Hemorroid doctor, is the one who works with hemorroids, among other things. They are hemorroid specialist called proctologist. In point of fact, proctologists deal with the entire colon and anorectal canal, which pretty much covers the entire large intestine. When dealing with hemorroids, proctologists are the specialists to see first.
Since more than half of the population will, at some time, suffer from hemorroids, there is a great need for specialists in this area as hemorroid doctor. Patients with this condition generally find that visiting and consulting to doctors specializing in the care of hemorroids is very beneficial, since their area of practice is so focused. You'll have access to all of the latest hemorroid treatments and techniques, and you can be assured that your hemorroid doctor knows all of the latest information that can help relieve your suffering.
Hemorroids fall into a pretty rare medical category in that they are usually not serious but, at the same time, can be occasionally quite complicated to treat. Some of the surgical procedures can even require a specialized surgeon to perform.
A good hemorroid doctor will always give hemorroids the time and attention they deserve, rather than brushing them off as "simple". The hemorroid itself is not much of a problem, but the area of the body hemorroids reside in is quite complicated and needs care and detailed attention in order to work properly. Improperly performed surgery can cause lasting damage to the anal area, which can severely impact quality of life.
The first hemorroid doctor you'll want to see about your hemorroids will be your family doctor, who should already be quite familiar with you and your medical history. A general practitioner with whom you have a good working relationship is invaluable when dealing with any health condition, and doubly so when it comes to hemorroids. Make an appointment to explain and discuss all of your hemorroid symptoms in detail to date.
When hemorroids are uncomplicated by bleeding, thrombosis or extreme prolapse, your hemorroid doctor will probably tell you that the hemorroids will be best treated at home. Your hemorroid doctor will also probably give you recommendations for home treatment to include a high-fiber diet, warm water sitz baths, and any other techniques he or she knows of. For further hemorroid relief, the doctor may also give you a prescription for a painkiller in either cream or tablet form.
On the other hand, if you do have any of the complications your family doctor will probably refer to a proctologist, which is a specialist who deals specifically with the colorectal/anal area. This is one key hemorroid doctors to be aware of.
If your family doctor wants to refer you to a proctologist, do be sure to communicate what's important to you in a doctor who'll be examining such a private and delicate area. While your family doctor may not have the exact education to deal with complicated hemorroids, he or she does know both you and the various specialists in the area. This makes your family doctor the best qualified person to both find a good hemorroid doctor for you and to be your advocate during the continuation of your hemorroids treatment.
These "Hemorroid Doctors" specialize in specific treatments for this condition. Since there are currently many methods for treating hemorroids, these doctors will be able to prescribe which one will be the most effective for your particular case. Most hemorroid doctors will start with conservative treatments initially and then move to more serious techniques if the hemorroids do not respond to treatment.
While most hemorroids are caused infrequently by excess straining or pressure on the anus, there are those that suffer from hemorroids on a chronic basis. This can be very uncomfortable and traditional treatment methods, such as over the counter ointments may not bring enough relief. For these patients, it is usually recommended that they undergo a procedure that will actually remove the hemorroid.
See your doctor if the symptoms last longer than a week because your hemorroid doctor can determine which hemorroid treatment procedures are best for you. You should also see your doctor if you have bleeding, to ensure that there is not some other cause. Your doctor will examine your anus, feel inside the anal canal and may also insert a small metal tube, called a proctoscope, an inch or two into the anal canal to give a better view.
- First- and second- degree hemorroid usually go away on their own if constipation is avoided, but your hemorroid doctor may prescribe a short course of hemorroid cream to relieve symptoms. Third-degree hemorroid may also go away on their own, but if they persist, they may need hospital treatment.
Hemorroid Banding
Involves placing a small rubber band at the base of the hemorroid, so that it pinches the lining of the anal canal. This ‘strangles’ the hemorroid, so it dies and falls off. It causes some scarring. It is more effective than the other hemorroid treatments but has some drawbacks, such as severe bleeding in a few cases. Therefore you need to tell the surgeon if you are on blood-thinning medication. Some people feel faint and nauseous just after the bands are put on, and they can be quite painful for the following 48 hours. According to an article in the British Medical Journal, the success rate for hemorroid banding is:
• 79% of hemorroids are cured • 18% of hemorroid return so that repeat banding is needed • for 2% of hemorroid, it does not work at all.
- Injection of phenol in almond oil is a method of causing scarring in the area, but produces a permanent cure in only about 25% of cases. It is less commonly used now, because the results are not as good as with banding.
- Cryosurgery freezes the hemorroid to destroy it. It is not used much, because it causes a watery discharge afterwards.
- Infrared coagulation uses infrared light to destroy the hemorroid. This method is not commonly used, because it is not as effective as other hemorroid treatment methods.
Hemorroid Surgery.
There are several different operations for hemorroids. In the usual operation, the swollen spongy pad that forms the hemorroids is cut away. It is painful for 7–10 days afterwards. A newer operation, called ‘stapling’, involves cutting away a 2 cm strip of the lining of the rectum and joining the cut edges with a special stapler. People seem to recover quicker from ‘stapling’ than from the ordinary operation. It is not yet a common operation in the UK, but it is popular in the rest of Europe. Although it is less painful than the ordinary operation, it seems to be less effective in the long-term and about 12% of people have a recurrence of the hemorroids within 16 months . However, more research is needed.
Rubber Band Ligation.
Your hemorroid specialist can also determine which procedures is best for you. These outpatient procedures include Rubber Band Ligation, which involves placement of a band around some of the tissue causing the hemorroidal problems. This will cut off the blood supply to the affected area and the hemorroid will eventually shrivel up and fall off. The vast majority of procedures can be performed by hemorroid specialists in an outpatient setting and it is possible to continue most activities immediately following a procedure. The recovery times are usually quite short as well.
Your hemorroid doctor may also recommend that you undergo a special colon cancer screening study (colonoscopy), particularly if you have never had one done, or if you are over the age of 50. The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults over this age have a screening done every five to ten years, although in some cases, more frequent screenings may be necessary. A colon cancer screen combines a variety of different diagnostic procedures and is typically quite painless and quick. These screenings can help your hemorroid doctor spot any underlying health issues that may be causing your condition. In addition, frequent screens can help increase the odds of discovering any abnormalities while they are still easy to treat.
Be aware also that doctors can fire uncooperative patients. If your hemorroid doctor has made a reasonable effort to convince you and your doctor is right according to mainstream medicine, he or she may refuse to see you again. If your doctor should go this far, it may be difficult to find a family doctor in the future, as other doctors don't want to take a risk on accepting a patient who won't listen. For this reason, it is important to maintain open channels of communication, to always be polite and civil, and to make sure that any hemorroid doctor you are considering is open to your priorities, such as natural remedies, before entering that doctor's care.