Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the lower part of your rectum and anus. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside your rectum, while external hemorrhoids develop under the skin around your anus. Symptoms of hemorrhoids may include pain, itching, swelling, and bleeding during bowel movements. Sanjay Jain, MD, offers various treatments for internal hemorrhoids including band ligation and infrared coagulation, which are painless office procedures. Call the office in Louisville, Kentucky, or schedule an appointment online today for help with hemorrhoids.

How do you treat hemorrhoids?

At Southend Gastroenterology Associates, treatment options for hemorrhoids may include:

• Lifestyle changes such as increased fiber intake
• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding prolonged sitting
• Over-the-counter creams and ointments
• Sitz baths

Other medical treatments may also be recommended depending on the severity of the condition. Patients that don’t respond to the above and have persistent symptoms like pain, itching and bleeding, may require further treatment like band ligation, infrared coagulation, or even surgery in some cases. 

What is hemorrhoid banding?

Hemorrhoid banding is a procedure, also known as rubber band ligation, is an effective procedure that Dr. Jain performs to treat internal hemorrhoids. During this procedure, Dr. Jain uses a viewing instrument that is inserted into your anus. He then secures the hemorrhoid with an instrument before placing the rubber band around its base. The rubber band cuts off its blood supply. The hemorrhoid eventually dries out and falls off within a week. 

In place of the hemorrhoid, a scar will form and secure nearby veins so they don’t bulge into your anal canal.

You’ll have rubber band ligation in Dr. Jain’s office without anesthesia. Following the procedure, you’ll be able to drive home. You might experience slight discomfort or have a sensation of fullness in your lower abdomen. Or, you might feel the need to make a bowel movement. 

Dr. Jain has performed this procedure on several hundred patients successfully. Reach out to the Southend Gastroenterology Associates office for a consultation. 

What is infrared coagulation for hemorrhoids?

Infrared coagulation is an internal hemorrhoid treatment that uses infrared light to heat and cut off the blood supply to hemorrhoids. The process causes vessel coagulation, and eventually, hemorrhoids reduce in size or shrink. 

Coagulation therapy is a safe, effective, and quick procedure. Most patients can return to regular activities the same day. It doesn’t require anesthesia and patients can drive home themselves. However, possible side effects may include bleeding, infection, pain, swelling, or difficulty urinating.  

Dr. Jain is an expert in hemorrhoid procedures. If you need treatment for internal or external hemorrhoids, call Southend Gastroenterology Associates or schedule an appointment online today.