Quah Hak Mien Colorectal Centre Dr Quah Hak Mien colorectal surgeon Quah Hak Mien Colorectal Centre Knowing More about Haemorrhoid and its Treatments Available in Singapore Please Note: Hemorrhoids (US English) or haemorrhoids UK; we are following the UK way of spelling this disease.

Haemorrhoid Haemorrhoid is a painful and inflammatory disease. This disease is popularly known as piles. In case of haemorrhoid, blood vessels of the anus and lower rectum swell and abnormally engorge. These blood vessels may rupture and cause bleeding or they may sometimes slip out of place during defecation. Haemorrhoids cause discomfort and itchiness leading to severe embarrassment in daily life.

There are two types of haemorrhoids: 1. Internal Haemorrhoids: This type of haemorrhoids develops within the rectum and may cause painless, bright red rectal bleeding during bowel movement. The color of the stool remains unchanged; however, blood covers the stool. Discharge of mucus and perianal mass through the anus and itchiness takes place in the condition of internal haemorrhoids. Internal haemorrhoids are painful if they become thrombosed (clot of blood) or necrotic. 2. External Haemorrhoids: This is another type of haemorrhoids that develop around the anus and appear as bulges near the anus, but usually they may cause few symptoms typical of internal haemorrhoids. External haemorrhoids can cause a very painful anal lump when blood clots inside them which are medically known as thrombosis.

Haemorrhoids

Causes The exact cause of haemorrhoids is still unknown. There are number of factors which may cause haemorrhoids such as: irregular bowel habits, lack of exercise, nutritional factors (low fibre diets), increased intra-abdominal pressure, genetics and aging. Obesity, prolonged sitting, and chronic cough, increase the risk of haemorrhoids. However, for women the risk of piles increases during pregnancy, where the growing fetus and labour exertion causes pressure on these blood vessels.

Symptoms Some signs and symptoms of haemorrhoids are that- Bleeding may take place during defecation or other than defecation. Despite defecation a sensation of incomplete emptying of stomach can be present all the time. The calibre or character of stools may change in haemorrhoids. There can be changes in bowel habits. At the anus an obvious hard mass may develop causing disturbances. There may be loss of appetite and weight.

Treatment Haemorrhoids treatment depends on the severity and the type of symptoms a patient suffers from. Common preventive measures include eating a balanced diet and drinking adequate amount of water in order to allow regular bowel movement without straining. If the common preventive measures do not work, there are other methods. Such as: Oral medications or topical suppositories: This method can be used to treat small bleeding piles. It includes ligation; a rubber band treatment which effectively treats internal haemorrhoids that protrude with bowel movements. Ligation produces mild discomfort and may result in bleeding. Another method is injection; doctors inject a chemical solution into the haemorrhoid, causing it to shrivel and subsequently fall off. This method is relatively painless and can also be used for bleeding haemorrhoids that don't protrude out.

If ligation fails to treat internal haemorrhoids, this means that haemorrhoids are severe. To cure these severe cases other surgical techniques under general anaesthesia are used which include: Haemorrhoidectomy: This surgery is used to remove excessive tissues which cause bleeding and protrusion. This form of surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. It is effective in treating large piles that protrude from the anus during defecation. Transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation (THD): This procedure involves use of an ultrasound to locate the problematic blood vessels and stitching the piles.

CONCLUSION: HaemorrhoidsHaemorrhoids are quite painful if not cured for a long time. This is why proper precaution and treatment must be taken in order to avoid further problems. Quah Hak Mien Colorectal CentreQuah Hak Mien Colorectal Centre is a renowned clinic that offers effective treatments for colorectal diseases in Singapore. It offers treatment for wide range of illnesses including colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, perianal diseases like haemorrhoids, anal fistula, and anal fissure.

Dr Quah Hak Mien Colorectal Surgeon MBChB M.Med (Surgery) FRCSEd FAMS (General Surgery) Colorectal and General Surgery

Tel: Fax: Website: Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 8.30 am – 5 pm Sat: 8.30 am – 1 pm Closed on Sundays & on Singapore public holidays. Emergency (24 hours): Address: 6 Napier Road, #05-01 Gleneagles Medical Centre, Singapore