Piles condition, causes, surgical management, newer treatment
Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the anal canal and lower rectum. They can occur internally or externally and can be painful, itchy, and sometimes bleed.
Causes:
Piles can be caused by various factors, including chronic constipation, diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and aging.
Surgical management:
Surgical management of piles is typically reserved for more severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments. Some common surgical procedures for piles include:
Hemorrhoidectomy: This is the complete removal of the hemorrhoid tissue. This procedure is usually done under general anesthesia.
Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: This procedure involves using a special stapling device to remove a portion of the hemorrhoidal tissue and reposition the remaining tissue back into its normal position.
Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation: This procedure involves identifying the arteries that supply blood to the hemorrhoids using a Doppler ultrasound and then tying them off to reduce blood flow to the hemorrhoids.
Newer treatments:
There are several newer treatments for piles that have emerged in recent years, including:
Rubber band ligation: This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, which cuts off its blood supply and causes it to shrink and fall off.
Infrared coagulation: This is a non-surgical procedure that uses infrared light to coagulate the blood vessels that supply the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink.
Laser treatment: This is a newer treatment that uses a laser to shrink the hemorrhoid tissue.
Cryotherapy: This is a non-surgical procedure that involves freezing the hemorrhoid, which causes it to shrink and fall off.
It is important to note that these newer treatments are not appropriate for all cases of piles and should be discussed with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan.