Haemorrhoids (Piles) Treatment & Surgery in Singapore

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Understanding Haemorrhoids (Piles) Treatment

Haemorrhoids, commonly referred to as piles, are one of the more common conditions seen in Singapore.

Many people experience them at some point in their lives, and for most, they are manageable with the right care.

Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and how the condition affects your daily life. Mild cases may respond well to dietary adjustments and conservative measures, while more persistent or advanced cases may require procedures or surgery. A proper assessment by a doctor is the first step to understanding what approach is most appropriate for you.

What are Haemorrhoids?

One in three people in Singapore suffers from piles. They refer to veins that are swollen around the lower rectum or anus.

Haemorrhoids are broadly classified into two types:

Internal haemorrhoids: These form inside the rectum and are usually not visible. They may cause bleeding, but often do not cause pain unless they prolapse.
External haemorrhoids: These develop under the skin around the anus and are more likely to cause pain, swelling, or irritation, especially if a blood clot forms.

Common Symptoms of Hemorrhoids or Piles

Symptoms of haemorrhoids or piles can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition.

Common signs include:

Rectal bleeding, often noticed as bright red blood after passing stool
Pain or discomfort, especially during bowel movements
Itching or irritation around the anus
Swelling or a lump near the anus
Protrusion (prolapse) of tissue during straining

Not all haemorrhoids are painful. Some people only notice bleeding or a lump, and may not realise anything is wrong until symptoms become more noticeable. It is also worth knowing that these symptoms can also overlap with other conditions such as anal fissures or colorectal polyps.

If you notice any of these symptoms, or if they persist or recur, it is worth speaking with a doctor for a proper assessment. Getting clarity on the cause allows for more straightforward management and helps rule out other conditions that may require separate attention.

Causes of Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids typically develop when there is increased pressure on the veins in the rectum or anus. Over time, this pressure causes the veins to swell and become enlarged.

Several lifestyle and physiological factors can contribute to this:

Constipation and straining: When stools are hard or difficult to pass, straining during bowel movements puts repeated pressure on the veins in the lower rectum.
Prolonged time on the toilet: Spending extended periods sitting on the toilet, whether from habit or difficulty passing stool, increases downward pressure on the anal and rectal veins.
Loose or frequent bowel movements: Chronic diarrhoea can also irritate and inflame the rectal area over time, contributing to haemorrhoid development even without straining.
Low-fibre diet: A diet lacking in fibre tends to produce harder, drier stools that are more difficult to pass. This makes straining more likely and contributes to constipation over time.
Pregnancy: The growing uterus places increased pressure on the pelvic veins, and hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect bowel habits.
Age-related tissue changes: As the body ages, the connective tissues supporting the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken, making haemorrhoids more likely to develop or worsen.
Physical inactivity: A largely sedentary lifestyle can slow digestion and contribute to constipation, which in turn increases the likelihood of straining during bowel movements.

In many cases, a combination of these factors is at play rather than a single cause. Understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms is a useful starting point for managing them.

How Haemorrhoids are Diagnosed

A doctor in Singapore can diagnose piles or haemorrhoids by reviewing your symptoms and performing an examination to confirm the condition and rule out other possible causes of bleeding or discomfort.

Medical History and Symptom Review

The diagnostic process begins with a conversation. Your doctor will ask about the nature, frequency, and duration of your symptoms, including whether you have noticed bleeding, pain, a lump, or changes in bowel habits. You may also be asked about your diet, fluid intake, bowel routine, and any previous episodes of similar symptoms.

This helps the doctor build a picture of the likely severity of the condition and identify factors that may have contributed to it. It also allows for other causes of rectal bleeding or discomfort to be considered, some of which may require further investigation.

Physical Examination

Your doctor will perform a physical examination to assess the area around the anus for any visible signs of external haemorrhoids, swelling, skin changes, or prolapsed tissue.

A gentle internal examination may also be carried out to assess the lower rectum and check for internal haemorrhoids, prolapse, or other abnormalities. This examination is brief and conducted with care to keep the process as comfortable as possible.

Anoscopy or Further Evaluation If Needed

If the physical examination does not provide a complete picture, your doctor may use a short, narrow instrument called an anoscope to view the inside of the anal canal more closely. This allows for clearer assessment of internal haemorrhoids and the surrounding tissue.

