Hemorrhoid Information Center » The Modern Treatment of Hemorrhoids

Infrared Coagulation Hemorrhoid Treatment

David Gilbert — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:32:15 +0000

Infrared Coagulation is a non-surgical procedure used to treat internal hemorrhoids. Infrared Coagulation is known as a fixative treatment, and is similar to other fixative treatments such as Rubber Band Ligation and Sclerotherapy, in that its objective is it reduce hemorrhoidal symptoms by eliminating hemorrhoids through obstruction of blood-flow to the infected region. Individuals can suffer from a variety of hemorrhoids, each case presenting its own symptoms and necessitating different courses of treatment. It is necessary to educate yourself and consult with your physician to decide on the proper intervention that will address your specific needs. This article will provide for you basic information specifically about Infrared Coagulation.

Infrared Coagulation is one of the most commonly prescribed procedures used to treat certain smaller, internal hemorrhoids. Like its sister fixative procedures, Infrared Coagulation is non-surgical and can be performed on a same-day basis in a doctor’s office. Because the side-effects, risks, and recovery time are so reduced, and because it boasts such a high success rate, it is favored amongst both doctors and patients.

Infrared Coagulation consists of inserting a small instrument into the anus that acts as a probe. Upon contact with the hemorrhoid, the probe emits a burst of infrared light directly onto the infected tissue for approximately 1 to 1.5 seconds. Exposing the hemorrhoid to the infrared light causes the hemorrhoidal vein to coagulate, or scar, which reduces blood flow to the hemorrhoid, eventually causing it shrivel, harden, and fall off. The scarring also acts as a prophylactic between the hemorrhoid and the anus and protects against further re-inflammation.

Infrared Coagulation does not cause discomfort, and unlike other fixative treatments such as Rubber Band Ligation or Sclerotherapy, does not typically require the use of anesthetics. Frequently, what the patient does experience during Infrared Coagulation is a momentary sensation of heat, which though frequently uncomfortable is rarely reported to actually be painful. The recovery time is relatively short, and typically patients can return to their regular activities the same day. As with most procedures performed to the rectal area, activities that require heavy lifting or straining should be avoided. Typically the procedure must be repeated approximately every 12 to 14 days, and only one hemorrhoid at a time may be treated per session.

Infrared Coagulation has an excellent success rate for small to medium internal hemorrhoids, and it is reported that with proper changes to diet, exercise, and bowel habits, symptoms do not return. It is not uncommon to experience slight bleeding from the anus for about 7 to 10 days, after which time the hemorrhoid falls off. Patients are often advised to use mild or over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol to reduce discomfort; consult with your physician before using NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or aspirin prior to, or just after, undergoing Infrared Coagulation, because of the risk of excessive bleeding clotting that can arise as a secondary complication, depending on your personal medical history. It is also common for doctors to prescribe stool softeners after Infrared Coagulation, to assist with easier bowel movement and thus ensure straining does not occur.

Infrared Coagulation’s success depends on both your doctor’s knowledge and skill, in addition to the necessary changes to your lifestyle that you are willing to make. Although Infrared Coagulation can be costly, it less costly than surgical procedures and less costly still than the certain consequences you will experience letting your hemorrhoidal condition go untreated. Whatever course of action you decide upon be sure to properly arm yourself with all of the information at your disposal, to ensure the correct intervention for yourself is in fact Infrared Coagulation.

written by David Gilbert

Hemorrhoid Surgery – Less Invasive Procedures

Joy Seeman — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:00:54 +0000

Many medical techniques have been developed in recent years to alleviate the pain and suffering of patients with hemorrhoids. These methods are a vast improvement over the traditional hemorrhoidectomy surgery which required hospitalization and a lengthy recuperation period. Although the success rate is not as high with these treatments, they have many advantages over invasive surgeries. They are less expensive and have a quick recovery period for the patient. They can be done in the doctor’s office or on an outpatient basis; often patients can return to work the next day. Results of the minimally invasive procedures have been excellent for some patients to unsuccessful in others. Usually, only patients with severe hemorrhoids which have not responded to any other treatments submit to these procedures.

