Piles surgery

Surgery for piles is the management of swollen veins around the anal and rectal areas, also known as hemorrhoids. Severe cases might require surgery if the condition does not respond to lifestyle changes or non-surgical treatments. Hemorrhoids may be classified into two groups: internal and external, which may present with bleeding and pain symptoms. Failed attempts of non-surgical treatment, large hemorrhoids that readily give discomfort, and complications such as substantial bleeding or blood clots may all be grounds for surgical treatment.

Causes of Piles

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, result from various factors contributing to the swelling of blood vessels in the anal and rectal area. Here are five common causes:

1. Straining During Bowel Movements: Chronic straining during bowel movements, often due to constipation or prolonged sitting on the toilet, can exert pressure on the blood vessels in the rectum, leading to the development of hemorrhoids.

2. Pregnancy and Childbirth: The increased pressure on the pelvic blood vessels during pregnancy, coupled with the strain of childbirth, can contribute to the development or exacerbation of hemorrhoids.

3. Obesity: Being overweight or obese places additional pressure on the rectal veins, increasing the risk of developing hemorrhoids. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in preventing this condition.

4. Low-Fiber Diet: Inadequate fiber intake can lead to constipation, resulting in hard and dry stools that require straining during bowel movements. This strain can contribute to the formation of hemorrhoids.

5. Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and prolonged periods of sitting or standing can impede blood flow in the rectal area, contributing to the development of hemorrhoids. Regular exercise promotes proper circulation and helps prevent this condition.

Symptoms of Piles

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, present with distinctive symptoms that can vary in severity. Here are six common signs associated with this condition:

1. Rectal Bleeding: One of the primary symptoms is bright red blood during or after a bowel movement. This bleeding occurs when swollen blood vessels rupture, leading to blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.

2. Pain and Discomfort: Hemorrhoids can cause pain and discomfort, especially during bowel movements. This may include aching, burning, or itching sensations around the anal region.

3. Anal Itching and Irritation: Piles can result in persistent itching and irritation around the anus, often exacerbated by the presence of mucus discharge from the swollen blood vessels.

4. Swelling and Lump Formation: External hemorrhoids may cause visible swelling or a lump around the anal area. This can be felt during self-examination or may become noticeable externally.

5. Protrusion during Bowel Movements: Internal hemorrhoids may prolapse or protrude outside the anal opening during bowel movements. This can cause a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

6. Painful Defecation: Individuals with piles may experience pain or discomfort while passing stools, particularly if the hemorrhoids are inflamed or if there are anal fissures present.

Types Of Pile Surgery

Many surgical procedures can treat hemorrhoids, including the following:

• Hemorrhoidectomy: Removes excess tissue causing hemorrhoids, perfect for larger or more complicated situations but entails longer recovery.

• Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: Stapling device to shrink internal hemorrhoids with less pain and quicker recovery compared with conventional surgery.

• Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (HAL): Identification of feeding arteries and tying them up to decrease blood supply to hemorrhoids.

• External Hemorrhoid Thrombectomy: The procedure relieves pain immediately after the clot is removed. 

Risk of Piles Surgery 

As with any surgery, pile surgery carries certain inherent risks and complications. It is important to be aware of these risks beforehand. Here's a summary:

• Bleeding: Anticipated after surgery. However, excessive bleeding may occur.

• Infection: There is a Risk of infection at the site of surgery.

• Anesthesia reactions: Anesthesia has very rarely caused reactions. 

• Pain and Constipation: The post-operative pain of the traditional hemorrhoidectomy can impair bowel movement. 

• Urinary retention: Swelling can make it hard to urinate.

• Anal stenosis: Scarring can cause narrowing of the anal canal.

• Fecal incontinence: Rare damage to the muscles may lead to difficulty controlling the bowel. 

• Recurrence: Hemorrhoids may recur after surgery. 

• Slow healing: The wounds may be slow to heal, with a high potential for blood clot formation.

Health issues, smoking, and obesity are among the factors that further increase the risk.

Pile Surgery Benefits

Piles surgery is beneficial to people who suffer from severe or persistent symptoms of hemorrhoids. Here are the measures of its advantages: 

1. Pain and Discomfort: Chronic pain, itching, and discomfort due to large hemorrhoids are gone after surgery, creating a better quality of life.

2. No More Bleeding: Hemorrhoids usually cause rectal bleeding. The surgery stops the bleeding, dealing with the most important symptom while preventing possible consequences such as anemia.

3. Enhanced Quality of Life: Piles surgery is capable of improving quality of life by offering relief from pain and discomfort, blood loss, and allowing the full return to normal activity.

4. Solving Complicated Cases: Surgical intervention is indicated in severe and complicated cases, that is, where conservative intervention has failed in large or prolapsed, thrombosed hemorrhoids.

5. Permanent Solution: Hemorrhoids can be permanently relieved by piles surgery so that the individuals do not have to rely on continued medical treatment.

6. Minimizes Complication Risks: Removal of hemorrhoids does not risk having complications such as strangulation or thrombosis.

7. Special Procedures: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy and Hemorrhoidal artery ligation are associated with reduced pain and speedy recovery. External hemorrhoid thrombectomy is a rapid alleviation from a painful episode.

Piles surgery, or hemorrhoidectomy, is a medical intervention performed to address severe cases of hemorrhoids that do not respond to conservative treatments. Here's an overview of the treatment procedure in five key points:

1. Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis: Before recommending surgery, a healthcare provider conducts a thorough examination, often including a digital rectal exam, to assess the severity and type of hemorrhoids. Diagnostic procedures like anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy may be used to visualize the rectum and confirm the diagnosis.

2. Anesthesia and Incision: Piles surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort. The surgeon then makes an incision in the affected area, exposing the hemorrhoidal tissue.

3. Hemorrhoid Removal: The surgeon removes the swollen and inflamed hemorrhoidal tissue. The technique may involve excision using a scalpel or the use of a stapling device to reposition and cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoids. The choice of method depends on the specific case and the surgeon's preference.

4. Closure of Incisions: After removing the hemorrhoidal tissue, the incisions are closed using stitches or left open to heal naturally, depending on the surgical approach. In some cases, the surgeon may place a dressing or pack to aid in the healing process.

5. Postoperative Care and Recovery: Following surgery, patients receive postoperative care to manage pain, prevent infection, and promote healing. Recovery times vary, but most individuals can resume normal activities within a few weeks. Maintaining a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, and adopting healthy bowel habits are essential components of postoperative care to prevent recurrence and ensure optimal recovery.