If your symptoms include rectal bleeding that does not clearly correspond to haemorrhoids, or if there are other factors that warrant a closer look at the colon, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy. This helps ensure no other conditions are contributing to your symptoms and that an accurate diagnosis is reached.

Haemorrhoid Treatment in Singapore

Treatment or surgical removal for piles (haemorrhoids) in Singapore depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much they affect your daily life. Most cases start with simple measures. Where these are not sufficient, procedures or surgery may be considered.

Conservative Treatment for Mild Piles

For mild haemorrhoids, simple lifestyle and dietary adjustments are usually the first approach to making a a difference to symptoms. These include:

Increasing dietary fibre through fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains to help soften stools
Drinking adequate fluids throughout the day
Avoiding straining during bowel movements and not delaying when there is an urge to go
Reducing time spent sitting on the toilet
Taking sitz baths (warm, shallow baths for the affected area) or applying cold compresses to ease localised discomfort
Establishing regular, consistent bowel habits

These measures help ease discomfort and support smoother bowel movements.

Medications for Symptom Relief

Where symptoms persist despite conservative measures, your doctor may recommend medications to help manage discomfort. Topical preparations, such as creams or suppositories, can help reduce localised swelling and irritation. Stool softeners may also be prescribed to ease bowel movements and reduce the effort required.

Medications help to manage symptoms but do not remove haemorrhoids. They are often used alongside lifestyle adjustments or as part of an overall management plan while further treatment options are being considered.

Non-Surgical Piles Treatment in Singapore

For haemorrhoids that are persistent, recurrent, or do not respond adequately to conservative management, a minimally invasive procedure may be appropriate.

Rubber band ligation is one of the more commonly used non-surgical options. A small band is placed around the base of the haemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. Over the following days, the haemorrhoid shrinks and detaches on its own. The procedure is typically performed after a colonoscopy while sedated.

This approach is generally considered for Grade 1 and Grade 2 haemorrhoids, depending on the individual’s condition and assessment.

Surgical Treatment for Severe Piles in Singapore

In more severe cases of piles, surgery may be recommended, especially when symptoms have worsened or do not improve with other treatments.

Severity: Types Of Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids or piles cases in Singapore are classified based on their size, severity, and whether they prolapse.

Grade 1 Haemorrhoids

These are small swellings that develop on the inside lining of the anus and are not visible externally. They do not prolapse. Symptoms may include mild bleeding without pain. Management is usually conservative, including dietary changes, increased fibre intake, and improved bowel habits.

Grade 2 Haemorrhoids

These are larger swellings that may come out during bowel movements but return on their own (prolapsing but spontaneously reducing). You may notice bleeding and mild discomfort. These are often suitable for non-surgical treatment, such as rubber band ligation, if symptoms persist.

Grade 3 Haemorrhoids

These present as one or more soft lumps that prolapse and need to be pushed back manually (prolapsing and reducible). Symptoms may include discomfort, swelling, and recurrent bleeding. Treatment usually involves surgery, depending on the condition.

Grade 4 Haemorrhoids

These are larger prolapsed lumps that remain outside and cannot be pushed back (irreducible). They may cause persistent discomfort, hygiene issues, or complications such as thrombosis. Surgery is required at this stage.

When is Haemorrhoids Surgery Recommended?

Surgery for haemorrhoids in Singapore is usually considered when symptoms are more significant or when other treatments are no longer effective in managing your condition.

Who May Need Haemorrhoids Surgery?

Surgery may be recommended if you have:

Grade 3 or Grade 4 haemorrhoids
Persistent prolapse that keeps recurring
Recurrent or ongoing bleeding
Thrombosed haemorrhoids causing significant pain
Symptoms that do not improve with non-surgical treatment

Types of Piles Surgery in Singapore

There are a few surgical options depending on your condition:

Haemorrhoidectomy: A surgical procedure that removes the haemorrhoidal tissue completely. It is typically recommended for more severe or persistent cases, including Grade 3 and Grade 4 haemorrhoids, or where other treatments have not provided adequate relief.
Stapled haemorrhoidopexy: This procedure uses a circular stapling device to reposition prolapsed haemorrhoidal tissue back into its normal anatomical position within the anal canal. Compared to conventional haemorrhoidectomy, patients generally experience less post-operative pain and a shorter recovery period. However, there is a higher reported rate of haemorrhoid recurrence with this approach, and symptoms may return in some cases over time.

