Hemorrhoids

Overview

Hemorrhoids are blood vessels in the lower rectum and around the anus. They often result from straining to have bowel movements, constipation, and increased pressure on the lower rectum. They also can result from pregnancy, aging with weakness of the tissues, and diarrhea. Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external, depending on their location.

Diagnosis

The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are rectal bleeding, itching, rectal pain and swelling, thrombosis, or protrusion of hemorrhoids during bowel movements. It is important that symptoms are checked by a colon and rectal surgeon because other conditions like anal or rectal cancer can also present in a similar way.

Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatments

High fiber diet and fiber supplementation is usually recommended along with increased water intake. Avoidance of straining and hard stools or loose stool as well. Sitz baths with warm water will also be helpful. Most of the hemorrhoids will respond to topical treatments with creams and ointments and improve in a matter of days. The swelling usually will take longer to improve.

Surgical Treatments

Hemorrhoidectomy

Removal of hemorrhoids, often both internal and external, during general anesthesia in the operating room. This is usually accompanied by more pain compared to the other surgical options for hemorrhoids.

Rubber Band Ligation

A band is placed at the base of the hemorrhoid, which will fall off 5-7 days later. The hemorrhoid will regress because of a lack of blood supply. This method is painless but some patients exhibit discomfort or pressure for 24h. This method of treatment of hemorrhoids has great success rates and very high patient satisfaction. It takes place in an office setting due to lack of pain. In general, patients can return to work the same day.

THD (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization)

Is a newer method of treating hemorrhoids which involves suturing of the hemorrhoids to interrupt the blood flow under Doppler guidance. It is done in operating room settings under anesthesia. It is highly successful and carries significantly less pain when compared to hemorrhoidectomy. The entire procedure is done on the inside of the rectum, leaving no scars on the outside.

Click Here For More Information on THD

ASCRS: Hemorrhoids

National Digestive Diseases Information Cleaninghouse: What are hemorrhoids?

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15 hours ago

Professional staff, did not wait long, listened and provided the help I needed.

Lisa G.

3 days ago

I’ve had a great experience with DHI. They have been attentive and listen carefully. I always leave with a plan of action- I would recommend them to family and friends.

Kathy M.

3 days ago

My PA Scott did a fantastic job of going over my records with me, making the transition to a new doctor and PA so much more comfortable. Change can be difficult when you've been seeing the same doctor for years and have developed a solid relationship with your doctor and his/her assistants. I have also spent time with Amanda, who is so personable and understanding. Dr LeeAllan is also very thorough and thoughtful, and she takes the time to listen and weigh out a 'course of treatment'. I'm feeling way better about Dr. Walling's retirement!

Roberta M.

6 days ago

The doctor ask me questions about the history of my issue. He suggested treatment. Further tests were scheduled in a timely manner. A follow up visit will be scheduled after the test results are in. It was a very productive appointment.

Sarah P.

7 days ago

I saw Donald Laird. He was very prompt, thorough, informative, well- educated, and listened well to all my concerns and health history. Very happy to have been sent here, just wish it would have been years sooner like it should have been.

Stefan G.

1 week ago

The staff at the Digestive Health Institute | Gastroenterology is a remarkable group of people. Let’s be honest, nobody looks forward to seeing a gastroenterologist, so when the staff at a medical practice—the ENTIRE staff—is kind and helpful, patients are going to feel more comfortable being there. That is the hallmark of patient-centered care, and it’s what I experienced at the Digestive Health Institute | Gastroenterology. The intake person at the front desk was pleasant, helpful and efficient. I was struggling with my allergies and needed water, and after directing me to the water fountain, he offered me a cup. While that’s a small gesture, it demonstrated real consideration. My medical history was taken by a staff member who was engaging and friendly. I saw a medical resident who spoke with me about why I was there. I gave her some of my history, and then I saw Jannel Lee-Allen. Dr. Lee-Allen has a remarkably good bedside manner. She showed concern while at the same time being direct. Hearing things that are potentially unpleasant are sometimes best said in a direct way, and I value that. Dr. Lee-Allen was clear and concise and direct, but her clarity was infused with a sense of humor. Again, that’s putting a patient at ease. I had to schedule a procedure, and that involved spending a lot of time with the scheduler. She took the time I needed. I never felt rushed. The time it took was based not on her getting to the next patient. It was about what I needed and making sure I understood everything about preparation for an upcoming procedure. I struggled to understand some things, and I needed her to go over them several times. The scheduler, however, was reassuring, telling me she would take the time necessary. She wanted to make sure I understood what was happening. This is another example of how the Digestive Health Institute | Gastroenterology believes in patient-centered care—something they demonstrated that every step of the way.

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1 week ago

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2 weeks ago

Dr. Don is really cool ! Hes a great dr. Been coming to this place for quite a while & glad there here to help.😊

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Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, click their image or visit our providers page.

Scott Plaehn, DO, FACOI

Albert Ross, MD

Dorian Jones, MD

Jannel Lee-Allen, MD

Tadd Hiatt, MD

Matthew J. DiMagno, MD, AGAF

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If an Digestive Health Institute physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. You may call 517-332-1200 and press “8″ and your call will be directed to the triage nurse.

What insurances do you accept?

Digestive Health Institute accepts payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 517-332-1200 #6.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 517-332-1200. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours please call our answering service at 517-483-9124 and the doctor on call will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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