Piles: Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Laser Treatment Options in Coimbatore.

February 7, 2025Elce-Clinic-Admin treatment

Piles: Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Laser Treatment Options in Coimbatore

Piles (also known as hemorrhoids) are a common yet often uncomfortable condition that affects millions of people worldwide. If you’re experiencing discomfort, pain, or bleeding during bowel movements, it’s essential to know that you’re not alone, and effective treatments are available. In recent years, laser treatment for piles has emerged as a highly advanced, minimally invasive procedure that offers relief with faster recovery times.

In this blog, we’ll discuss what piles are, their causes and symptoms, and why laser treatment is becoming a popular choice for treating piles in the modern world.

What Are Piles?

Piles are swollen or inflamed veins found in the lower rectum or anus. There are two types of piles:

Internal Hemorrhoids: These develop inside the rectum and are usually painless but can cause bleeding during bowel movements.
External Hemorrhoids: These occur under the skin around the anus and can cause pain, itching, swelling, and bleeding.

While piles are not a serious health threat, they can cause significant discomfort and impact your quality of life. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available, including conservative treatments and advanced surgical methods like laser hemorrhoid surgery.

What Causes Piles?

Several factors can contribute to the development of piles, including:

Straining during bowel movements: Excessive pressure during constipation or diarrhea can cause the veins in the anus and rectum to swell.
Pregnancy: The added pressure of the growing uterus on the pelvic veins can lead to hemorrhoids.
Obesity: Excess weight can increase pressure on the veins in the lower abdomen and rectum.
Age: As people age, the tissues in the rectum and anus may weaken, making them more prone to hemorrhoids.
Sedentary lifestyle: Prolonged sitting or standing can contribute to increased pressure on the rectal veins.
Chronic constipation or diarrhea: These conditions can lead to straining and increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of Piles

While piles may not always cause symptoms, the most common signs to watch out for include:

Rectal bleeding: Bright red blood during or after bowel movements.
Pain and discomfort: Pain during or after bowel movements, especially for external hemorrhoids.
Itching or irritation: Itchy or irritated skin around the anus.
Lumps: A lump near the anus, which may be painful, especially in the case of external hemorrhoids.
Swelling or inflammation: Swelling around the anus, making it uncomfortable to sit.

Traditional Treatment Options for Piles

In many cases, conservative treatments like dietary changes, increased water intake, over-the-counter creams, and sitz baths can help manage mild cases of piles. However, when these methods fail to provide relief or when hemorrhoids become severe, medical intervention becomes necessary.

Traditional Surgical Options:

Hemorrhoidectomy: The surgical removal of hemorrhoids through a traditional open surgery.
Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: A procedure where hemorrhoids are stapled to reduce the prolapsed tissue.

Both of these procedures are effective but come with higher risks, longer recovery times, and the potential for significant discomfort post-surgery.

Laser Treatment for Piles: A Modern and Effective Solution

In recent years, laser treatment for piles has gained popularity as an advanced and minimally invasive solution. This technique offers patients a quicker recovery time, reduced risk of infection, and fewer complications compared to traditional surgical methods.

How Does Laser Treatment for Piles Work?

Laser treatment for piles involves using a high-energy laser to shrink or remove the swollen blood vessels that cause hemorrhoids. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, and most patients are able to go home the same day.

The Laser Procedure:

Local Anesthesia: The area around the anus is numbed to ensure comfort during the procedure.
Laser Application: A laser fiber is inserted into the hemorrhoid tissue, and the laser is activated to heat the tissue. This causes the hemorrhoids to shrink and the blood flow to the area to stop, reducing swelling and discomfort.
Healing Process: Over the next few days, the treated tissue gradually heals, and symptoms like bleeding, pain, and itching are reduced or eliminated.

Benefits of Laser Treatment for Piles:

Minimally Invasive: No large incisions are required, resulting in less tissue damage.
Quick Recovery: Most patients experience minimal pain and can return to their normal activities within a few days.
Reduced Pain: Since the procedure is less invasive, patients report significantly less post-operative pain compared to traditional surgery.
Less Bleeding: The laser seals blood vessels during treatment, which minimizes bleeding during and after the procedure.
Outpatient Procedure: Laser treatment for piles is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning no hospital stay is required.
Fewer Complications: The risk of complications such as infections or recurrence of piles is lower compared to traditional surgery.

Is Laser Treatment Right for You?

Laser treatment for piles is suitable for individuals suffering from moderate to severe hemorrhoids that have not responded to conservative treatments. It’s particularly ideal for patients who are looking for a quick recovery and want to avoid the pain and long downtime associated with traditional surgery.

However, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine whether you are a good candidate for this treatment. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history, the severity of your hemorrhoids, and other factors before recommending laser surgery.

In Coimbatore, ELCE Hospital is equipped with laser treatment for piles.

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

After laser treatment for piles, the recovery process is generally quick and easy:

Pain Management: Mild discomfort or soreness may occur, but over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to manage the pain.
Dietary Changes: Increasing fiber intake and drinking plenty of water can help prevent constipation and reduce pressure on the rectum.
Activity Restrictions: Most patients can resume normal activities after a couple of days, but it’s recommended to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about a week.
Follow-Up: A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to monitor your healing and ensure there are no complications.

Conclusion

Piles are a common condition that can cause significant discomfort, but with modern advancements in medicine, laser treatment for piles has become a safe, effective, and minimally invasive solution. It offers several advantages over traditional surgery, including faster recovery times, less pain, and fewer complications.

If you are struggling with piles and looking for an advanced treatment option, consider speaking with a specialist who can help guide you toward the best solution for your condition.