Haemorrhoids (Piles)
Expert Diagnosis & Treatment

1 in 3

Adults affected

50%

Resolve with lifestyle changes alone

Treatment

Day case, no hospital stay, home same day

— What are Haemorrhoids?

Understanding Piles

Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus, similar to varicose veins. While entirely benign, the bleeding, itching and discomfort they cause can significantly impact daily life. My approach is always to start with the most conservative measures and escalate only where clinically necessary.

They can develop inside the rectum (internal haemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (external haemorrhoids). Both types are extremely common, affecting around 1 in 3 adults at some point in their life.

Internal

Internal Haemorrhoids

Located inside the rectum. Usually painless but can cause bright red bleeding and may prolapse during a bowel movement. Graded I–IV based on severity.

External

External Haemorrhoids

Located under the skin around the anus. Can be painful, especially if a blood clot forms (thrombosed haemorrhoid), causing sudden pain and a firm lump.

— Recognising the Condition

Symptoms of Haemorrhoids

Symptoms can develop gradually and vary depending on the size and location of the haemorrhoid. Common presentations include:

 
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Painless Bleeding

Bright red blood on toilet tissue or in the bowl, typically after passing a stool.

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Prolapse

A lump that pushes out of the anus during a bowel movement. May retract on its own or require manual reduction.

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Itching & Irritation

Persistent discomfort and itching in the anal region, often caused by mucus discharge from the haemorrhoid.

Discomfort or Pain

Typically associated with external haemorrhoids or a thrombosed (clotted) pile. Internal haemorrhoids are usually painless.

⚕ Clinical Note

Rectal bleeding should never be assumed to be caused by haemorrhoids alone. It is important to seek specialist assessment to rule out other underlying conditions. Please book a consultation so a thorough examination can be performed.

— The Consultation Process

Diagnosis & Investigation

During your initial consultation, I will carry out a thorough assessment to determine the nature and severity of your haemorrhoids and ensure there is no other underlying pathology. This is a key reason why specialist evaluation is so important.

1

Physical Examination

A gentle external inspection of the anal region to identify skin tags, external haemorrhoids and any other relevant findings. Performed with care and discretion at every step.

2

Proctoscopy

A brief in-office examination using a small, well-lubricated scope to view the internal anal canal. This is usually performed during your first visit and allows direct visualisation of internal haemorrhoids.

3

Further Endoscopic Investigation

If there are red flag symptoms, or depending on your age and medical history, I may recommend a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy. These provide a complete view of the bowel and are arranged as a separate, scheduled procedure. This step ensures nothing is missed.

— Management Pathways

Treatment Options

My approach to treatment is stepwise, beginning with the least invasive, evidence-based options and escalating only where necessary. The right treatment depends on the grade and type of your haemorrhoids.

1

Conservative Management

First-line · Most patients see significant relief

Improving bowel habits is the most important first step. Many patients experience significant and lasting relief through these measures alone.

  • Diet & Hydration: A high-fibre diet with adequate fluid intake softens stools and reduces straining, the primary cause of haemorrhoidal pressure.
  • Avoid Straining: Never strain during a bowel movement. Respond promptly to the urge and avoid spending prolonged time on the toilet.
  • Fibre Supplementation: Ispaghula husk or psyllium if dietary intake is insufficient.
  • Topical Preparations: Over-the-counter creams can help relieve itching and discomfort while conservative measures take effect.
  • Sitz Baths: Warm water soanks 2–3 times daily to ease discomfort and promote healing.
Most patients notice significant improvement within 2–4 weeks of optimising fibre intake, hydration and bowel habits.
2

Clinic-Based Procedures

No general anaesthetic required · Performed in the outpatient setting

If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes, internal haemorrhoids can often be treated effectively without the need for general anaesthesia.

  • Rubber Band Ligation (Banding): A small medical band is placed around the base of the haemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. The haemorrhoid then shrinks and resolves over 1–2 weeks. This is a well-established, highly effective procedure for Grades I–III internal haemorrhoids.
Banding is quick, well tolerated and can be performed during a clinic visit. Some patients require more than one session for complete resolution.
3

Surgical Treatment

For larger or refractory haemorrhoids · Day-case procedures

For larger, more symptomatic, or persistent haemorrhoids, I offer several specialist surgical procedures performed under anaesthetic as a day case.

  • HALO (Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation) / DGHAL: An ultrasound probe is used to precisely identify and tie off the blood vessels feeding the haemorrhoids. Without a blood supply, the haemorrhoids shrink over time. This technique is precise, effective and associated with a faster recovery than traditional surgery.
  • RAR (Rectoanal Repair): Sometimes combined with HALO for larger, prolapsing haemorrhoids to reposition and restore the tissue to its natural position. Together, HALO-RAR provides highly effective treatment with an excellent long-term outcome.
  • Haemorrhoidectomy: The surgical removal of haemorrhoids. Reserved for highly selected cases where other treatments have failed or are unsuitable. Highly effective with durable results.
The most appropriate surgical procedure will be discussed and agreed with you in full during your consultation. All options carry excellent outcomes in experienced hands.

— Why Choose Specialist Care?

The Importance of Expert Assessment

Self-diagnosing haemorrhoids can lead to delayed treatment for other, more serious conditions. Rectal bleeding in particular should always be properly investigated by a specialist. I provide a comprehensive evaluation to ensure your treatment is safe, accurate, and tailored to you.

 
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Accurate Diagnosis

Proper examination to exclude other causes of bleeding and rectal symptoms, including bowel cancer screening where appropriate.

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Tailored Treatment

A management plan specific to your grade of haemorrhoid, symptoms and lifestyle, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Prompt Access

Most patients are seen within days. Clinic-based procedures can often be performed at the same appointment.

Regain Your Quality of Life

Expert management can resolve most symptoms of piles effectively.
Take the first step, book a consultation with Mr. Lalit Kumar today.

Haemorrhoidal anatomy

Internal haemorrhoid, above dentate line, usually painless Prolapsed haemorrhoid, protrudes through the anal canal External haemorrhoid, below dentate line, may be painful
  1. Internal haemorrhoid, above dentate line, usually painless
  2. Prolapsed haemorrhoid, protrudes through the anal canal
  3. External haemorrhoid, below dentate line, may be painful
Quick Facts

Adults affected

1 in 3

Resolve conservatively

~50%

Banding success rate

~80%

HALO / surgical cure

>90%

Book a Consultation

Specialist opinion when it matters

Appointments typically within 3–5 working days.