Severe Hemorrhoids - 3 Doctor Approved Surgical Solutions For Severe Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are as common as kittens in May. Millions of people are afflicted with them each year. In most instances hemorrhoids (also called piles) can be treated at home with good success. For the remaining 10 to 20 percent of sufferers who have severe hemorrhoids, more strenuous interventions might be needed.

The severity of hemorrhoids is graded by the degree of prolapse. Prolapsed hemorrhoids begin internally but become so distended that they push themselves out of the rectum. If the sphincter muscle then spasms it can trap the prolapsed hemorrhoid outside of the rectum, cutting off its blood supply. When this happens the hemorrhoid is said to be "strangulated."

The four grades of hemorrhoids are:
(1) no prolapse at all,
(2) prolapse after a bowel movement, but spontaneously retract,
(3) prolapse after a bowel movement but must be manually retracted, and
(4) hemorrhoids that are prolapsed and strangulated.

In grades 3 and 4, piles will sometimes require specialized treatment. Most of these treatments can be performed on an outpatient basis. The most common specialized treatments for severe hemorrhoids are: ligation, hemorrhoid stapling, and hemorrhoidectomy.

Often called the rubber band treatment, ligation works best with grade 3 hemorrhoids, those that prolapse with a bowel movement and must be manually retracted. In this procedure a rubber band is placed around the pile to cut off the blood supply to it. The hemorrhoid and rubber band fall off within a day or two, and full cessation of pain and discomfort occurs within two weeks.

hemorrhoid stapling treats the hemorrhoid internally. A physician uses a special tool to staple and excise the pile, which in turn, causes it to shrink. Overall, this is a more painful procedure to get rid of severe hemorrhoids than ligation, but less painful the hemorrhoidectomy.

Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the hemorrhoid entirely. It can be done with standard operating procedures using a scalpel and sutures or it can be performed with a laser. Hemorrhoidectomies are usually reserved for the most severe hemorrhoids or in cases of frequent hemorrhoid reoccurrences.

Sufferers who experience severe or recurrent hemorrhoids should consult with their physician to discuss which specialized treatment best meets their need.