Do Hemorrhoids Require Surgery?

Are you delaying a visit to your doctor out of fear of being recommended surgery for your hemorrhoids?

You may be living with uncomfortable symptoms unnecessarily. The good news is that most cases can be managed with a quick, outpatient procedure called banding, which doesn’t involve incisions or a long recovery. In banding, one of our providers wraps a small band around the hemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply. This may sound uncomfortable, but it's virtually painless because there are no pain-sensing nerves in the area. Afterward, you can return to normal activities immediately, and the hemorrhoid will naturally fall off in a few days.

If you’re still unsure about your condition, read on as our Carolina Digestive Health Associates experts explain the different types of hemorrhoids and the most effective treatments available.

What are hemorrhoids, and what causes them?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that can develop inside the rectum or under the skin around the anus. These veins become swollen due to increased pressure in the area. Straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting, carrying excess weight around the waist, and pregnancy can raise your risk. About 1 in 20 Americans have them, and while they can be uncomfortable, they aren’t a serious threat to your health and are easy to manage.

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids form inside the rectum and are often painless. You might not even realize you have them until they bleed. They can cause itching or irritation in the rectal area, but many people only notice blood in the stool or toilet paper.

Internal hemorrhoids are most commonly treated with banding, a procedure we commonly perform in our office. By far, they are the most common kind, affecting nearly 50% of adults over 50. Although painless, when they bulge, they can cause irritation and discomfort.

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus. They can be more painful than internal ones. External hemorrhoids can cause itching, swelling, and sometimes bleeding as they are constantly rubbing against fabrics. You may even feel them when you sit down or during certain activities due to the friction. These types of hemorrhoids are less common.

Treatment for external hemorrhoids can range from topical creams to surgical removal for more severe cases. Banding is not typically used for external hemorrhoids but may be considered for those located close to the border of the anus.

When surgery is recommended for hemorrhoids

Surgical intervention is only recommended for severe cases of hemorrhoids that don’t respond to conservative treatments. The surgical removal of hemorrhoids may be necessary for substantial internal hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids that are prolapsed, and painful hemorrhoids with blood clots.

The recovery time for hemorrhoid surgery can vary but typically takes about 2-3 weeks. Most patients experience significant improvement after surgery, but there can be some initial discomfort and restrictions on intense activities such as running and lifting weights.

Eliminate your hemorrhoids with a minimally invasive treatment

Most hemorrhoids can be treated with banding, a simple, painless procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis with no downtime. After the treatment, you may experience some minor discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the rectal area, but this usually subsides quickly.

If you experience discomfort, there’s no reason to continue suffering. Hemorrhoid banding is done on an outpatient basis and can significantly improve your quality of life.

Contact us to schedule an appointment at our Belmont or Charlotte locations in North Carolina to find out how you can get relief from your hemorrhoids without invasive surgery.