Stages of Chronic Hemorrhoids:
- Stage I – occasional itching, burning, slight blood discharge.
- Stage II – prolapse of the hemorrhoidal nodes during defecation, which return to place on their own.
- Stage III – prolapsed nodes that require manual repositioning.
- Stage IV – constant prolapse of nodes, possible complications (thrombosis, necrosis).
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The main symptoms of hemorrhoids are bloody discharge during or after bowel movements, itching, burning and a sense of discomfort in the anal area. As the disease progresses, a sensation of a foreign body in the rectum may develop, along with prolapse of the hemorrhoidal nodes, especially when straining or after using the toilet.
Preparation involves three main steps: adjusting the diet, cleansing the bowel and coordinating medication use. Three to five days before surgery, it is recommended to switch to a diet advised by the doctor and increase water intake. As directed by the doctor, blood-thinning medications must be paused. On the evening before and on the morning of surgery, the bowel is cleansed using a laxative or a micro-enema. The surgery is performed on an empty stomach. The last meal should be 8 hours before the procedure. Detailed recommendations are provided to the patient at the preoperative consultation at the Helios Medical Center.
Recovery time depends on the treatment method. After minimally invasive procedures (laser vaporization, ligation or sclerotherapy), the patient returns to normal life within 1–3 days. After surgical treatment of hemorrhoids (hemorrhoidectomy or the Longo procedure), recovery takes on average 2–4 weeks. During this period, a gentle diet, limited physical activity and adherence to the doctor's recommendations are advised. The Helios Medical Center provides patient monitoring during the postoperative period.
In the early stages, chronic hemorrhoids respond well to conservative treatment. Venotonics, anti-inflammatory medications, a high-fiber diet and therapeutic exercise help relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. In the second stage, minimally invasive methods are effective — rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency coagulation or laser vaporization. Surgical treatment of hemorrhoids is indicated in advanced stages, when conservative therapy and minimally invasive procedures fail to produce results.
The choice of surgical treatment method depends on the stage of the disease. In the second stage, minimally invasive methods are effective — rubber band ligation, laser vaporization, radiofrequency coagulation or sclerotherapy. They are performed on an outpatient basis and do not require lengthy recovery. In the third and fourth stages, when the nodes prolapse and cannot be reduced, surgical treatment of chronic hemorrhoids is indicated. After examination, a proctologist at the Helios Medical Center will select the optimal treatment method.
