Anal hemorrhoids: Symptoms and diagnosis with Dr. Ahmed Abdel Salam

Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Hemorrhoids are not a pleasant condition; they are painful, and discussing them with a doctor can be embarrassing. Hemorrhoids are a common problem, especially for those over 30, and can affect both men and women.

Hemorrhoids are blood-filled lumps naturally present in the anus. They can be classified according to their location:

External hemorrhoids: located outside the anus.
Internal hemorrhoids: located inside the anus.

As mentioned, hemorrhoids typically appear in people aged 30 and older, and their prevalence is higher in individuals who suffer from chronic constipation.

The main causes of hemorrhoids vary and include:

Prolonged time on the toilet
Stretching excessively during bowel movements
Genetics
Aging
Chronic constipation
Symptoms of hemorrhoids
The symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

When straining excessively during bowel movements, the hemorrhoids fill with blood and, over time, lose their attachment to the anal canal wall. As a result, bleeding and prolapse can occur during defecation, which are the primary complications of internal hemorrhoids.

Intense itching and irritation in the area of ​​the hemorrhoids
Discomfort
Swelling around the anus
Occasional leakage
Hemorrhoids and pregnancy
Hemorrhoid symptoms often appear during the last months of pregnancy. This is caused by the pressure of the uterus on the blood vessels in the pelvic area, which makes it difficult for blood to flow in the veins.

Additionally, the sharp hormonal changes during pregnancy and the increased likelihood of constipation all contribute to the increased risk of developing hemorrhoids during pregnancy. It is estimated that around 15% of pregnant women suffer from hemorrhoids, particularly during the third trimester.

The good news is that treatment with conventional creams usually helps, and in most cases, the condition resolves shortly after delivery.

Hemorrhoid Examination

How much time do we spend on the toilet, and how does this affect the development of hemorrhoids? Most patients with anal problems attribute their complaint to hemorrhoids.

However, in some cases, an examination may reveal another underlying issue causing the complaint, such as anal itching, an anal fissure (a crack in the wall of the anal canal, manifested by pain and burning during and after bowel movements), a fistula (an abnormal connection between the anal canal and the skin around the anus), or a problem with bowel control.

Despite the discomfort of the examination, it is recommended that you undergo an examination if you experience any symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid Treatment
In most cases, conservative treatment is the initial approach. This includes:

Recommendations for improving diet and bowel habits
Using creams, suppositories, or foams designed to relieve discomfort, pain, and local irritation.

In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, a variety of clinical treatments can be used, such as:

Rubber banding
Infrared or laser ablation
Coagulation.

These treatments are relatively simple, performed in the clinic, and painless. More precise hemorrhoid banding can be performed under anesthesia.
Surgical Treatments
In severe/advanced cases, surgical intervention may sometimes be necessary. Previously, hemorrhoidectomy was a routine procedure, but the recovery period was relatively long and painful.

Today, hemorrhoidectomy/symptom treatment is performed using new and advanced technologies, such as lasers, which are among the best methods and reduce both the procedure time and the recovery period.

An advanced surgical procedure like PPH hemorrhoidectomy uses clips (staplers). These clips "pull" the hemorrhoids upwards, fixing them in their natural position. This procedure is performed in an anatomical area lacking sensory nerves, resulting in less pain and a shorter recovery period.

In complex cases, hemorrhoidectomy can be performed using smart energy devices, which also minimize local damage and significantly shorten the recovery period.

The decision regarding the appropriate procedure is made by the treating physician based on each patient's individual circumstances.

Due to a lack of awareness about advancements in this field, people are hesitant to undergo surgical solutions, even when they are necessary. Consequently, some postpone surgery until a later stage, causing them to suffer for years and potentially leading to a worsening of their condition that may require more complex intervention.

Preventing Hemorrhoids
Here are the most important ways to help treat hemorrhoids:

Prevent constipation and hard stools: This can be achieved by changing bowel habits.

Diet: This refers to a diet rich in fiber, along with plenty of fluids.

Maintaining hygiene:

Avoiding prolonged sitting: Sitting on the toilet helps prevent hemorrhoids and alleviate their symptoms.

Laser Anal Surgery

Anal diseases such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and fistulas are among the most bothersome conditions because they are linked to a vital process: defecation.

With the use of lasers, treating anal diseases has become much easier, taking only minutes and requiring a much shorter recovery period than traditional surgery.

#LaserHemorrhoids

#LaserFissures

#LaserFistulas

Dr. Ahmed Abdel Salam Abdel Qader Ibrahim
Consultant General Surgeon, Oncologist, Endocrinologist, and Endoscopist
Laser Anal Surgery

Dr. Ahmed Abdel Salam Abdel Qader
Colonel Dr. – Consultant General Surgeon, Endoscopist, and Oncologist, Armed Forces
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons – Glasgow, England ????????
PhD in General Surgery – Kasr El Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
Master's in General Surgery – Ain Shams University

Clinic Branches
Nasr City
Hasabo International Hospital Clinic, 6 Ahmed Fakhry Street, Nasr City, Cairo
Siyam Hospital Clinic, 46 El-Fariq Ali Amer Street, off of [unspecified street name]