Haemorrhoids (Hemorrhoids) treatment/surgery is also commonly known as piles treatment/surgery in Singapore. Piles are common and usually, the first telltale sign would be blood found in stools or bleeding during bowel movements. The main symptoms include pain, discomfort, persistent bleeding and itching in the anal area.
The best solution to piles treatment in Singapore is surgery, but there are other ways to treat this problem, such as using creams, medications and even natural remedies such as increasing your intake of fibre. These methods can be used for mild cases or to treat small bleeding piles, while surgical procedures will be needed for more severe cases.
If you think you have piles, we recommend contacting us immediately to diagnose what kind of piles you have and if it requires immediate attention. You may feel embarrassed about having piles or think that it’s not something you should talk about with others – but this is entirely normal!
Here at Dr QM Leong, we want to help you know everything from start to end, hence read on to find out more about hemorrhoids surgery in Singapore
What Are Haemorrhoids (Hemorrhoids)
Haemorrhoids (or hemorrhoids), are also known as piles, are swollen blood vessels that are found inside or around the rectum and anus. Haemorrhoids fall into two categories: internal hemorrhoids which are inside the anal canal, and external hemorrhoids which are outside around the anus. Internal haemorrhoids are usually unnoticed until they cause bleeding during a bowel motion, or until they become prolapsed.
External hemorrhoids tend to be more uncomfortable due to the irritation and erosion of overlying skin around the area. In severe cases, they may require one to seek piles treatment in Singapore.
Generally, hemorrhoids do not cause symptoms, leading to many people not realising that they may have them. Often, doctors only detect the presence of haemorrhoids during routine checkups, or if they present symptoms such as:
- Rectal bleeding after passing a stool (the blood is usually bright red)
- Itchy sensation at the anus
- Lump hanging down outside of the anus (which may need to be pushed back in after bowel movement)
- Mucus discharge after passing a stool
- Soreness, redness and swelling around your anus
In such cases, it is highly recommended for patients to seek piles treatment in Singapore, which may consist of medications or surgery, depending on diagnosis and severity.
Causes Of Haemorrhoids (Hemorrhoids)
Haemorrhoids (or hemorrhoids) are caused by increased pressure in the blood vessels in and around your anus. This pressure can cause the blood vessels in your back passage to become swollen and inflamed.
Many cases are thought to be caused by too much straining on the toilet, due to prolonged constipation. Sitting too long on the toilet especially with an electronic device such as a handphone causes the blood vessels around the anus to be congested and enlarge is probably the most common cause of hemorrhoids.
Other factors that might increase your risk of developing haemorrhoids include:
- Age – as you get older, your body’s supporting tissues get weaker, increasing your risk of haemorrhoids.
- Being pregnant – which can place increased pressure on your pelvic blood vessels, causing them to enlarge.
- Having a family history of haemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid Treatment In Singapore
Hemorrhoid symptoms often settle down after a few days, without needing treatment. Hermorrhoids that occur during pregnancy often get better after giving birth.
However, making lifestyle changes to reduce the strain on the blood vessels in and around your anus is often recommended. These can include:
- Gradually increasing the amount of fibre in your diet – good sources of fibre include fruit, vegetables
- Drinking plenty of fluid – particularly water
- Avoiding medication that causes constipation
- Exercising regularly – can help prevent constipation, reduce your blood pressure and help you lose weight
These measures can also reduce the risk of hemorrhoids returning, or even developing in the first place.
Topical medication that you apply directly to your backside or tablets bought from a pharmacy or prescribed by your GP may ease your symptoms and make it easier for you to pass stools.
There are various hemorrhoids procedures in Singapore, usually for more severe hemorrhoids. One of these options is rubber band ligation, which is a non-surgical procedure where a very tight elastic band is put around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. The hemorrhoid should fall off after about a week.
