Bleeding Piles (Hemorrhoids) Treatment - Blood in Stool

Diagnosis And Treatment Of Bleeding Piles

Diagnosis

An experienced proctologist can easily diagnose and treat bleeding piles. Diagnosing bleeding piles involves a medical evaluation by your proctologist. Here is an overview of the diagnostic process:

1. Medical History: Your doctor will begin by discussing your symptoms and medical history. In addition, they may ask about the frequency and severity of bleeding and any associated symptoms like pain, itching, or discomfort.
2. Physical Examination: A physical examination of the rectal area will be performed to assess the presence of external piles. For internal piles, the doctor may perform a digital rectal examination using a lubricated, gloved finger to feel for any abnormalities inside the rectum. The digital rectal exam will also help the doctor know if the piles are thrombosed. 
3. Additional Tests: Further tests may be recommended depending on the severity and causes of bleeding piles. These can include:

• • Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy: These procedures involve using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the entire colon and rectum for any other causes of bleeding or to rule out underlying medical conditions like rectal cancer.
  • Anoscopy: It involves the use of an anoscope, a short tube-like instrument, to examine the lower part of the rectum and anus.
  • Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): This test checks for occult (hidden) blood in the stool. A small sample of stool is placed in a special collection tube or on a special card and sent to a doctor or laboratory for testing.

Treatment

The treatment plan for bleeding piles depends on the severity of the symptoms. Some of the ways to treat bleeding piles include:

1. Laser Surgery-  Laser surgery is an effective and popular treatment for bleeding piles. Laser piles surgery is an outpatient procedure that operates a narrow laser beam to shrink or remove the affected tissue. The surgeon can target the specific areas affected by bleeding piles while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. In addition, this surgery can effectively seal blood vessels, resulting in reduced bleeding compared to traditional surgical methods. 
2. Stapler Surgery- Your doctor may suggest stapler surgery if your bleeding piles are larger or more severe. Stapler surgery, also known as stapled hemorrhoidectomy or stapled hemorrhoidopexy, is a surgical procedure commonly used to treat bleeding piles causing significant symptoms. During stapler surgery, the surgeon uses a circular stapling device to remove excess piles tissue and reposition the remaining tissues back into their normal position. This helps to reduce the symptoms associated with bleeding piles.

Post-Operative Care After Surgery For Bleeding Piles

After undergoing surgery for bleeding piles, following proper post-operative care instructions is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery. Some of the tips to follow after surgery include the following:

• You may experience pain and discomfort after the surgery. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help control the pain. Take the medication as instructed and inform your doctor if the pain becomes severe.
• Take a sitz bath with warm water and Epsom salt. A sitz bath can provide relief and help relieve discomfort in the affected area. In addition, it promotes relaxation and can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Wipe your anal area with moist towels rather than dry toilet paper.
• Sit on ice packs wrapped in a towel to ease discomfort and reduce swelling.
• Stay hydrated and add more high-fiber foods to your diet, like whole grains, vegetables, and fresh fruits, to help keep stools soft.
• Stay physically active to reduce the chances of constipation.
• If constipated, take an over-the-counter suppository or stool softener. However, if these don’t work, follow up with your doctor.
• Avoid straining or sitting on the toilet for long periods. This can put more pressure on piles.
• Attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing. 
• If you experience excessive pain, bleeding, or fever, or notice signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge from the surgical area, contact your doctor instantly.