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Tips For Choosing The Haemorrhoidal Treatment For You
23 Aug 2023

Haemorrhoids refer to the pockets of enlarged blood vessels found inside or around the anus and rectum. In most cases, they are asymptomatic, which causes many not to realise they are present. They are generally common among adults, and when symptoms do occur, they can be painful and uncomfortable.
While most haemorrhoid symptoms may go off without needing any treatment, simple treatments such as lifestyle changes and prescribed medication can often manage the condition effectively. However, in cases where the condition does not respond well to home remedies, haemorrhoid banding, also known as rubber band ligation, may be required.
Haemorrhoid banding is a minimally invasive technique that uses rubber bands to tie off the base of the haemorrhoid, cutting off the blood supply to the haemorrhoid, resulting in it withering and dropping off.
Why is it conducted?
Haemorrhoids are usually first treated using home remedies, such as daily sitz baths, cold compresses, and adopting a high-fibre diet. When those remedies do not work, your doctor might prescribe medications, such as topical creams containing witch hazel or hydrocortisone.
If the haemorrhoids still do not respond to simple medications, they can become painful and itchy and, in some cases, cause bleeding. This is when haemorrhoidal banding is required. However, not everybody can go through haemorrhoidal banding. If your family has a history of colon cancer, the doctor might conduct a thorough examination of your colon before recommending haemorrhoidal banding. This is why regular gastroenterology visits are so vital.
Types of haemorrhoidal treatment
1. Endoscopic rubber band ligation
Rubber band ligation is the most commonly used and effective method to treat internal haemorrhoids. To remove the haemorrhoid using this method, the gastroenterologist inserts a ligator through a transparent tube into the anus, clamping onto the haemorrhoid. The ligator’s cylinder is then retracted upwards into the endoscopic tube, releasing the rubber bands around the base of the haemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply. Typically, over a week, the haemorrhoid will wither and fall off.
2. HET™ Bipolar System – Hemorrhoid Treatment
HET™ bipolar system uses energy to treat grades I and II hemorrhoids in a non-surgical procedure. The treatment targets the area above the dentate line and its low treatment temperature minimizes collateral tissue damage. Hemorrhoid Energy Therapy, using the HET™ bipolar system, can be completed quickly with minimal pain to the patient. To find out more, speak to one of our gastroenterologists today.
Choosing the best haemorrhoidal treatment
Here are five factors that affect which procedure works best for your haemorrhoids.
a) Severity of haemorrhoids
Rubber band ligation or HET™ Bipolar System – Hemorrhoid Treatment is mostly recommended for internal haemorrhoids that have not prolapsed severely. If your haemorrhoids are prolapsed, or larger, surgical treatment might be the better treatment option.
b) Doctor’s recommendation
Consulting a gastroenterologist is vital to determine the best-fitted treatment for your haemorrhoid condition. They specialise in diagnosing and treating a variety of gastrointestinal conditions, such as haemorrhoids and IBS symptoms.
c) Convenience and recovery time
Consider your daily commitments and lifestyle when deciding on the treatment. Rubber band ligation allows for quick recovery, allowing you to resume your usual lifestyle as soon as a week. While endoscopic band ligation provides a similar recovery rate, you might experience varying side effects of the needed anaesthesia.
d) Insurance coverage and cost
Check if your medical insurance covers the procedure.
e) Long-term effectiveness
Both rubber band ligation and HET™ Bipolar System – Hemorrhoid Treatment offer similar medium-term effectiveness in treating haemorrhoids.
Conclusion
In order to prevent the development of haemorrhoids in the future, it is vital that you consume lots of fibre, which means food such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Drink lots of water, exercise regularly, and ensure that you clear your bowel daily.
Here at GUTCARE, as a digestive care specialist, we treat many gastrointestinal conditions, from pancreas cancer symptoms to gout symptoms. Do not hesitate to consult our doctors should you experience any symptoms, whether mild or severe.
Reference links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/hemorrhoid-banding
https://www.insitedigestive.com/2023/06/23/how-to-choose-the-right-hemorrhoidal-banding-treatment/
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