CRH O'Regan System - Nonsurgical Hemorrhoidal Removal

Hemorrhoids are swelling in the rectum or anal area that may protrude through the anus on straining. They usually contain enlarged veins and are most common in people over the age of 50.

Hemorrhoids can often be felt as a swelling in the area of the anus. There may be soreness, bleeding, discharge or itching.

We don't know for sure, but hemorrhoids are often found in people who either sit or stand a lot or who have low fiber diets or poor bowel habits.

No one knows for sure. Avoid straining or extensive sitting on the toilet. A diet rich in fluids, fruits, vegetables and fiber is desirable. If symptoms develop, see your doctor without delay.

Yes. "Internal" hemorrhoids develop inside the anus. The most common symptoms are bleeding during bowel movements or protrusion through the anus upon straining. "External" hemorrhoids develop around the anus and can be very painful, especially if a blood clot develops within them. They can be felt as a firm lump or lumps around the anus.

When treated early, hemorrhoids usually disappear within a week or two. By increasing fiber and fluids in your diet, your stool will soften thereby promoting more regular bowel movements. It also helps to eliminate excessive straining and to take warm baths. Most painful external hemorrhoids will responds to rest and warm sitz baths. Within a week the pain should subside. The firm lump should completely recede within 4-6 weeks. If pain is severe, the physician may decide to make a small incision under anesthesia and remove the clot to provide immediate relief.

Internal hemorrhoids can be treated in the doctor's office by ligation. A small rubber band is placed around the tissue above the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. The hemorrhoidal tissue and band slough off a few days later and the sore that is left will heal. This method produces mild discomfort and slight bleeding.

Infrared Coagulation(IRC) is the most widely used office treatment for hemorrhoids and is preferred over other methods because it is fast, well-tolerated by patients, and virtually problem free. A small probe contacts the area above the hemorrhoid, exposing the tissue to a burst of infrared light for about one second. This coagulates the veins above the hemorrhoid causing it to shrink and recede. The patient may feel a sensation of heat very briefly, but it is generally not painful. Therefore anesthetic is usually not required.

Generally not. Most patients return to a normal lifestyle the same day. There may be slight spot bleeding a few days later. Heavy straining or lifting should be avoided and aspirin should not be taken for a few days.

Many patients have more than one hemorrhoid. Therefore, most physicians recommend two or three visits at two week intervals, treating a different portion of the hemorrhoid tissue each visit.

Millions of patients have been treated with IRC. Experience tells us that hemorrhoids treated with IRC generally do not recur. A sensible diet, moderate exercise and proper bowel habits will also help.

Optimal Nonsurgical Treatment of Hemorrhoids: A Comparative Analysis of Infrared Coagulation, Rubber Band Ligation, and Injection Sclerotherapy

Despite an abundance of nonsurgical hemorrhoid therapies, none has been consistently more efficacious. By combining data from multiple clinical trials in a meta-analysis., the present study compared the efficacy and complications of infrared coagulation, injection sclerotherapy, and rubber band ligation to determine the optimal non-operative hemorrhoid treatment.

All published clinical trials comparing the three methods were identified by computer search and review of appropriate English language journals. Five trials studying 863 patients satisfied all inclusion criteria. Results demonstrated that similar numbers of patients wee asymptomatic 12 months after treatment , regardless of initial therapy. However, significantly fewer patients undergoing rubber band ligation required additional treatment because symptoms had recurred.

Although rubber band ligation demonstrated greater long-term efficacy, it was associated with a significantly higher incidence of post treatment pain. In contrast, infrared coagulation was associated with both fewer and less severe complications. Thus, when all factors are considered, infrared coagulation may in fact be the optimal non-operative hemorrhoid treatment.

For a complete report check;
The American Journal Of Gastroenterology Vol.87.No11.1992