The Basics of Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids are the most common anal disease.
Haemorrhoids are areas in the anal canal where tissue containing blood vessels has become stretched or swollen. This can occur due to increased pressure in the veins of the anus, as a result of childbirth, chronic constipation, obesity, diarrhoea, heavy lifting, family history or for no obvious reason at all.
Haemorrhoids are present in healthy individuals. When the normal vascular cushions within the anus cause symptoms, they are referred to as haemorrhoids. Haemorrhoids generally cause symptoms when they become enlarged, inflamed, thrombosed, or prolapsed. Symptomatic haemorrhoids are very common and one in two people in the UK will deal with them at some point in their lives.
So let’s talk about the symptoms:
- Pain, bleeding, itching and anal discomfort are the most common symptoms.
- Blood on the toilet paper after you have been on the toilet.
- A lumpy feeling inside your back passage or protruding from your bottom.
If you experience any of these symptoms suggested to contact your GP or our clinic.
Thorough investigations are required to establish the proper diagnosis and rule out other conditions, including anal fissures, fistulas, polyps or rectal cancer.
In our private surgery we aim to provide prompt and accurate diagnosis and ideally same day treatment of this condition. Previously, surgery for haemorrhoids was regarded as a particularly painful procedure. However, advances in the management of haemorrhoids now allows for effective outpatient treatment, with minimal pain and discomfort.
On the next page you can find a lot of information about haemorrhoids, as well as the available treatment options.
