Hemorrhoid Treatments

Considering the pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids, it is no wonder that people seek ways to address the problem. Some treatment options for hemorrhoids are only aimed at providing temporary relief, while others intend to address the problem long term.

Temporary Hemorrhoid Relief

Various  home remedies provide temporary relief of symptoms caused by hemorrhoids. These home remedies focus on the symptoms rather than the root cause of hemorrhoids and are thus unable to deliver lasting relief.. Therefore, they are best suited as complementary options to more permanent, medical treatments.  Below are some home remedies you can try at home to soothe the itching and pain caused by hemorrhoids:

• Topical ointments: You can find some over-the-counter creams and ointments at your pharmacy that can help temporarily relieve pain and itching from hemorrhoids.
• Warm baths: Soaking the area in warm water can also be soothing and provide some relief if you have hemorrhoids. Adding Epsom salts to a sitz bath is a good way to deliver even more relief.
• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen can relieve pain temporarily. Just make sure you take the appropriate amount according to the directions or your doctor’s recommendation.
• Hot and cold compresses: Applying heat or cold can soothe the area. Only apply compresses for around 10 minutes at a time. A cold compress can also reduce swelling.

Long-term Hemorrhoid Treatments

Beyond temporary measures, long-term solutions can also address the problem more thoroughly. It is best to try non-invasive options first and save surgery as a last resort.

Some non-invasive ways of addressing hemorrhoids are:

Hemorrhoid Banding 

One of the  most effective treatment options is hemorrhoid banding, especially for internal hemorrhoids. A doctor places a rubber band around the swollen tissue, which cuts off blood flow to the pile. This method causes the tissue to die and detach from the body, leaving behind scar tissue which redirects blood flow and helps prevent future prolapse. 

The  CRH O’Regan System for hemorrhoid banding makes this procedure more comfortable by holding the affected hemorrhoid in place with gentle manual suction, eliminating the need for forceps. The CRH O’Regan System is a simple, in-office treatment that is painless and takes approximately one minute to perform. As such, it requires no sedation, bowel preparation, fasting or recovery.  In addition, this treatment is covered by most insurances, including Medicare. CRH O’Regan banding works for 95% of hemorrhoid patients and boasts a 99% success rate. 

Although evidence of hemorrhoid banding use extends as far back as  ancient Greece and Rome, its present form came about much more recently. In those early days of rubber band ligation, doctors used metal forceps to clamp the hemorrhoid at the affected vein. Understandably, this banding method caused discomfort and patients had to take up to three recovery days.

Another form of hemorrhoid banding is endoscopic banding. This method involves sedation and an endoscope, or a thin, flexible tube. Doctors insert the forceps and rubber bands through this tube. This method decreased the invasiveness of conventional rubber band ligation. However, some drawbacks of endoscopic banding include sedation, bowel preparation and fasting.

Learn More About CRH Hemorrhoid Banding

Hemorrhoid Sclerotherapy 

As with varicose veins, sclerotherapy can also treat piles, though it’s typically best for Grade I or II hemorrhoids only. A doctor injects a chemical solution that damages the vein, causing it to shrink. Typically, a person will need to undergo a series of sclerotherapy treatments to get the desired results.

Infrared Coagulation for Hemorrhoids

Infrared coagulation (IRC) is another minimally invasive option. It works best for small internal hemorrhoids. This procedure involves exposing hemorrhoids to a laser or infrared light, which causes scar tissue to form. This scar tissue cuts off blood flow, causing the hemorrhoid to die, preventing swelling in that area.

Hemorrhoid Surgery

Hemorrhoid surgery is generally reserved for severe Grade IV internal and external hemorrhoids. Grade IV hemorrhoids prolapse, or extend past the anal opening, but do not respond to manual attempts to retract them inside the rectum. Although rubber band ligation can treat many Grade IV hemorrhoids, severe cases need surgery. Surgical options to remove hemorrhoids account for  approximately 10% of hemorrhoid cases.