Haemorrhoidal Disease, or Piles

Patients usually visit a proctologist because of some unspecific symptoms, such as the following: bleeding during bowel movements, itching in the anal region, swelling around the anus, continuous urge to pass stool (even directly after a bowel movement), protruding or prolapsed haemorrhoid, etc. If you suffer from the symptoms listed above, you should seek the help of a specialist, namely a proctologist.

The anus is a 3 cm (1 in.) long canal with a sphincter mechanism. It is lined with a mucous membrane layer. In the final part of the mucous membrane, there are three typical places with a set of blood vessels known as the haemorrhoidal plexus. The plexus create small cushions, which play an important role in closing the anal canal, and are susceptible to enlargement, commonly known as haemorrhoids or piles. Haemorrhoids have been classified into four grades based on the degree of prolapse. Surgical treatment is required only for third- and fourth-grade haemorrhoids, and for permanently bleeding haemorrhoids that cause anaemia. Lesser-grade haemorrhoids can be treated by conservative management or minor outpatient procedures.