Haemorrhoids can be embarrassing to discuss, but ignoring them may affect everyday life. They can cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements, and friction when walking or sitting can also be painful. Mild cases may be treated in a clinic without an operation in a theatre.
Causes and severity Haemorrhoids involve abnormal congestion of soft tissues and veins around the anus. Symptoms include bleeding, protrusion and pain. Surgeon Dr. Tam Wai Yin explained that insufficient fibre and fluids can make stools harder to pass, leading to prolonged straining. Pregnancy and obesity increase abdominal pressure and can interfere with circulation around the anus.
Internal haemorrhoids are above the dentate line, external haemorrhoids below it, and mixed haemorrhoids involve both. Severity is also classified into grades 1–4. Doctors choose treatment according to the type and severity.
Treatment options For milder cases, rubber-band ligation places a small band around the base of a haemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, allowing it to fall away. It can be performed without anaesthesia in an outpatient or day-care setting. Grade 3 or 4 disease may require surgery.
Conventional haemorrhoidectomy removes the affected tissue directly. The wound lies around the anus outside the dentate line, so swelling, pain and a longer recovery are more likely, although long-term results can be more durable.
Stapled haemorrhoidopexy removes a ring of rectal mucosa above the haemorrhoids and lifts the prolapsing tissue back inside. This can reduce symptoms and bleeding with less postoperative pain, but recurrence may be more likely. Each approach has benefits and limitations; a detailed medical assessment should guide the choice.
This article retains the context of its original publication. It is for general information and does not replace professional medical advice.
Back to health insights