Non-surgical treatments
Non-surgical techniques used to remove or reduce the size of hemorrhoids are mainly 2, and either one can be used depending on the size of the hemorrhoid and the symptoms presented. Next, we show you both treatments:
Ligature with rubber bands: It is a method to treat internal hemorrhoids, and its most frequent symptom is bleeding. The technique consists of the collocation of one or two small rubber bands at the base of the hemorrhoids, inside the anus leading to the necrosis and subsequent detachment of the hemorrhoid. The procedure leads to the interruption of the blood circulation and a few days later the hemorrhoid and the rubber band get detached, leaving a small wound that usually heals without further complications. This is an outpatient treatment performed with no anesthesia, and it is effective to treat grade 1 and grade 2 hemorrhoids. It can cause discomfort on the patient the first couple of days.
Sclerotherapy (injections): It is the first treatment used in case of bleeding or early prolapse. Sclerotherapy was developed in the 20’s and it consists of the injection of a sclerosing chemical solution (usually PHENOL) using a micro-needle (which normally cause a mild pain) inside the hemorrhoid, “drying” it and gradually reducing its size. The first results are satisfactory in terms of bleeding control – even though the symptoms may be intermittent –, but it’s usually necessary to repeat the sclerotherapy. A typical treatment can last 15-20 minutes and multiple injections are required. This method can avoid the inconvenience of undergoing invasive surgery.
