About this disease
What it is about
Hemorrhoids form a kind of erectile tissue which, together with the sphincters, makes an essential contribution to the tight closure of the anus. As soon as the hemorrhoids become enlarged, they take on a pathological value and become the cause of discomfort or bleeding from the anus. An estimated 70 percent of all adults suffer from symptomatic hemorrhoids in the course of their lives.
Types
Hemorrhoids are divided into four stages. Stage 1: The vascular cushions are minimally enlarged. Hard bowel movements can injure them, slight bleeding occurs. Stage 2: The hemorrhoids are so large that they bulge out into the anal canal when you push, only to return to their original position on their own. Stage 3: The hemorrhoids protrude during bowel movements or physical exertion and can be pushed back with a finger. Stage 4: The hemorrhoids are permanently prolapsed. It is no longer possible to push them back.
Symptoms and consequences
If you suffer from one or more of the following symptoms, you probably have pathologically enlarged hemorrhoids or hemorrhoidal nodes: Foreign body sensation, mucus discharge, fecal smearing, inflammation in the anal area, pain, itching, protruding tissue during bowel movements or permanently, bleeding.
What we do for you
Examination and diagnosis
If you suffer from hemorrhoid symptoms, you will be examined by us with complete privacy. The skin around the anus is carefully inspected, then the examination is performed with a finger, palpating the anal canal. Finally, a small endoscope is inserted into the anal canal (rectum) with the use of lubricant to determine the mucosa of the anal canal and the staging of possible hemorrhoidal disease. Occasionally it is necessary to perform a small enema (clysma) before the examination.
Treatment
Basic therapy consists of stool regulation to prevent hard stools. In the early stages, ointments and suppositories can also help. If this does not lead to relief of symptoms, we use surgical procedures, which can be performed on an outpatient basis. The complication rate is very low for all procedures. In particular, injuries to the sphincter muscle are extremely rare. We offer the latest treatment methods, including gentle hemorrhoid sclerotherapy with the so-called Rafaelo therapy.