Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. They can occur internally, inside the rectum, or externally, around the external opening of the anus. Piles is generally not a serious medical condition and can be treated with lifestyle changes and home remedies, like increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of water, practicing good hygiene, using over-the-counter creams or ointments, and avoiding straining during bowel movements. However, in more severe cases, surgical procedures may be required.
A proctologist or an anorectal surgeon can diagnose piles through medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests like Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), Anoscopy or Proctoscopy, Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy.
Piles can be treated using both non-surgical and surgical methods. Here are some common non-surgical and surgical treatments for piles:
Lifestyle and home treatment: like increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of water, practicing good hygiene, using over-the-counter creams or ointments, and avoiding straining during bowel movements.
Minimally invasive treatments: rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, laser coagulation
Surgical treatment: hemorrhoidectomy and stapler surgery