Hemorrhoids
Numerous causes can influence the development of hemorrhoids, such as constipation, pregnancy or obesity, among others.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a kind of cushions or pads that contain the small superficial veins and arteries of the anal canal. They are a normal anatomical structure normally present inside the anus and on the skin just at the outer edge of the anus. They are part of the normal stool continence mechanism.
Due to the pressure of pregnancy, obesity, heavy lifting, constipation with straining to pass stool or inducing long periods of time in the bathroom, as well as diarrhea, along with a possible hereditary predisposition, hemorrhoids can become inflamed or enlarged and cause problems.
These problems include pain, perianal lumps, prolapse (when a hemorrhoid that is supposed to be inside comes out), swelling, itching or itching, hemorrhoidal thrombosis, bleeding, and excessive perianal moisture with irritation of the perianal skin.
Diagnosis is made by an adequate history and physical examination of the rectum and anus. Many times an endoscopy (colonoscopy or rectosigmoidoscopy) is requested to rule out other diagnostic possibilities such as rectal inflammation, polyps or colorectal cancer.
Treatment
The treatment of hemorrhoidal pathology is always conservative at first and is based on lifestyle changes (physical exercise, weight loss) and dietary habits (increased intake of fiber and fluids). Topical or oral medical treatment may be added to alleviate symptoms.
Most patients respond well to this type of conservative treatment that can be maintained, in part, indefinitely.
In patients suffering from symptomatic hemorrhoids that do not respond well to medical treatment, there are several surgical treatment options, depending on the type and degree of hemorrhoid present.
Some of the most commonly used techniques are:
- Rubber band ligation
- Hemorrhoidal sclerosis, infrared photocoagulation
- Laser hemorrhoidoplasty
- Hemorrhoidectomy
- Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD® Doppler)
- Thermocoagulation with radiofrequency (Rafaelo® Procedure).
Each case requires an individual assessment to indicate the most appropriate treatment.
The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis or with a short hospital stay. In the case of conventional hemorrhoidectomy, post-surgical discomfort is highly variable but typically is more significant during the first 3-4 days, with a progressive improvement thereafter, with most patients being quite comfortable 15 days after the operation. It requires hygienic care that is carried out at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
about Pilonidal Sinus
- Reddening of the skin
- Pain
- Presence of pus or blood in an opening of the skin.
- Unpleasant odor of oozing pus.
This pathology should be treated by a specialist in coloproctology, which is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum and anus.
As we know, the pilonidal cyst is located in the region above the intergluteal fold, an area of treatment for this specialist.
