Hemorrhoids

Even when hemorrhoids cause itching, bleeding, and pain, many people hesitate to seek help, either because they’re embarrassed or worried about needing surgery. Kevin Carson, MD, CAQ, at Georgia Vascular Institute has the understanding and experience to put you at ease. He has helped many people get relief from their hemorrhoids, offering a cutting-edge technique that avoids rubber bands and surgery, while safely and quickly eliminating your symptoms. To learn more, call the office in Atlanta or Stockbridge, Georgia, or connect online to request an appointment for hemorrhoid care.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are cushions made of blood vessels and connective tissues that form a natural part of your rectal anatomy. Sometimes the hemorrhoidal tissues become swollen and engorged with blood. That’s when you have a problem called hemorrhoids, or more commonly, piles.

What causes hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids develop when the tissues are subjected to excessive pressure caused by:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Long-lasting constipation
• Prolonged diarrhea
• Sitting on the toilet too long

Women frequently develop piles during pregnancy and childbirth.

What hemorrhoid symptoms might I have?

There are two types of hemorrhoids with different symptoms:

Internal hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids inside the anus (internal hemorrhoids) often cause bright red rectal bleeding and may slide out of the anus (prolapse). The bleeding most often occurs during bowel movements, but it may happen any time if you have severe hemorrhoids.

Internal hemorrhoids are further classified into four grades (types) to guide treatment decisions:

Type 1

These are internal hemorrhoids that don’t prolapse.

Type 2

These hemorrhoids prolapse during bowel movements but go back inside the anal canal.

Type 3

Type 3 hemorrhoids prolapse and stay outside your anus but can be put back in place manually.

Type 4

This is an internal hemorrhoid that comes out of the anus and can’t be returned to the anal canal.

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids (under the skin outside your anus) typically cause irritation and itching. They can also develop a painful blood clot.

How are hemorrhoids treated?

Even if you need a procedure to eliminate your hemorrhoids, it’s always important to increase your dietary fiber with fruits and vegetables or by taking a fiber supplement. When increasing your fiber, it’s also crucial to drink enough fluids.

Avoiding straining during bowel movements and limiting the time you sit on the toilet also help to prevent future hemorrhoids.

There are several techniques for eliminating internal hemorrhoids, including rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation, sclerotherapy, and surgery.

But you have another treatment option: hemorrhoidal embolization.

What is hemorrhoidal embolization?

Dr. Carson specializes in hemorrhoidal embolization, a minimally invasive procedure for treating type 2 and 3 hemorrhoids.

During a hemorrhoidal embolization, Dr. Carson guides a catheter through your blood vessels to the arteries carrying blood to your hemorrhoids. He uses the catheter to release tiny particles or coils that block the blood vessel, treating your hemorrhoids by reducing blood flow.

Call Georgia Vascular Institute today or book an appointment online if you suffer with hemorrhoid symptoms.

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