Hemorrhoids
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus.
Types of haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids are generally classified according to severity.
There are four grades:
- Grade I
Small haemorrhoid without prolapse, not visible from the outside, with usually mild symptoms. - Grade II
More markedly enlarged haemorrhoid, which sometimes comes out with the push, and then returns to its original position. - Grade III
Enlargement to such an extent that the haemorrhoid continually bulges outwards, but can still be pushed back. - Grade IV
Very large prolapsed haemorrhoid which can no longer be pushed back in.
How do haemorrhoids occur?
Factors that can cause haemorrhoids are:
– Increased pressure in the rectum
– Chronic diarrhoea
– Difficult bowel movement or constipation
– Holding back the stool
– Insufficient physical activity
– Not drinking enough water
– Overweight
– Pregnancy
– Regularly eating food low in fibre
– Genetic predisposition
– Old age
Symptoms of haemorrhoids
– Bleeding
– Itching and/or burning
– Pain during defecation
– Painful feeling in the anus
– Swelling in or around the anus
– Loss of fluid or mucus
How to prevent haemorrhoids?
To prevent or deal with symptoms, the most important thing is to make sure your bowel movements are regular and soft.
This is what you can do:
– Drink enough water (1.5 to 2 litres/day)
– Eat products rich in fibre (such as wholemeal bread, seeds, and certain vegetables)
– Try to get enough exercise
– Avoid being overweight
– Avoid holding up stools
– Avoid straining
– Do not stand or sit for too long
Treatment of haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids without symptoms generally do not require treatment. If, however, they protrude from the anus during defecation, cause pain and/or bleeding, medical intervention may be necessary.
Several treatments are available, depending on the hameorrhoid location and severity.
Rafaelo
is an innovative, minimally invasive technique for treating intrenal haemorrhoids of grade II, III and IV without, in most cases, any considerable or long-lasting pain.
Launched in 2016, it is now being offered by surgeons in numerous countries around the world.
This procedure uses high frequency electromagnetic waves (4MHz). These waves are transmitted to the tip of a specially designed probe, as it enters the haemorrhoid, ultimately cutting off its blood supply, causing it to shrink, necrose and fall away.
The Rafaelo treatment is performed in an outpatient setting, using only local anaesthetic. The procedure itself only takes a few minutes, and the aftercare is minimal, so you can quickly resume your daily activities.
Advantages of radiofrequency therapy
– Minimally invasive procedure
– No incision = no risk of anal incontinence
– Little or no pain during and after the treatment
– Minimal aftercare
– Rapid return to daily activities
