Comprehensive Hemorrhoid Treatment Center… Your Friends Won’t Recognize You Anymore!
There’s no need to suffer in silence, hemorrhoids are highly treatable and usually not serious. CARI is one of the Lehigh Valley’s preeminent providers of hemorrhoid care, using innovative and state-of-the-art treatments. Have no fear, we are experts in hemorrhoid treatment! In fact, CARI’s Dr. Indru Khubchandani has written a textbook on the treatment of hemorrhoids. There are many treatment options we have, most non-invasive, that we can discuss with you.
Written by Dr. Indru Khubchandani
The most common presenting problem to a colorectal surgeon is “Doctor, I have hemorrhoids.”, often followed by “I’ve had these hemorrhoids since my child was born 37 years ago!” Well it’s time to set the record straight, YES, you do have hemorrhoids… but so does everyone else. Hemorrhoids are a normal part of the anal anatomy and are a group of blood vessels whose purpose is to protect the area from the constant barrage of evacuation. Hemorrhoids are only a problem when they begin to cause symptoms.
Everyone has hemorrhoids on the inside (internal) and hemorrhoids on the outside (external), which again, is normal. However, when enlarged and swollen, internal hemorrhoids tend to cause rectal bleeding. When external hemorrhoids become enlarged and swollen they develop small lumps on the outside of the anus that can be extremely painful, or cause itching and a feeling of being unclean.
Thankfully, we can treat these problems. However, it is important to speak to a colorectal surgeon to make sure the symptoms are not being caused by another more serious problem, such as anal fissure, perianal abscess, or even cancer.
The best treatment for symptomatic hemorrhoids is not to get them. Try to keep your bowels working regularly with a combination of fiber, healthy diet, enough liquids to drink, and adequate exercise. (Remember, hemorrhoids that don’t cause any symptoms don’t need any treatment.) Also, do not spend an inordinate amount of time on the commode – this can cause hemorrhoids.
If symptom become frequent or constant – COME SEE US FOR AN EVALUATION AND TO RULE OUT ANOTHER CAUSE OF YOUR SYMPTOMS
Only a small number of our patients actually need surgery for hemorrhoids. The far majority are treated conservatively as described above or in the office with minor treatments. Internal hemorrhoids that cause bleeding are almost exclusively treated in the office either with rubber band ligations, or infared cauterization. Both of these treatments take less than a minute to perform, are NOT painful and while you may feel a little embarrassed, we don’t, so don’t worry!
Have no fear, at CARI we are experts in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Our practice has been treating Hemrrhoids for over forty years (and collectively we have over 100 years experience.). All hemorrhoid surgery is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you will be home the same day. We perform all of our surgeries with only mild sedation and local anesthesia. You will not feel any pain or remember any part of the procedure. Afterwards you will go home with easy to follow instructions on how to handle the first few days after surgery.
You will have a prescription for pain medicine to take as needed. We encourage use of a stool softener and laxative to prevent constipation. Sitting in a bathtub is an excellent way to handle the postoperative pain. Most patients will need to take a week off from work after a standard hemorrhoidectomy. CARI surgeons are experienced in all treatments including stapling of hemorrhoids and Doppler ligation of the hemorrhoidal arteries. We will be able to discuss all options with you and our best recommendation for treatment.
