Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
updated on 10/09/2006 at 04:49PM
Hemorrhoids are a common condition that affects both man and women, young and old. More than one third of the American population suffers from hemorrhoids. The prevalence of hemorrhoids increases after age thirty; however, people of all ages are treated for this condition. Hemorrhoids are caused by excessive pressure in the anal area that causes rectal veins to stretch and swell. They are similar to varicose veins in the legs. Hemorrhoids can occur either inside the anal canal or under the skin surrounding the tissue. Prolapsed hemorrhoids form inside the anal canal and then bulges to the outside of the anus. Special care and treatment is necessary for prolapsed hemorrhoids.
External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids occur under the skin around the anus. The can be itchy and quite painful and may even crack and bleed. If a blood clot develops inside the hemorrhoid, it is called a thrombosed or clotted hemorrhoid. This type of hemorrhoid is very tender and it may prohibit bowel movements, sitting, or walking.
Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids develop in the veins that are inside the rectum. They are usually not painful, but show bright red blood either on the toilet paper or mixed in with the stool. If an internal hemorrhoid bulges on the outside of the anus, it is called a prolapsed hemorrhoid. Over time, prolapsed hemorrhoids may shrink on it's own and recede back into the rectum. It may also need to be gently pushed back inside. Prolapsed hemorrhoids are categorized into four surgical classifications depending upon the severity of the prolapse.
Surgical Classification of Hemorrhoids
First-degree hemorrhoids are the least severe classification. They may bleed, but there is no rectal prolapse outside of the anal canal. A second-degree prolapsed hemorrhoids happen outside of the anal canal, usually during a bowel movement. However, they will also recede spontaneously. The third degree classification of prolapsed hemorrhoids usually requires the manual placement of the hemorrhoid back into the anal canal after prolapsing. Fourth degree prolapsed hemorrhoids involve a rectal prolapse that cannot be pushed back into the rectum. When these hemorrhoids occur, the area where the rectal mucous membrane meets the anal skin is positioned almost outside the anal canal, and the rectal mucous membrane permanently occupies the muscular anal canal. In these severe instances, a Hemorrhoidectomy or PPH (Procedure for Prolapsed Hemorrhoids) may be required.
Surgical Treatment of Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
The treatment method used to treat a prolapsed hemorrhoid depends upon the severity of the prolapse and its symptoms. If prolapsed hemorrhoids are too painful to bear, or if the symptoms persist for an unusual length of time, your health care provider may recommend that the prolapsed hemorrhoid be surgically removed to avoid rupture, bleeding, and further damage. Depending upon your doctor's preference and the severity of the hemorrhoid, there are several different medical procedures that can be used to treat prolapsed hemorrhoids.
Prolapsed Hemorrhoid Procedures include: Rubber Band Ligation, Sclerotherapy, Laser Coagulation, Infrared Coagulation, Hemorrhoidectomy, or PPH (Procedure for Prolapsed Hemorrhoids.)
Prolapsed Hemorrhoids Treatment - Rubber Band Ligation
This is the most common procedure used to treat prolapsed internal hemorrhoids. This simple procedure can usually be done in the doctor's office. The doctor will place a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, to cut off circulation, and cause the hemorrhoid to shrivel away. If several hemorrhoids are present, your health care provider will more than likely perform this procedure on only one at a time.
Prolapsed Hemorrhoids Treatment -Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is also known as injection therapy. This procedure is used for curing small hemorrhoids. And in comparison to Rubber Band Ligation, injection therapy can be performed simultaneously on multiple hemorrhoids. However, it is not as effective on larger hemorrhoids. Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a hardening agent into the base of the hemorrhoid that cuts off circulation.
Laser or Infrared Coagulation
These procedures use either a laser or an intense beam of infrared light to burn off the troublesome hemorrhoid and destroy hemorrhoidal tissue.
Prolapsed Hemorrhoid Treatment -Hemorrhoidectomy
Hemorrhoid Surgery, also known as Hemorrhoidectomy, is typically utilized only for severe cases of hemorrhoids. It is recommended for large internal or external hemorrhoids, or for hemorrhoids that present extreme symptoms of pain or itching. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can really be a discomfort if they aren't taken care of. During this procedure, the hemorrhoid is surgically removed under either local or general anesthesia. Hemorrhoidectomy usually requires a hospital stay of three to ten days followed by postoperative recovery at home for two to four weeks.
PPH: Procedure For Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
PPH is a technique that reduces the prolapsed hemorrhoids tissue by excising a band of the prolapsed membrane with a stapling device. It is also referred to as Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy, Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy, and Circumferential Mucosectomy. In the PPH procedure, excess tissue is removed and the remaining hemorrhoidal tissue is stapled, allowing the hemorrhoid to return to its original anatomical position. Prolapsed Hemorrhoids are very uncomfortable to the people that are forced to deal with them.
