Hemorrhoid Treatment - What To Expect

The first appointment will consist of, at minimum, a consultation with a board-certified specialist. During diagnosis, the physician may perform a digital exam as well as sigmoidoscopy, a visual examination of the lower bowel using a lighted tube connected to an eyepiece.nnIf the diagnosis is hemorrhoids, treatment can start immediately. In the event of multiple hemorrhoids, often the largest, most symptomatic hemorrhoid is banded first. Additional appointments are then scheduled to treat the remaining hemorrhoids at one to two week intervals with a final check-up and optional three weeks later.

nnSometimes patients have both an anal fissure and hemorrhoids. Our ligation system allows us to frequently begin concurrent treatment of both conditions allowing for a quicker recovery.nnAfter CarennFollowing hemorrhoid banding, we recommend that you rest at home for the remainder of the day and resume full activity the next day. You can have normal bowel movements during this time, but you may want to soak in a sitz bath (a warm tub with a tablespoon of table salt added) or use a bidet for a gentler cleansing of the anal opening.nnSoon you'll be feeling much better, but you'll need to make some changes to prevent future problems. Straining due to constipation should be diligently avoided, so be sure to drink seven or eight glasses of water (around 50 ounces) a day and add two tablespoons of natural oat or wheat bran to your diet. (Metamucil, Benefiber, flax or other soluble fiber may be helpful as well.)nnWe also recommend that you not sit longer than two minutes on the toilet. If you can't have a bowel movement in that time, come back later. This two-minute rule can help keep you from straining during bowel movements without realizing it. Finally, when traveling by air, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, eat fiber and walk around when you can.nnArticle source:n The center for Colorectal Health - Hemorrhoid Treatmentn