There are three main minimally invasive procedures performed:

· Coagulation is a technique where lasers or infrared lights are used on the hemorrhoid. The method causes the internal hemorrhoid to harden and dry-up. It has few side effects, but the hemorrhoids often return.

· Rubber band ligation has a better success rate than coagulation. In this method, the doctor ties off the hemorrhoid at the base with one or two rubber bands. Without a blood supply, the hemorrhoid falls off in a few days. The patient may experience discomfort and bleeding after the procedure, but complications are rare.

· Sclerotherapy is a hemorrhoid treatment where a chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid causing it to shrink. It is a painless technique, although it seems to be less successful than rubber band ligation and is usually only used on smaller hemorrhoids.

If your hemorrhoids have progressed to the point where they have curtailed your lifestyle, these are good options to consider. Consult your doctor is see if you are a candidate for these procedures. You may want to research doctors who specialize in these treatments since they would have the experience and expertise to give you the best care.

written by Joy Seeman

Treating Hemorrhoids with Squat Toilets

top admin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:33:37 +0000

Treating Hemorrhoids with a Squat Toilet my seem a little, well, left of center. However, truth be told, it’s anything but. It’s a known fact that our “western” style toilet puts an unnecessary strain on the body while in the process of a bowel movement.The impact of the western toilet or porcelain throne, which was invented about 150 years ago, forced unsuspecting users to change from squatting to sitting on a toilet. This change has led to great distress, pain and suffering in some individuals. Two-thirds of the planet still uses the squat position, and for the most part, these people do not suffer with hemorrhoids as our “Western” culture does. Studies have shown that squatting, not the sitting posture, is the much more natural position to empty the bowels. This is the position in which the colon and body were designed to work. In the sitting position, it is physically impossible to evacuate waste matter completely. People who sit on toilets very often have a sensation that there is more to come, but it won’t come out without straining. The squatting position permits the straightening of the anorectal angle, which allows the anus to open freely for the smooth movement of the feces, and, thereby, it exerts the least amount of pressure to avoid straining.

In my estimation, squatting is another preventative to help cure hemorrhoids because it prevents continual aggravation and injury due to straining in the sitting position. When this problem is removed, natural healing will happen. However, we do not sell the squat platforms, but if you are interested, let us know by e-mail, and we will put you in touch with the company that does make them. You can also type Squat Toilets in Google and research the different manufactures that make them.

Holistic Hemorrhoid Treatment

Joy Seeman — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:12:45 +0000

If you suffer from hemorrhoids, you want an immediate relief to your itching, pain, and bleeding. Often relief comes from a popular salve containing chemicals that when applied does soothe the area. Yet, the hemorrhoids remain, only to return again as soon as you stop using the salve. The symptoms may have been subdued temporarily, but the underlying causes are still there. What you need is a holistic approach to eliminating hemorrhoids by finding and treating all the fundamental causes.

Of course, you do need immediate relief from the itching, burning and pain. If you look to nature to find a healing herb, you will find that one of best herbs is the comfrey plant which contains allantoin. Allantoin is an amazing ingredient that speeds the production of new cells to replace the damaged ones. So the comfrey herb relieves pain and inflammation of burns, eczemas, and other skin irritations, including the burning and itching of hemorrhoids. If it is used in an ointment with all other natural ingredients, the comfrey herb is very effective at reducing the inflammation and pain of hemorrhoids.

With the soothing effect of the ointment, you may think your hemorrhoids are cured, but they are still there waiting to flare-up again. Now, you need to work on changes to your diet. Eating more fiber and drinking six to eight glasses of water daily will help regulate your digestive system and avoid constipation, a primary cause of hemorrhoids. Adding beneficial herbal supplements to aid your digestion and shrink the hemorrhoids internally is another line of defense. A helpful herb is butcher’s broom that has been used for centuries to improve circulation, to tighten the circulatory system’s veins and to strengthen capillary walls. It is particularly helpful in shrinking hemorrhoids internally. Other helpful herbs for the digestive system are stone root, marshmallow root, slippery elm bark, red root and peppermint. A final step is cleansing the anal canal with water from a rectal bulb which will remove the impurities and toxins which irritate the hemorrhoids. Read the article on herbal hemorrhoid treatment for more info on natural healing solutions.

written by Joy Seeman,