Common misconceptions about treatments for hemorrhoids

MANILA, Philippines - Hemorrhoids are actually present in all individuals whether healthy or not. They are the vascular cushions which surround the general area of the rectum and anus.

The term hemorrhoids is associated with the symptoms when this part of the body becomes enlarged, inflamed, thrombosed or prolapsed.

Many people have them without suffering from any symptoms, and therefore these may be safely left alone. Treatment is usually required for those whose hemorrhoidal symptoms such as excruciating throbbing pain affect quality of life and daily living. 

There are many traditional remedies and non-surgical treatments for hemorrhoids. However, if none of these work, surgical procedures may be required as a last resort. 

Below are some misconceptions about hemorrhoids treatment and the truth behind each:

Misconception No. 1. All surgical procedures for hemorrhoids are very painful. Due to this reputation of a painful operation, advances in hemorrhoid surgery have focused on making it less painful. One such operation is stapled hemorrhoidectomy. Using a specially designed, single-use stapler instrument, hemorrhoids are excised and the anus repaired from the inside. The end-result is that the surgical wound is inside, and no wound is visible outside the anus. Scientific studies have proven that this is less painful than traditional surgery.

Another advanced surgical technique is transarterial hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD). Using a Doppler ultrasound, the blood vessel supplying the hemorrhoid is identified and ligated with stitches. Deprived of its blood supply, the hemorrhoid then shrinks and shrivels. Again there is no wound outside and is therefore almost painless. 

Misconception No. 2. Another more common misconception about surgery for hemorrhoids is that it can cause fecal incontinence, or the inability to control farting or defecation. Again this is not true. When hemorrhoid surgery is done properly, incontinence won’t develop. 

All surgical procedures for hemorrhoids, however, whether traditional or innovative, may sometimes develop complications such as bleeding, infection and stricture. It is important therefore to see practitioners with real expertise in performing such procedures when seeking treatment.

For effective hemorrhoid relief and treatment, MEDICard, a leading HMO company, recently opened its Colorectal Specialists Clinic, a first in the HMO industry. 

Located at the MEDICard Lifestyle Center at the corner of Paseo and Buendia streets in Makati City, the clinic offers the latest technology and expertise in colorectal health care.

This specialist clinic provides comprehensive, advanced and efficient care to wide range of colorectal conditions. Its expertise is in the management of colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and other benign disorders like hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulae, polyps, constipation, fecal incontinence, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and other colorectal problems.

“Many people with common colorectal problems like hemorrhoids do not know where to go to,” said MEDICard president Dr. Nicky Montoya.

“We felt there was a niche for this new type of ‘convenience’ clinic where people can meet the specialists but not in the usual hospital clinic setting. Here, patients can avail themselves of experts’ straightforward advice, cutting-edge diagnostic services, and same-day colorectal procedures using the latest technology. There will be no hospitalization and the procedure will be more cost-effective and affordable,” Montoya added.

The Colorectal Specialists Clinic is located at the 3/F of the MEDICard Lifestyle Center and is open from Mondays to Fridays, 1 to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.