Despite how common piles treatment is in Singapore, only a handful of the population understands what the procedure is for and what it means.
If you're thinking of going to a colorectal clinic in Singapore for a piles treatment, you need to understand what the procedure entails.
To help Singaporeans out, we've created a guide for piles treatment! Starting with what piles are.
What are Piles
Commonly known as haemorrhoids, piles are inflamed and swollen tissues of various sizes in the anal area. Depending on the condition, they may be internal or external.
Internal piles are found 2 to 4 centimetres above the opening of the anus. They are known as the common type of piles.
On the other hand, external piles are seen on the outside edge of the anal area.
Four Grades of Piles
Generally speaking, the condition can be classified into four different grades.
The first grade, known as Grade I, are small inflammations found inside the lining of the anal area. They are commonly invisible.
The second grade of piles, known as Grade II, is also found within the anus. They may get pushed during bowel movements but are known to return.
The third grade, known as Grade III, appears outside the anus. Commonly identified as prolapsed haemorrhoids, patients often feel them hanging from the rectum but can easily be re-inserted.
The last grade, Grade IV, are piles that require treatment. They are large and are generally found outside the anus.
What Causes Piles
Just like other conditions, there are several causes of piles. But generally speaking, haemorrhoids are formed when the blood vessels around the anus and the rectum stretches due to pressure.
The pressure is usually the result of chronic constipation, chronic diarrhoea, lifting heavy weights, pregnancy or straining during bowel movements.
Piles can also be inherited and increase as we age.
Symptoms of Piles
Generally speaking, piles cause symptoms that are not serious and normally resolve by themself after a few days.
But if you're experiencing these symptoms, you may have piles;
- If you feel a painful lump around the anus.
- If you feel like your bowels are still full after a bowel movement.
- If you see bright red blood after a bowel movement.
- If you feel itchiness and see redness around the anal area.
- If you feel pain during bowel movements.
In severe cases, piles can cause excessive anal bleeding, infection, as well as faecal incontinence.
Piles Treatment
Piles treatments in Singapore have been categorized into three; lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery.
Depending on the result of your assessment from a colorectal clinic in Singapore, your treatment may fall under one of these categories.
Lifestyle Changes
For those in a minor condition, a doctor may recommend a change in diet and body weight. To lessen excessive straining from constipation, doctors may recommend patients eat more fibre like fruits and vegetables. They may also recommend increasing one's water intake.
Patients on the heavier side may be advised to lose some of their weight. They may recommend regular exercise to avoid straining during bowel movements.
Medications
Thanks to modern science, there are now several medicinal options available in Singapore. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as ointments, pain killers, and pads.
These medications can help soothe the redness and soreness of the area.
For patients suffering from constipation may be prescribed laxatives to ease the strain they feel during bowel movements.
Surgery
In severe conditions, a surgical operation may be recommended.
Banding: During the procedure, a doctor will place an elastic band around the base of the pile to cut off its blood supply. This surgical treatment is often recommended to grade IV piles.
Sclerotherapy: This surgical therapy uses medicine to shrink the haemorrhoid. Once the medicine is injected, the piles eventually shrivel up. This treatment is often used on patients with grade II and III piles.
Infrared Coagulation: Using infrared light, the operation burns the haemorrhoid tissue. The treatment is also known as infrared light coagulation and is often recommended to patients with grade I and II piles.
Diagnosing
For you to find the appropriate piles treatment in Singapore, you need to visit a local colorectal clinic.
The doctor will carry out a physical examination to examine the anal area of a patient. They may also ask questions regarding your family history with piles and if there's been any blood seen in their stool.
Should there be signs of internal piles, the doctor will perform a digital rectal examination or use a proctoscope to see the anal canal up close. There are also certain cases wherein doctors collect small tissue samples from the patient's rectum.
Ultimately, a visit to a colorectal clinic in Singapore is key to knowing which piles treatment is appropriate for your condition.
Learn more about the available piles' treatment in Singapore by visiting Dr QM Leong's website!
