Hemorrhoids Specialist in Lakewood, CA
Four leading, experienced, skilled, and board-certified gastroenterology doctors see patients daily at their practice, ProDigest Gastroenterology & Hepatology Associates in Lakewood, CA, for various issues of the digestive system. They are here to talk about eliminating your miserable internal or external hemorrhoid problems.
What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids develop and enlarge when the blood vessels are subjected to excess pressure. The following causes hemorrhoids.
- Rectal pressure
- Obesity
- Constipation
- Prolonged sitting There are two types of hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen blood vessels in the anus and lower rectum. Similar to varicose veins, hemorrhoids occur when there’s excess pressure on the blood vessels, causing them to enlarge.
You may develop hemorrhoids when there’s excess pressure on your belly or lower extremities from weight gain, pregnancy, pushing too hard during a bowel movement, or sitting for long periods of time on the toilet.
What are the types of hemorrhoids?
There are two primary types of hemorrhoids: internal and external.
Internal hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids form in the lower rectum. These types of hemorrhoids are usually painless, but they may bleed during a bowel movement.
Internal hemorrhoids may also prolapse, or protrude through the anus.
External hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus. These types of hemorrhoids may be itchy or painful. They may also form a blood clot, creating a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which causes severe pain.
When should I seek medical care for hemorrhoids?
You should schedule a visit with Dr. Saliminejad if you have symptomatic hemorrhoids that aren’t getting better with at-home care. He also recommends you schedule an appointment if you have rectal bleeding.
Even if you know your hemorrhoids are causing your rectal bleeding, you should never ignore this symptom. It’s possible your bleeding may be from a more serious gastrointestinal condition such as colon cancer.
Dr. Saliminejad takes a patient-centered approach to care and asks detailed questions about your symptoms, your at-home treatment plan, and your medical history. He also examines your hemorrhoids.
If he has any concerns that your rectal bleeding may be related to colon cancer, Dr. Saliminejad may recommend a colon cancer screening.
How are hemorrhoids treated?
Dr. Saliminejad customizes your hemorrhoid treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms.
Medical treatment for your hemorrhoids may include a high-fiber diet, stool softeners, use of over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, and sitz baths.
If medical treatment fails, Dr. Saliminejad may talk to you about your treatment options. Rubber band ligation is the most common treatment for internal hemorrhoids.
During the procedure, Dr. Saliminejad places a rubber band around your hemorrhoid, cutting off the blood supply. The hemorrhoid shrinks and falls off in a few days.
He may also talk to you about laser or infrared coagulation and sclerotherapy. For severe hemorrhoids, Dr. Saliminejad may recommend surgery to remove the swollen vein.
Hemorrhoid Banding-Rubber Band Ligation
When treatment options fail to eliminate your hemorrhoids, you may want to consider a minimally invasive surgical procedure called hemorrhoid banding. Our surgeon ties the base of the hemorrhoids with a rubber band. Hence, the blood supply to the vessel stops.
Pre- and Post-Op Expectations?
Our doctor examines you and reviews your current medications, vitamins, and supplements. You will likely receive anesthesia, so you must not eat or drink for at least eight hours before your procedure. Someone must drive you home after your procedure, either in the doctor's office or outpatient surgical center. It is wise to have someone with you for a few days.
Our doctor will give you anesthesia or apply topical anesthesia to your rectum. However, if you have several painful hemorrhoids to band, we may administer general anesthesia.
Our doctor uses a tool called an anoscope, which is inserted into the rectum and the hemorrhoid. This tool has a light. Another smaller tool, called a ligator, is inserted through the anoscope. These tools then apply rubber bands at the base of the hemorrhoid, thus constricting blood flow.
It is not unusual for a blood clot to develop that our doctor removes during the banding, which takes minutes.
What Does Banding Do?
When the hemorrhoid does not receive sufficient blood supply, it dries up and falls away. The hemorrhoid is passed when you have a bowel movement, and you likely will not be aware. This falling away may take up to two weeks.
What Can I Expect Post-Op?
- Some abdominal discomfort
- Abdominal swelling
- Constipation
- Excess gas
- Taking a laxative to prevent bloating and constipation
- Some bleeding (report excessive bleeding to our doctor)
Hemorrhoid banding is nothing complicated. However, you must not strain your lower abdomen after the procedure, which can lead to complications. Minor risk factors include infection, fever, chills, excessive bleeding during bowel movements, or urination issues.