Your doctor will advise on which option is more appropriate based on the grade, extent, and nature of your condition.

What to Expect Before Surgery

Before surgery, you will go through a consultation and examination so your condition can be assessed properly. Your doctor will also explain how to prepare, which may include adjusting medications or fasting before the procedure.

Benefits of Early Haemorrhoids Treatment

Addressing haemorrhoids earlier in their progression generally allows for simpler, less involved treatment. Mild haemorrhoids managed through lifestyle changes or minimally invasive procedures are generally less involved and easier to recover from than treatment for more advanced haemorrhoids.

Starting treatment early can also help keep symptoms from progressing. Discomfort that starts out occasionally can become more frequent or more difficult to manage over time, and addressing it early gives you more options.

Seeking a proper assessment when symptoms first appear also helps to rule out other causes of rectal bleeding or bowel changes that may require separate management.

Cost of Haemorrhoids Treatment From a Specialist Clinic in Singapore

The cost of haemorrhoids or piles treatment in Singapore varies depending on the severity of your condition and the type of treatment needed. A proper assessment is usually required before a more accurate estimate can be given.

What Affects the Cost of Piles Treatment?

Costs depend on several key factors, including:

Severity of haemorrhoids
Type of treatment (clinic-based procedure vs surgery)
Surgeon’s fees
Facility fees (clinic, day surgery, or hospital setting)
Anaesthesia and consumables
Follow-up care

Cost of Non-Surgical Piles Treatment

Non-surgical, office-based procedures are generally more affordable compared to surgery. However, depending on your condition, more than one session may be needed for optimal results.

Haemorrhoids Surgery Cost in Singapore

Surgical treatment typically includes surgeon fees, anaesthesia, facility charges, and post-operative care. In Singapore, the general cost range for haemorrhoid surgery is approximately SGD 3,000 to SGD 10,000+, depending on the complexity of the case, type of procedure, and hospital setting.

Can Medisave or Insurance Be Used?

Medisave may be used for surgical treatment of haemorrhoids carried out in a hospital or day surgery setting, subject to prevailing CPF Board guidelines and applicable withdrawal limits. Patients with integrated shield plans or other medical insurance coverage may also be able to claim relevant portions of their treatment costs, depending on the terms of their individual policy.

It is advisable to check with your insurer and the colorectal specialist clinic in Singapore directly to understand what is claimable before proceeding with treatment.

Recovery After Haemorrhoids Treatment and Surgery

Recovery varies depending on the type of treatment undergone:

Non-surgical procedures: Most patients can return to normal activities within one to two days. Some mild discomfort or a sensation of pressure around the area is common for a short period after the procedure. Occasional spotting may also occur as the haemorrhoid detaches over the following days.
Surgical treatment: Recovery typically takes one to three weeks, depending on the extent of surgery and the individual’s response. Some degree of post-operative discomfort is expected, particularly during bowel movements in the initial days following surgery.

Regardless of the treatment approach, the recovery period is an important time to support healing. The following guidance applies generally, though your doctor will provide instructions specific to your situation.

Bowel care during recovery: Maintaining soft stools is an important part of post-operative care. This includes staying well-hydrated, maintaining adequate fibre intake, and taking any prescribed stool softeners as directed. Straining during bowel movements should be avoided throughout the recovery period.
Pain management: Your doctor will prescribe appropriate pain relief for the recovery period. Sitz baths, which involve soaking the affected area in warm water for short periods, can also help ease discomfort and support healing.
Returning to normal activities: Light activity such as walking is generally well tolerated soon after surgery and can support recovery. More strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting should be avoided until your doctor advises it is safe to resume. Most patients are able to return to desk-based work within one to two weeks, though this varies by individual.

Follow-up appointments are important so your surgeon can monitor healing and address any concerns during the recovery period.

General Risks of Hemorrhoids Surgery

As with any procedure, there are some risks to be aware of, including pain, bleeding, infection, and in rare cases, changes in bowel control. Your doctor will go through these with you based on your specific situation and treatment plan.

When Should You See a Piles Specialist in Singapore?

If symptoms are mild and occasional, simple measures like increasing your fibre intake and improving your bowel habits may help.

