Klinika Flebologii | leczenie żył | flebolog | Warszawa / Phlebology Clinic

Disease description

Based on the progression, haemorrhoids may be classified into four grades:

I - haemorrhoids do not prolapse the anal canal
II - haemorrhoids reside inside the anal canal and they are visible under anoscopy
III - haemorrhoids are visible outside the anus with straining
IV - haemorrhoids are always outside the anal canal and they are not reversible

Hemorrhoids - the mechanism of formation

Constantly enlarged haemorrhoids cannot be put back inside the anal canal. It is associated with symptoms which are experienced by a patient to a lager extent. A list of the most common symptoms includes bleeding, burning sensation in the anal area, itching and pain. In this case, we refer to the so called haemorrhoidal disease.

The first stage of haemorrhoidal disease consists in a slight bleeding or feeling a discomfort in the anal area.

Haemorrhoids, which are examined by the proctologist using speculum, bulge but do not prolapse. Successive stages are accompanied by the prolapse of haemorrhoids with straining. Manual reduction of haemorrhoids brings some relief over time. Large haemorrhoids protruding from the anal canal, which are not reversible and are always outside the anus, belong to the most problematic ones. If enlarged haemorrhoids are not treated, they gradually become larger. Consequently, symptoms become more intense over time and more invasive methods of treatment must be applied.

Important issues

Is haemorrhoidal disease a prevalent health condition?

Similarly to venous insufficiency of lower extremities, haemorrhoidal disease is one of the most prevalent health conditions in the present times.

Similarly to venous insufficiency of lower extremities, haemorrhoidal disease is one of the most prevalent health conditions in the present times. It is estimated that even more than 50% of the population in highly developed countries have problems with enlarged haemorrhoids.

How is haemorrhoidal disease diagnosed?

Surgeon-proctologist makes a diagnosis of haemorrhoidal disease. During the examination, haemorrhoids may be visible or palpable on per rectum exam. Examination with a speculum called anoscope or rectoscope is carried out when a special instrument is inserted into the rectum as to allow for the inspection of the anal canal and rectum and visualization of lesions.

Although haemorrhoidal disease is one of the most prevalent conditions of posterior parts of intestine, other rare ailments such as fissures or fistulas in the anal area as well as the thrombosis of rectal venous plexus should not be forgotten. Thus, consultation with surgeon-proctologist is required while qualifying for the method of treatment. Avoidance of examination and treatment often result in a deterioration in the condition of the patient or delay in making an appropriate diagnosis.

Who is most commonly diagnosed with haemorrhoidal disease?

The prevalence of haemorrhoidal disease increases with age. It occurs rarely in individuals aged less than 20-25 years.

The prevalence of haemorrhoidal disease increases with age. It occurs rarely in individuals aged less than 20-25 years. Besides genetic factors, which are of significance in some patients, pregnant women are also at higher risk of developing haemorrhoidal disease, especially those that delivered a child more than twice. Haemorrhoidal disease is more common in obese people, those who lift heavy objects, sit for long periods of time, have problems with defecation or suffer from enteritis.

Problems with blood flow and venostasis in the area of anus and rectum may also occur in people with neoplasm of large intestine or other tumours of small pelvis as well as people with disorders in hepatic portal vein circulation and hypertension in abdominal veins.

What are the minimally invasive methods used for the treatment of enlarged haemorrhoids?

Conservative approach (dietary changes and phlebotropic drugs) and surgical approach are used in the therapy of enlarged haemorrhoids. Nowadays, new minimally invasive methods are more commonly used. Due to an increased awareness, patients who suspect haemorrhoidal disease seek medical advice earlier when the disease is less advanced.

Currently, older minimally invasive methods such as sclerotherapy, Barron’s ligation ("banding"), Hemoron or Oberon methods are replaced by modern procedures.

In the Phlebology Clinic, two minimally invasive methods are used to reduce haemorrhoids:

laser-based method Laser HemorrhoidoPlasty (LHP, ELVeS system)
Doppler-Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (DG HAL)

What is the characteristics of varicose veins of anus?

Varicose veins of anus are different from the enlarged haemorrhoids. The part of our body the so called rectal venous plexus contributes to the occurrence of varicose veins of anus. Contrary to haemorrhoids which are identified with ‘internal haemorrhoids’, varicose veins of anus are sometimes referred to as ‘external haemorrhoids’. Inflammation and thrombosis accompanied by redness and swelling around the anus are the most common diseases of rectal venous plexuses.
Conservative approach, e.g. sitz bath, suppositories, ointments and surgical approach, e.g. excision and evacuation of the clot may be adopted in the treatment of the thrombosis of rectal venous plexus. Proctologist makes the decision on the method of treatment.

Methods of treatment