QUESTION: I suffer from severe hemorrhoids and have tried all of the creams and lotions to no avail.
My physician tells me that my hemorrhoids can be cured by using a rubber-band technique, but I don't understand what he means. Have you ever heard of this procedure?
ANSWER: Yes I have, and it is an acceptable manner of treating certain types of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are actually swollen veins, very much like varicose veins, but that are located around the anus or rectal area.
They are classified into four degrees of severity.
In the first degree, they remain internal, but occasionally bleed and this blood can be observed after straining bowel movements.
The physician diagnoses the situation by using a small instrument called an anoscope to look inside of the rectum and observe the hemorrhoids directly. Second degree hemorrhoids protrude out of the anus when you strain during bowel movements, but retract back inside after the straining is stopped.
In third degree hemorrhoids, the internal hemorrhoids remain outside, even after the straining has been stopped, and must be pushed back inside either using an instrument or fingers.
In the most serious type of hemorrhoids, fourth degree, these internal hemorrhoids remain fixed on the outside and the treatment for such hemorrhoids is the surgical removal of these veins. Elastic-band ligation, which you have termed "a rubber-band technique" is useful to treat third degree hemorrhoids.
The physician will use a special instrument called a ligator and encircle the hemorrhoids snugly with an elastic band.
This stops the circulation into the hemorrhoid and, in effect, solves the problem. I must emphasize that all these procedures are used for internal hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids, which may be small and without symptoms, are generally of little concern, but the various degrees of internal hemorrhoids require appropriate treatment that corresponds with their severity.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