Types Of Hemorrhoids (Severity)
Hemorrhoids can be classified, depending on their size and severity. They can be:
- First-degree – small swellings that develop on the inside lining of the anus and aren’t visible from outside the anus
- Second-degree – larger swellings that may come out of your anus when you go to the toilet, before disappearing inside again on its own. (prolapsing but spontaneously reducing)
- Third-degree – one or more small soft lumps that hang down from the anus and can be pushed back inside using a finger. (prolapsing and reducible)
- Fourth-degree – larger lumps that hang down from the anus and can’t be pushed back inside (irreducible)
In general, first-degree hemorrhoids are treated with medication and lifestyle changes (increase fibre), second-degree hemorrhoids are suitable for rubber band ligation. Third and Fourth-degree hemorrhoids usually require surgery. (see below)
Hemorrhoids Surgery In Singapore (Third And Fourth-Degree Hemorrhoids)
Although most hemorrhoids can be treated using the methods described above, around 1 in every 10 people will eventually need surgery. There are different types of surgery that can be used to treat hemorrhoids, but they all usually involve either removing the hemorrhoids or reducing their blood supply, causing them to shrink.
Hemorrhoidectomy
A hemorrhoidectomy is an operation to remove hemorrhoids. It’s usually carried out under general anaesthesia, which means you’ll be unconscious during the procedure and won’t feel any pain while it’s carried out. You’ll need to take two weeks or so off work to recover.
You’ll probably experience significant pain after the operation, but you will be given painkillers. You may still have pain up to 2 weeks after the procedure, which can also be controlled with painkillers. Seek medical advice if you have pain that continues for longer.
After having a hemorrhoidectomy, there’s around a 1 in 20 chance of the hemorrhoids returning, which is lower than with non-surgical treatments. Adopting or continuing a high-fibre diet after surgery is recommended to reduce this risk.
Stapler Hemorrhoidopexy
Stapler hemorrhoidopexy, is an alternative to a conventional hemorrhoidectomy. It’s sometimes used to treat prolapsed hemorrhoids and is carried out under general anaesthetic. This procedure isn’t carried out as often as it used to be, because it has a higher risk of serious complications.
During the operation, part of the anorectum (the last section of the large intestine), is stapled. This means the hemorrhoids are less likely to prolapse and it reduces the supply of blood to the hemorrhoids, which causes them to gradually shrink. It is important to note that the haemorrhoids are not removed and there will be a permanent staple line in the anorectum.
Stapling has a shorter recovery time than a traditional hemorrhoidectomy, and you can probably return to work about a week afterwards. It also tends to be a less painful procedure.
However, after stapling, more people experience another prolapsed hemorrhoid compared with having a hemorrhoidectomy. There have also been a very small number of serious complications following the stapling procedure, such as fistula to the vagina in women (where a small channel develops between the anal canal and the vagina) or rectal perforation (where a hole develops in the rectum).
General Risks Of Hemorrhoids Surgery In Singapore
Although the risk of serious problems is small, complications can occasionally occur after hemorrhoid surgery. These can include:
- Bleeding or passing blood clots, which may happen a week or so after the operation
- Infection, which may lead to a build-up of pus (known as an abscess) – you may be given a short course of antibiotics after surgery to reduce this risk
- Urinary retention (difficulty emptying your bladder)
- Faecal incontinence (the involuntarily passing of stools)
- Stenosis (narrowing of the anal canal)
How We Can Help With Hemorrhoids (Piles Surgery In Singapore)
Dr QM Leong is an experienced colorectal doctor with relevant medical specialities in fields such as colorectal cancer and piles treatment in Singapore, who will accurately diagnose your condition for any signs of hemorrhoids before determining the right treatment for your condition.
We are fully committed to providing a pleasant experience, treatment and patient care, so do not hesitate to call to find out about piles surgery in Singapore or make an appointment with us to understand more about hemorrhoids.
Frequently Ask Questions About Piles Treatment In Singapore
Yes. For Singapore citizens and permanent residents, piles treatment in Singapore can be reimbursed by Medisave.
Depending on the severity of your condition and the pace of recovery. Most people are ready for work or resume daily activities after 7 to 10 days. However, the complete recovery phase may take longer and up to 6 weeks.
You may expect some mild discomfort or pain post-surgery, usually along the rectal and anal. Your doctor will prescribe you painkillers to ease the discomfort level. Alternatively, to speed up your recovery, it is recommended to adhere to a high-fibre diet as well.
They are a few cases where people will choose to opt-out of surgery due to various reasons. At the same time, you may stick to non-surgical solutions such as creams, ointments and cold packs. It only provides relief as a short-term solution. It is recommended to go for treatment immediately as it is impossible to ignore a swelling or itching condition due to hemorrhoids. If you are still unsure, you may reach out to us here. We will get back to you as soon as possible.