Piles Surgery

What are piles?

Piles, commonly known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. The swelling can occur internally (within the rectum) or externally (around the anal opening), and they are a common condition of the anorectal region. Piles can occur in both sexes and in every age group; however, review of the literature shows people aged 50-60 years are predisposed to piles. Mild cases can often be treated with basic home remedies, such as dietary fiber, hydration, hygiene, and piles creams. More severe cases may need more advanced treatment options such as laser piles surgery or hemorrhoidectomy, which provides lasting relief from piles and an easier, faster recovery.

Piles, also called hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum that may occur internally (inside the rectum) or externally (around the anal opening). This common anorectal condition can affect people of all ages, but studies show that individuals between 50 and 60 years are more prone to piles. Mild cases can often be managed with simple piles home remedies such as a high-fiber diet, proper hydration, good hygiene, and over-the-counter piles creams. However, in severe cases, advanced treatment like laser piles surgery or hemorrhoidectomy may be necessary for lasting relief and faster recovery.

What Are The Types and Grades Of Piles?

Piles, also called hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the rectum and anus. Understanding their type helps in choosing the right piles treatment in India or at home.

Internal Piles

Inside the rectum, on the superior border of the anal dentate line, where the internal piles develop and are not visible externally. Internal piles are graded into four grading systems:

• Grade 1:
  Mild piles that remain inside the rectum usually have little or no symptoms. Initial piles treatment may involve lifestyle changes, sitz baths, and piles treatment cream. 
• Grade 2:
  These piles may prolapse with a bowel movement but will spontaneously reduce. Treatment could involve elastic band ligation, sclerotherapy, infrared coagulation, or laser treatment for piles. 
• Grade 3:
  Prolapsed hemorrhoids that require manual repositioning. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, cause pain, itching, and bleeding, and can lead to hygiene difficulties. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be treated by non-surgical methods, laser piles treatment, and piles treatment medicines.
• Grade 4:
  Severe piles that stay prolapsed and cannot be pushed back in place may lead to complications such as blood clots or strangulation. Current advances in surgical procedures may include laser surgery for piles or stapled hemorrhoidectomy. A surgical procedure may be required.

For mild cases, you may try to implement changes that include piles treatment in Ayurveda or food for piles treatment. Seeking treatment early for bleeding piles may help prevent complications and assist recovery.

External Piles

External piles form around the anus, underneath the dentate line, and they show as lumps or bumps. They can often be painful, itchy, cause swelling, or otherwise be uncomfortable.

Piles treatment often starts with conservative measures such as sitz baths, pain medicines, or a piles treatment cream. In serious cases, where there are thrombosed piles, a doctor may suggest laser treatment for piles or a stapled hemorrhoidectomy. These specialized treatment options allow for faster recovery, less pain, and lasting relief.

For mild cases, piles treatment at home or dietary changes may help, while persistent symptoms require consulting the best hospital for piles treatment to explore safe options like piles laser surgery.

How Can Piles Be Diagnosed?

A proctologist or anorectal surgeon diagnoses piles through medical history, examination, and tests if needed.

• Medical History: The doctor will ask about symptoms like pain, itching, bleeding, or bowel changes.
• Physical Examination: External and internal piles are checked through visual inspection and gentle anal examination.
• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): A quick, simple test where the doctor uses a lubricated, gloved finger to feel for internal piles.
• Anoscopy / Proctoscopy: A lighted tube helps directly view the anal canal and rectum to assess the severity of piles.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible or rigid tube with a camera is used to examine the rectum and lower colon for bleeding piles or other issues.
• Colonoscopy: Used to rule out serious causes of rectal bleeding and confirm the right treatment for piles.

These tests help confirm urologists’ piles, rule out serious issues, and suggest the best treatment for piles, from simple home remedies to advanced laser treatment for piles. Early diagnosis means faster relief and better recovery.

What is the Difference Between Open Surgery, Laser Surgery, & Stapler Surgery for Piles?

