“Piles tend to worsen over time and deserves be treated as soon as it occurs”
In the West, over half the population above the age of 50 are known to suffer from piles. Accurate Indian statistics are not available because we as a race are mostly embarrassed to talk about it. Unfortunately, piles tend to worsen over time and any disease deserves be treated as soon as it occurs. In India, piles is loosely used term that includes piles, haemorrhoids, fistulas and fissures with skin tags.
Fistulas are an abnormal small opening next to the anus from where some discharge happens. This is due to a tunnel like tract between the anal canal and the skin. This condition always requires surgery for cure. Fissure with skin tags lead to painful bleeding due to a small cut at the anal margin. It is usually associated with skin tags that are mistakenly called piles. This condition resolves in a majority of the patients by using creams and medicines to treat constipation. Rarely does the patient require surgery. Visit Apollo Hospitals to get the best medical advice for treating piles before the problem worsens.
The exact cause of piles is unknown. However, the upright posture of humans alone forces a great deal of pressure on the rectal veins, which sometimes causes them to bulge. Other contributing factors include:
- Faulty bowel movement
- Spending long periods of time in the toilet
The best way to prevent haemorrhoids is to keep stools soft so they pass easily, thus decreasing pressure and straining and also, to empty bowels as soon as possible after the urge occurs. In addition, one should not sit in the toilet for a long period of time.
- Faecal soiling
- Occasional pain
- Bathing in tubs with warm water is almost always helpful
- Ice can help relieve acute pain
There are many outpatient procedures for piles. Standard scalpel surgery, done under general anaesthesia requiring hospital admission, is necessary when:
- Clots repeatedly form in the external piles
- Ligation fails to treat internal piles
- Protruding piles cannot be reduced
- There is persistent bleeding
Stapled Piles Surgery is an effective treatment, reducing some of the problems associated with conventional surgery, provided that the operator has the technical experience. It reduces:
- Operative bleeding
- Postoperative pain
- Length of hospital stay
- Encourages a rapid return to normal activities