Hemorrhoids
Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists
Lisa A. Perryman, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Colon and Rectal Surgeon & A Private Medical Practice located in the Denver Metropolitan Area, CO
About 50% of people over 50 experience discomfort and pain due to hemorrhoids. At Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists in the Denver metropolitan area, Colorado, proctologist and hemorrhoids expert Lisa A. Perryman, MD, FACS, FASCRS, offers several nonsurgical treatment options, including rubber band ligation, to shrink hemorrhoids and ease your symptoms. Dr. Perryman also specializes in surgery to remove large hemorrhoids if necessary. Call Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists or request an appointment through the online booking system to learn more about available hemorrhoid treatments.
Hemorrhoids Q & A
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoidal tissues are a natural part of your anal canal and are made up of blood vessels and connective tissue.
When this tissue swells large enough, it can cause hemorrhoids. The most common causes of hemorrhoidal tissue swelling include:
- Pregnancy
- Heavy lifting
- Strenuous exercise
- Prolonged sitting
- Obesity
- Chronic constipation
Depending on the location of the swollen tissue, you may experience pain and a variety of other symptoms that interfere with your quality of life.
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids that develop internally may not cause any pain, but you may experience rectal bleeding. In some cases, the hemorrhoid can grow large enough to protrude from the anus and you may feel a noticeable lump during a bowel movement or when wiping.
If you have an external hemorrhoid, you may have a blue-colored lump just outside your anus. The lump may be sensitive to the touch or cause severe pain, especially with bowel movements or when lifting heavy objects.
When should I seek treatment for hemorrhoids?
If you have painful hemorrhoids, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation with Dr. Perryman as soon as possible.
Dr. Perryman is a leading expert in diagnosing hemorrhoids through a gentle exam. She can identify the location and type of hemorrhoid you have and determine which treatment is right for you.
How are hemorrhoids treated?
To ease your pain and make it easier to sit and use the bathroom comfortably, Dr. Perryman offers several pain-free nonsurgical treatment options at Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists, including:
Rubber band ligation
Rubber band ligation is a painless procedure that involves the placement of a small rubber band around an internal hemorrhoid. The band cuts off blood flow to the area, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off.
Infrared coagulation (IRC)
Infrared coagulation is a nonsurgical treatment for small to medium internal hemorrhoids. The treatment involves delivering controlled amounts of heat energy from an infrared light to cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. The loss of blood causes it to shrink and fall off naturally.
Excision
If you have an enlarged external hemorrhoid — this type isn’t treatable with rubber band ligation or IRC — Dr. Perryman may need to remove it with an in-office excision. This procedure can relieve pain faster than allowing the hemorrhoid to go away on its own.
Surgery
When you have very large or painful hemorrhoids, Dr. Perryman may recommend surgery. She uses specialized surgical techniques to remove both external and internal hemorrhoids and helps you find immediate relief of hemorrhoid pain and other symptoms.
If you have rectal bleeding or need treatment for a painful hemorrhoid, schedule a consultation online or by phone at Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists.