Things to Know Before Deciding on a Bleeding Hemroids Treatment

Bleeding hemorrhoids manifest themselves through blood on the stool, on the toilet paper and bowl, and even on the underwear.  Unfortunately, many people suffer from bleeding hemorrhoids than one would think.  Fortunately, there are surgical treatment options that sufferers can choose from in order to stop its painful symptoms. The trick is in choosing the best bleeding hemorrhoids treatment, with the following considerations to be asked of the surgeon as the patient’s guide.

Medical and Surgical Options

At present, there are many surgical options from which doctor and patient can choose from in order to treat severe bleeding hemorrhoids.  The final treatment choice depends on many factors like the location, size and severity of the hemorrhoids as well as the age and pre-existing medical conditions of the patient.  As such, it is very important to thoroughly discuss these options with the surgeon so as to be informed about the options available as it applies to your present physical condition.

To name a few of these options, surgeons and patients can choose from rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, stapled hemorrhoidectomy, Doppler guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation, and hemorrhoidectomy.  As can be expected, each one has its risk and benefits.

Surgical Risks and Benefits

Like any surgery, all of the abovementioned bleeding hemorrhoids treatment options have physical and mental risks and benefits.  First, rubber band ligation involves lesser pain and faster recovery time, hence, its popularity amongst surgeons. Second, sclerotherapy can result in rare cases of visual disturbances and allergic reactions, to name a few complications.  Third, stapled hemorrhoidectomy is less painful coupled with shorter recovery time but is not applicable for painful external hemorrhoids. Fourth, Doppler guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation is considered the best treatment for bleeding hemorrhoids.  Fifth, hemorrhoidectomy is associated with severe Grade IV hemorrhoids due to the complications that can ensue after the operation.  Again, discuss the risks and benefits with your surgeon before the operation.  This way, the mind is prepared for the post-operative events that will happen.

Surgical Costs

Fortunately, surgical hemorrhoid treatment is covered by insurance except when it is covered by a specific exclusion.  Thus, always talk to your insurance provider to determine coverage. Keep in mind, however, that out-of-pocket costs for inpatient surgery can reach $2,000 depending on factors like co-insurance and deductible amounts.  For patients with no insurance, costs vary depending on type of treatment.  For rubber band ligation, costs range from $500 to $1,500 while the most expensive type costs anywhere from $9,000 to $12,000.  As such, it pays to know your financial options before the surgery happens.  In this way, you are prepared to pay the doctor’s fees, hospital bills and outpatient medication.

Surgical Experience

Most important, research into the surgeon’s professional credentials and capabilities are necessary.  Ask questions like years of surgical experience, number of times a certain recommended operation has been performed and success rate.  Better yet, look for a licensed surgeon certified and recognized by government authorities and professional associations.  In the United States, this organization is the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

When you are satisfied that the surgical option presented is acceptable and the surgeon is capable, it is a simple matter of proceeding with the operation as soon as necessary.