Bleeding Hemorrhoids Treatment: Medical and Surgical Options Briefly Explained

Bleeding hemorrhoids can be symptoms of serious diseases like colorectal cancer and proximal neoplasia.  This is especially true for individuals with family history of cancer or in patients with sudden changes in bowel movement habits.  If these medical conditions are ruled out during physical examination, either through manual inspection or anoscopy and rigid sigmoidoscopy or complete colonoscopy, then the following medical and surgical options can be considered in choosing the best bleeding hemorrhoids treatment for a particular patient.

Rubber Band Ligation

This is an outpatient procedure usually performed in the surgeon’s clinic.  Special elastic bands are wound around the internal hemorrhoids, which will then cut off their blood supply.  In a few days time, normal bowel movement will cause the shriveled hemorrhoid and its elastic band to fall off.  Patients recover faster and often with considerably lesser pain than other medical procedures.  Success rate is between 60-80 percent while costs can range from $500-$1,500 with no insurance coverage.  Also, this procedure is applicable for Grades I and II hemorrhoids, with limited success for Grade III types.

Infrared Coagulation

Infrared radiation is directed at the apex of the hemorrhoid located at the top of the anal canal, with phosphate enema administered beforehand.  The tissue protein coagulates and the water evaporates from the cells, hence, leading to shrinkage.  And it is most beneficial to Grade I and small Grade II hemorrhoids only.  This procedure requires more sessions than rubber band ligation to relieve symptoms of bleeding hemorrhoids. Each session will cost anywhere from $400-$500 each with an average of four treatments necessary to achieve hemorrhoid treatment.

Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy

This surgical procedure was developed in response to the pain experienced by patients from traditional hemorrhoidectomy.  Also known as procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH), it utilizes a standard circular stapler to lessen the degree of prolapse while avoiding wounds to the perianal area.  As such, post-operative pain is significantly lesser and recovery times are faster.  However, it may not be ideal for some kinds of bleeding hemorrhoids.  Ask your surgeon about it just to be on the safe side.

Doppler Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation

One of the best bleeding hemorrhoids treatment options for its outpatient nature that allows for immediate return to work, Doppler guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation is painless, efficient and safe.  Also, the bleeding associated with other medical and surgical procedures are inexistent with this procedure, which goes a long way towards the patient’s peace of mind.  Plus, its low rate of side effects and complications has made it the one of the preferred treatment options for all types of hemorrhoids.  The costs can be covered by insurance, too.

Hemorrhoidectomy

Traditional hemorrhoidectomy is an invasive surgical procedure only performed on the most severe cases of hemorrhoids.  Often, too, this is performed when all other treatment options like rubber band ligation has failed.  Complications like incontinence in later life, profuse bleeding and extreme post-operative pain are associated with hemorrhoidectomy.  Financial costs, too, can be a pain on the pocket with amounts ranging from $9,000 to $12,000 without insurance coverage.

Discuss your options with your surgeon in light of the above information.  However, hurry because bleeding hemorrhoids are not only extremely embarrassing but can also be dangerous in some instances.