When it comes to piles treatment, doctors may suggest open surgery, laser surgery, or stapler surgery depending on the severity of the condition. Each procedure has its own way of working, recovery time, and cost. Here’s an easy comparison:

What are the benefits of Piles Laser Surgery?

Laser piles surgery is a quick and effective treatment for piles with several advantages:

• Rapid Process: Typically takes about 30 minutes; most patients can go home on the same day.
• Low Pain & Blood Loss: Laser cauterizes vessels immediately, so it is nearly painless and almost no bleeding.
• Fast Recovery: Most patients completely recover within 7–10 days.
• Low Recurrence: Very low chance of piles returning.

Safety & effectiveness: Risk of complications like infection and significant bleeding is very low.

How to Prepare for Piles Surgery?

Before undergoing piles treatment or laser piles surgery, follow these key steps:

• Fasting: Avoid food or drink 8 – 12 hours before surgery to reduce anesthesia risks.
• Medications: Inform your doctor about blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin); you may need to stop temporarily.
• Bowel Prep: Take recommended laxatives or enemas to keep the rectal area clean.
• Hygiene: Shower before hospital, keep the anal area clean; avoid creams, perfumes, or shaving.
• Clothing & Belongings: Wear loose, comfortable clothes; leave jewellery and valuables at home.
• Avoid Smoking & Alcohol: Stop for 3–4 days prior, as they may affect healing.
• Transport: Arrange for someone to drive you home post-surgery due to anesthesia effects.

What Happens During Laser Piles Treatment?

Diagnosis

External piles are typically diagnosed through simple visual inspection. Internal piles may be diagnosed by a proctologist during a digital rectal examination (DRE), and using an anoscope, proctoscope, or sigmoidoscope to examine the rectum and confirm diagnosis.

Laser Surgical Treatment

Laser piles surgery is a highly effective piles treatment. In this procedure, a precise laser beam is used to target the hemorrhoid to shrink or eliminate it without damaging surrounding tissues. This minimally invasive laser treatment for piles provides an advanced method that causes less pain, very little bleeding, and significantly faster recovery.

Recovery After Piles Surgery: What to Expect & How to Heal

If you are preparing for a piles operation or have recently undergone one, it is important to understand the recovery process to heal properly and prevent recurrence.

Recovery Timeline & What to Expect

Diet & Lifestyle After Piles Surgery:

• Include high-fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits (such as apples or papayas), vegetables (such as spinach or carrots), or pulses in your diet. 
• Drink plenty of water (8-10 glasses daily) to keep stool soft. 
• Avoid oily, spicy, fried foods, alcohol, and caffeine. 
• Eat small, frequent meals to facilitate easier digestion. 
• Never strain during bowel movements.  Go to the bathroom when you feel the need. 
• Finally, wear loose and breathable clothing to avoid skin irritation.

Medications After Surgery:

• Pain relief for discomfort. 
• Antibiotics for infection prevention. 
• Stool softeners or mild laxatives. 
• Topical ointments for reducing irritation and optimizing healing. 

What To Do After Piles Surgery?

After surgery, the anal region will be very sensitive. During the first few weeks, it is advisable to relax as much as possible. Also, it’s crucial to follow post-operative care instructions from your healthcare provider. Here are some general tips that may help during the recovery period:

• Keep the area clean & dry: Use warm sitz baths or gentle wipes to help with pain, itching, and irritation. 
• Avoid straining: Avoid lifting heavy objects or any straining activity for 2–3 weeks. Walking is good.  
• Use your medicine: Follow your doctor’s advice to use any pain pills, antibiotics, or stool softeners so you do not strain and cause yourself constipation.
• Cold compresses: They help reduce swelling of the body and discomfort. If using ice, remember to wrap it in a cloth first!
• Use correct sitting posture: Use a donut pillow to avoid putting pressure on the surgical site.
• Diet: Avoid spicy foods, oily foods, and junk food because they have an impact on your bowels. Help your body recover.

Following these steps ensures safe recovery and faster healing after piles surgery.