More treatment options for haemorrhoids
Ointments, creams, and suppositories
Various preparations and brands are commonly used. They do not 'cure' haemorrhoids. However, they may ease symptoms such as discomfort and itch.
- A bland cream, ointment, or suppository may ease discomfort. They can be used as often as you like. Several brands are available without a prescription. Ask a pharmacist to advise.
- One that contains an anaesthetic may ease pain better. You should only use one of these for short periods at a time (5-7 days). If you use it for longer, the anaesthetic may irritate or sensitise the skin around the anus. A pharmacist can advise.
- One that contains a steroid may be prescribed by a doctor if there is a lot of inflammation around the haemorrhoids. Steroids reduce inflammation and may help to reduce any swelling around a haemorrhoid. This may help to ease itch and pain. You should not normally use these for longer than one week at a time.
- Very painful prolapsed haemorrhoids are uncommon. The pain may be eased by an ice pack pressed on for 15-30 minutes. Strong painkillers may be needed.
- Haemorrhoids of pregnancy usually settle after the birth of the child. Treatment is similar to the above.
Banding treatment
Banding is a common treatment for grade 2 and 3 haemorrhoids. It may also be done to treat grade 1 haemorrhoids which have not settled with the measures described above (such as an increase in fibre, etc).
This procedure is usually done by a surgeon in an outpatient clinic. A haemorrhoid is grasped by the surgeon with forceps or a suction device. A rubber band is then placed at the base of the haemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply to the haemorrhoid which then 'dies' and drops off after a few days. The tissue at the base of the haemorrhoid heals with some scar tissue.
Banding of internal haemorrhoids is usually painless as the base of the haemorrhoid originates above the anus opening - in the very last part of the gut where the gut lining is not sensitive to pain. Up to three haemorrhoids may be treated at one time using this method. In about 8 in 10 cases, the haemorrhoids are 'cured' by this technique. In about 2 in 10 cases, the haemorrhoids recur at at some stage. (However, you can have a further banding treatment if this occurs.) Banding does not work in a small number of cases. Haemorrhoids are less likely to recur after banding if you do not become constipated and do not strain on the toilet (as described above). A small number of people have complications following banding such as bleeding, urinary problems, or infection or ulcers forming at the site of a treated haemorrhoid.
Other treatment options
Injection of a 'sclerosing' chemical into the haemorrhoid, freezing of the haemorrhoid, and photocoagulation are alternatives to banding which can be done as an outpatient. However, these techniques are less commonly done than banding.
An operation to cut away the haemorrhoid(s) is an option to treat grade 4 haemorrhoids, and for grade 2 and 3 haemorrhoids not successfully treated by banding or other methods. This is done under general anaesthetic and is usually successful.
© EMIS and PIP 2005 Updated: November 2005 PRODIGY Validated
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Sally Stacey, over 2 years
Excellant advice. I can now go to my G.P to get the treatment I need and not worry that it might be something more serious. Thank-you, I will now get treatment before the op is needed, as that didnt sound too pleasant!!
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