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Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids or piles refer to the veins at the top of our anal canal. We all have them and are thus normal part of our anatomy. Haemorrhoids act as a cushion in the anal canal and help with continence, for example it allows us to pass flatus (fart) without leaking liquid or solid stools. 

 

They become a problem when it drops down the anal canal and starts to bother us. The most common symptoms are bleeding, sensation of lump that may or may not come and go, discomfort and itch.

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If you see blood on your toilet paper or in the pan, regardless of what you think it might be, it is important to see a doctor because bleeding from the bowel can be caused by other conditions t00 (some more serious), including bowel cancer.

Types of haemorrhoids

 

Haemorrhoids can be internal or external. Prolapsing internal haemorrhoids are the blood vessels that has dropped down the anal canal and the symptoms includes painless bleeding (usually on toilet paper or sprays around the toilet pan), lumps, discomfort and itch. Factors that can contribute to prolapsing internal haemorrhoids include:

 

  • Chronic constipation or diarrhea

  • Spending too much time in the toilet

  • Straining during bowel motion

  • Pregnancy

  • Ageing


How bad your symptoms are usually relate to how far the haemorrhoids have moved downwards. Minimal displacement may result in bleeding only, but if the haemorrhoid prolapses out it can be felt as a lump that maybe reducible initially but eventually may stick out all the time. What happens then is that the mucous produced by the inner lining of the anal canal is also displaced outside and that can result in a perianal itch.
 

External haemorrhoids are blood vessels outside the anal canal, and may cause sudden painful lump known as thrombosis of external haemorrhoids. This is due to blood clotting. and usually leaves a skin tag behind after the clot dissolves.

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Treatment

Conservative measures and prevention of symptomatic internal haemorrhoids:

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  • High fibre and adequate water intake to ensure stool consistency is like toothpaste 

  • Short toileting time; the first bowel opening has the highest volume. After that, wait another minute or so, if there is no passage of stool, time to get up and get going. It is normal to still have the urge after the first opening

  • Good anal hygiene; after each toileting, use wet wipe or wash with warm water to minimise trauma to the anus

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Surgical Treatment

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Type of surgery would depend on how large the prolapsing internal haemorrhoids and associated skin tags. Dr Joe Kong would have a consultation with you about the best treatment option which may include; rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, HAL-RAR or haemorrhoidectomy. 

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Contact Us

Call Dr Joe Kong or the room's directly if a patient needs to be seen urgently or if there is any query on any colorectal conditions that you may need advice on.

Colorectal Consulting Group (CCG)

Specialist in Colorectal Surgery 

Cabrini Hospital - Malvern

Suite 27, Cabrini Medical Centre,

Isabella Street,

Malvern 3144

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Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm - Monday to Friday

Dr Joseph Kong is currently consulting at

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (public)

Alfred Health (public)

Cabrini Hospital - Malvern (private)

Cabrini Hospital - Brighton (private)

Cabrini Specialist Centre - Hawthorn East (private)

The Avenue Hospital (private)

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Dr Joseph Kong has operating list at

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (public)

Alfred Health (public)

Cabrini Hospital - Malvern (private)

Cabrini Hospital - Brighton (private)

The Avenue Hospital (private)

Phone: 03 9500 2795

After hours: 03 9387 1000

Fax: 03 9576 0318

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