However, you should consider seeing a specialist in Singapore for haemorrhoids if:

Bleeding occurs more than once or persists
Pain or swelling affects your daily activities
A lump does not go away or becomes more noticeable
Symptoms do not improve with self-care
There is uncertainty about the cause of bleeding

Why Choose Advanced Colorectal and General Surgery

Advanced Colorectal and General Surgery is led by Dr Leong Quor Meng, a colorectal and general surgeon with over 21 years of clinical experience across colorectal surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and endoscopy.

Dr Leong holds fellowship qualifications from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and received specialised training in laparoscopic and robotic colorectal surgery in Korea under Professor Kim Seon Hahn, supported by an MOH Health Manpower Development Programme (HMDP) scholarship. He is among a small number of colorectal surgeons in Singapore who perform Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery, a technically demanding minimally invasive approach that supports a shorter recovery compared to open surgery.

For patients with haemorrhoids, Dr Leong's experience spans the full range of treatment options, from conservative management and non-surgical procedures to surgical intervention for more advanced cases. His approach begins with a thorough assessment to understand your specific condition before a treatment plan is determined.

The clinic also offers same-day colonoscopy screening where clinically appropriate, supporting timely evaluation when rectal bleeding or bowel changes require further investigation.

At Advanced Colorectal and General Surgery, care is delivered in a professional, discreet environment, with the aim of making the process as clear and comfortable as possible for each patient.

About Dr Leong Quor Meng

Colorectal & Hernia Surgeon in Singapore

Dr Leong is a general and colorectal surgeon in Singapore who graduated from the University of London in 2000. He obtained his membership to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2003 and started working in Tan Tock Seng Hospital in 2003. He started his Advanced Specialist Training in 2005 and passed his fellowship exams in 2008. Dr Leong was awarded the prestigious MOH HMDP scholarship to train under Prof Kim Seon Hahn in Korea University for Laparoscopic and Robotic colorectal surgery in 2010.

Dr Leong is an experienced endoscopist with more than 10,000 procedures performed, including diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopies and oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD).

He also regularly trains surgical trainees and proctors consultant surgeons in complex colorectal cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it typically take to recover from a haemorrhoids (piles) treatment?

Recovery time will depend on the type of haemorrhoids treatment. Non-surgical treatments often have quicker recovery times, with patients going back to normal activities within a few days. Surgical procedures like haemorrhoidectomy may require up to two weeks for recovery.

What are the risks of haemorrhoids (piles) surgery?

Bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding tissues are some risks associated with haemorrhoid surgery. The risks depend on the type of surgical treatment done and your overall health.

How do I prepare for haemorrhoids (piles) surgery?

Follow preoperative instructions such as dietary changes, medication adjustments, and bowel preparation as recommended by your surgeon. Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least a week before haemorrhoids surgery and stay well-hydrated. Prepare your home with necessary supplies like ice packs, prescribed medications, and over-the-counter pain relievers, and set up a comfortable resting area for recovery.

What happens during my first consultation with a piles specialist?

During your initial visit, the haemorrhoids (piles) specialist will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical examination, and recommend additional tests for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

How are haemorrhoids diagnosed?

The haemorrhoids (piles) specialist will do a physical examination of the anus and rectum. In some cases, further diagnostic tests such as anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy may be performed to evaluate the extent of the haemorrhoids.

When should I see a haemorrhoids specialist?

If you notice rectal bleeding more than once, experience pain or a lump that does not improve with simple measures, or have symptoms that persist or keep recurring, it is worth consulting a specialist. A proper assessment can help clarify what is causing your symptoms and whether treatment is needed.

What is the success rate of piles surgery?

Success rates vary depending on the haemorrhoids (piles) removal method. In Singapore, surgical treatments like haemorrhoidectomy have high success rates for eliminating haemorrhoids, mainly when performed by experienced surgeons.

What affects the cost of piles treatment in Singapore?

The cost of haemorrhoid treatment depends on the severity of your condition, the type of treatment required, surgeon and facility fees, and any follow-up care needed. A consultation and assessment is usually necessary before a more accurate cost estimate can be provided.

How do I choose the right piles clinic in Singapore?

Look for clinics with experienced haemorrhoids (piles) specialists, positive patient reviews, accreditation, and complete facilities for diagnosis and treatment in Singapore.

Insurance

Our surgery is on the panel of most of the major insurance companies and if you are covered by corporate insurance, you may be entitled to a cashless visit to our clinic.