What causes haemorrhoids, and what causes them?

Top Doctors recently spoke to esteemed consultant surgeon, Mr Petr J Hanek, who, here in our latest article, tells us what causes haemorrhoids, reveals when surgery for haemorrhoids is required, and details what the surgery entails.

What causes haemorrhoids?

The causes are multiple. We believe that there is some hereditary condition in our genes that makes some people predisposed to suffering from haemorrhoids. There is quite a clear link between chronic constipation and the development of haemorrhoids because chronic constipation increases the pressure in the vessels in and around the back passage.

Frequent heavy lifting and giving birth can also lead to this increased vessel pressure, which in turn can lead to haemorrhoids. We are seeing now that up to one third of people between the age of 40 and 50 present with haemorrhoids.

Are there any effective home remedies? If so, what are they?

As much rest as possible is required. Rest can help decrease the pressure in the vessels around the back passage. There are also over-the-counter medications and ointments that can be used as effective treatment options.

When is surgery required?

When we consider surgery with the patient presenting haemorrhoids, we need to be certain that we are only dealing with haemorrhoids. Also, whether surgery is performed or not will largely depend on how severe the associated symptoms are, and how severe rectal bleeding is.

What does surgery involve?

Surgery for haemorrhoids offers the variety of techniques and a variety of instruments. When we are operating on haemorrhoids, our wish is to achieve two things: to cut off the blood supply that feeds that swollen cushion of the haemorrhoid, and the second is to lift this protruding cushion upwards as much as possible to avoid it descending down to the back passage or even bulging out of that back passage.

A haemorrhoidectomy is the most popular operation that we use. A laser is also offered to patients. There are a variety of different surgical options that the patient will be offered.

What are the non-surgical treatment options?

Fluid intake and fibre intake are both essential when it comes to treating haemorrhoids in a non-surgical manner.

How can haemorrhoids be prevented?

A healthy lifestyle can help prevent haemorrhoids.

Mr Petr J Hanek is a distinguished consultant surgeon with expertise in colorectal surgery. If you have noticed the development of haemorrhoids, make sure to book a consultation with Mr Hanek today via his Top Doctors profile.