sunje will conduct a painless anoscopic exam to document the hemorrhoidal disease. This examination takes just a few minutes. The IRC procedure is then performed. Depending on the severity of your hemorrhoids, your complete visit will last 5 to 15 minutes. You can immediately resume normal activities.
How many treatments are required?
Depending on the number of groups of hemorrhoids present, the severity of your hemorrhoids and your response to treatment, on average 3 to 5 visits are usually required and are scheduled two weeks apart.
What if I don't treat them?
Hemorrhoids, when left untreated only get worse. Symptoms will increase. They may reach a point where surgical intervention is the only treatment option. We feel it is better to treat them before they get to this point.
Can I be treated if my hemorrhoids are actively bleeding?
Yes. First IRC treatment should immediately reduce your bleeding.
Are there after effects?
There may be slight spot bleeding a few days later, but most patients experience no serious side effects. There are general precautions that should be taken to avoid additional after effects: heavy straining or lifting should be avoided and aspirin should not be taken for a few days.
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