West Midlands
Surgical Centre
Surgical Centre
Colorectal & General Surgery Specialist
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Call : 191 767 898
Call : 191 767 898
Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are swollen blood vessels in and around the lower rectum and anus. They are among the most common conditions seen in surgical practice, affecting around one in three adults at some point in their lives. Despite how common they are, many people suffer in silence for months or years before seeking help.
Haemorrhoids develop when increased pressure in the lower rectum causes the blood vessels to swell and enlarge. Common contributing factors include chronic constipation or straining on the toilet, a low-fibre diet, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, and a family history of the condition. They become more common with age as the supporting tissues weaken.
There are two main types. Internal haemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and are graded from I to IV depending on their size and whether they prolapse. External haemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus and can be particularly painful, especially if a blood clot forms within them, a condition called a thrombosed haemorrhoid.
The most common symptoms of haemorrhoids include:
Mild haemorrhoids often respond well to simple lifestyle measures. Increasing dietary fibre, through fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, softens the stool and reduces straining. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet, and using topical creams for short-term symptom relief can all help. Most grade I and II internal haemorrhoids improve with these measures alone.
You should seek specialist assessment if your symptoms are not improving with lifestyle changes, if bleeding is persistent or heavy, if a prolapsed haemorrhoid cannot be pushed back in, or if you are experiencing significant pain. A specialist can confirm the diagnosis and offer a range of treatment options tailored to the severity of your symptoms.
The most commonly used outpatient procedure for internal haemorrhoids. A small rubber band is placed around the base of the haemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply. The haemorrhoid shrinks and falls off within a few days. The procedure takes only a few minutes and requires no anaesthetic.
Surgical removal of the haemorrhoids under general or spinal anaesthetic. This is the most definitive treatment for grade III and IV haemorrhoids or those that have not responded to banding. Modern techniques including LigaSure haemorrhoidectomy and the HALO (Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation) procedure offer effective alternatives with less post-operative pain.
A minimally invasive procedure in which the blood supply to the haemorrhoids is reduced using Doppler-guided ligation, without removing tissue. Associated with less pain and a faster return to normal activities compared to conventional haemorrhoidectomy.
Most haemorrhoid procedures are performed as day cases. You go home the same day. Recovery depends on the procedure: banding requires virtually no recovery time, while surgical haemorrhoidectomy typically involves one to two weeks of reduced activity. Maintaining a high-fibre diet and good toilet habits after treatment is essential to prevent recurrence.
If you are troubled by haemorrhoid symptoms, an early specialist assessment can confirm your diagnosis and identify the most appropriate treatment. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how straightforward and effective modern treatments are.
Expert surgical care with prompt access. Most patients seen within 3 to 5 working days.