San Diego Hemorrhoid Treatment

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are cushions of swollen tissue and blood vessels in the lower rectal area. There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the lower rectum above the dentate line. External hemorrhoids occur below the dentate line and are often observed as external lumps or bulges around the anus. However, external hemorrhoid-like symptoms are often actually caused by internal hemorrhoids.

Both internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids can be caused by a number of factors, including constipation, straining, pregnancy, etc., and can be unpleasant if left untreated.

When should I see a hemorrhoid doctor?

Hemorrhoids are usually symptomatic and if your symptoms do not improve with an increase in fiber intake, it is better to consult with a physician that treats hemorrhoids.

If you are experiencing excessive pain and bleeding, it is highly advised that you see a hemorrhoid doctor immediately.

If you have internal hemorrhoids you are very unlikely to be able to see them as they are located inside of the anus. That said, more advanced internal hemorrhoids may protrude from the anal opening during a bowel movement. In most cases, they will be more easily identified by your symptoms, such as anal bleeding or itching.

If you have external hemorrhoids, they may look like lumps or bulges around the anus. You may also feel your external hemorrhoids swell during a bowel movement. Of course, the only way you can be sure you have them is to speak with hemorrhoid doctor.

Our hemorrhoid treatment procedure

In our San Diego clinic we use the CRH O’Regan painless hemorrhoid removal technology. The hemorrhoid treatment process is simple, fast and pain free.

The CRH O’Regan hemorrhoid treatment technology works by cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and fall off in a few days. You may not even notice when this happens.

Benefits of the CRH O’Regan hemorrhoid treatment procedure

• Multiple hemorrhoids are treated in separate visits to ensure a low complication rate – less than 1%
• More than 99% of patients report no post-procedure pain
• Much safer than traditional banding
• Smaller instruments for greater comfort and faster treatment
• We eliminate the risk of transferring disease by employing single-use, disposable devices.

What can I expect from a hemorrhoid treatment?

• Our non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment takes less than 1 minute and is painless.
• Fewer than 5% of patients have a recurrence within 2 years
• Less than 1% complication rate — much safer than traditional banding

Is Hemorrhoid Removal Painless?

The question of whether hemorrhoids can be painless is not a straightforward one. Hemorrhoid removal, also known as hemorrhoidectomy, is a surgical procedure used to remove hemorrhoids, which are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus and rectum. The procedure can take a few minutes to over an hour depending on the technique used and it can be performed under general anesthesia or sometimes with a local anesthesia. While it is possible for some patients to experience minimal pain during and after the procedure, others may experience more severe pain. The pain can be treated with medication and should subside in a few days. Factors such as the type of procedure and the individual's pain tolerance will play a role in determining the amount of pain experienced. It is worth discussing with your surgeon the options available and what can be done to minimize the pain during and after the procedure.

What Is Hemorrhoid Banding?

Hemorrhoid banding, also known as rubber band ligation, is a medical procedure that is used to treat hemorrhoids by cutting off the blood supply to the affected veins. This is done by placing a tight elastic band around the base of the hemorrhoid, typically located in the anal canal. The hemorrhoid will then shrink and eventually fall off. It is done in a doctor's office and often done on an outpatient basis. It's a less invasive method than surgical hemorrhoidectomy and it has a shorter recovery time. It's most suitable for patients who have internal hemorrhoids that protrude during bowel movements and cause bleeding. The procedure is typically done with the use of a proctoscope, anoscope or a sigmoidoscope. There may be some discomfort and slight bleeding after the procedure, but it is considered safe and effective in most cases.

How soon can I recover from a hemorrhoid treatment?

With our unique banding system, you won’t feel pain or need to take valuable time off work.

You can resume your normal activities as tolerated. Simply avoid heavy lifting, rigorous exercise and similarly strenuous activity on the day of your treatment. You can resume all normal activity the next day.

How much does a hemorrhoid removal cost?

The Hemorrhoid treatment with the CRH system is covered by most insurance plans. We do have a cash option for those patients that do not have insurance coverage. The cost is $600 for the procedure if indicated.

If you are experiencing frequent symptoms of hemorrhoids, contact our San Diego office. In addition to providing hemorrhoid treatments, we also work with our patients with lifestyle changes to help with hemorrhoid prevention.