Piles (Haemorrhoids) Treatment Singapore

Haemorrhoid treatment involves different approaches to relieve swollen blood vessels in the anal and rectal area. Treatment options range from simple, non-surgical procedures to surgical operations. The aim is to relieve symptoms, reduce bleeding, and prevent complications, with the most suitable method selected based on your individual condition.

Indications for Piles (Hemorrhoids) Treatment

Treatment for haemorrhoids is recommended when symptoms interfere with daily life or do not improve with home care.

Persistent bleeding

Ongoing rectal bleeding that continues despite dietary changes and topical treatments.
Prolapsed haemorrhoids

Internal haemorrhoids that protrude outside the anal opening and do not retract naturally.
Severe pain and discomfort

Significant symptoms that interfere with normal activities, sitting, or bowel movements.
Thrombosed external haemorrhoids

Blood clots within external haemorrhoids causing acute pain and swelling that requires prompt intervention.
Failed conservative treatment

When dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and topical treatments have not provided adequate symptom relief after several weeks.
Large or grade 3-4 internal haemorrhoids

Advanced internal haemorrhoids that cause significant symptoms and are unlikely to respond to non-invasive treatments.

Benefits of Piles (Hemorrhoids) Treatment

Haemorrhoid treatment can provide lasting relief from symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Symptom relief

Treatment addresses bleeding, pain, itching, and discomfort, allowing return to normal daily activities without ongoing symptoms.

Prevention of complications

Treatment can prevent more serious problems such as severe anaemia from chronic bleeding or emergency situations requiring urgent intervention.

Piles (Hemorrhoids) Treatment Approaches in Singapore

Different treatment approaches are available depending on the size, type, and severity of haemorrhoids.

Non-Surgical Treatments

These options focus on relieving symptoms and reducing pile size, particularly for smaller or less severe haemorrhoids:

Topical Treatments: Creams, ointments, and suppositories may help relieve pain, itching, and swelling.
Rubber Band Ligation: A small rubber band is placed around the base of the haemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. The haemorrhoid gradually shrinks and falls off within a few days.
Oral Medications: Certain medications, such as vasoconstrictors, may be prescribed to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is considered when piles are large, prolapsed, causing significant bleeding, or when non-surgical methods have not provided adequate relief.

Haemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of the haemorrhoid. This is typically recommended for large, prolapsed, or severely symptomatic piles that have not responded to other treatments.
Stapled Haemorrhoidopexy: A minimally invasive procedure primarily used for internal haemorrhoids. A circular stapling device repositions the haemorrhoids and cuts off their blood supply, causing them to shrink. This approach is associated with less post-operative pain and a quicker recovery compared to traditional haemorrhoidectomy.
Laser Haemorrhoid Surgery: This modern, minimally invasive technique uses laser energy to shrink or remove piles. The laser seals tissue as it treats, which may reduce bleeding, post-operative pain, and recovery time.

Preparing for Piles (Hemorrhoids) Treatment

Proper preparation helps ensure the best possible outcome and reduces the likelihood of complications during and after treatment.

Medical evaluation: A thorough examination including medical history review, medication review and physical assessment to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific condition.

Dietary preparation: Specific instructions about eating and drinking before treatment, which may vary depending on whether the procedure requires sedation or anaesthesia.

Bowel preparation: Some procedures may require bowel cleansing with an enema or laxative to ensure clear visualisation and reduce infection risk.

What to Expect During Piles (Hemorrhoids) Treatment

The procedure experience varies depending on the specific treatment chosen, but most non-surgical treatments are performed as day cases.

Local anaesthesia

Most procedures use local anaesthetic injection to numb the area, though some patients may feel brief discomfort during the injection itself.

Treatment delivery

The specific procedure is performed, which may involve placing bands, injecting medication, or applying heat treatment, typically taking 10-20 minutes.

Immediate monitoring

After treatment, you’ll be monitored briefly to ensure you’re comfortable and there are no immediate complications before being given discharge instructions.

Recovery and discharge

Most patients can go home the same day once they’ve recovered from any sedation and received detailed aftercare instructions.

Potential Risks and Complications

Like all medical procedures, haemorrhoid treatments carry some risks, though serious complications are uncommon. Minor bleeding, temporary pain, and swelling are normal parts of the healing process. Some patients may experience incomplete symptom relief or haemorrhoid recurrence over time, particularly if lifestyle factors are not addressed. Choosing a qualified colorectal surgeon in Singapore can help minimise these risks and ensure your treatment is performed safely and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive myself home after piles treatment in Singapore?

This depends on the type of treatment and whether sedation is used. After most non-surgical treatments, you can drive yourself home if you feel comfortable, but someone should accompany you if you’ve had sedation or strong pain relief.

How long after treatment can I resume exercising?

Light walking is encouraged from the day after treatment, but avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 1-2 weeks. Swimming should be avoided until the area has fully healed.

What foods should I avoid during recovery?

Focus on eating plenty of fibre and drinking water rather than avoiding specific foods. Spicy foods don’t cause problems for most people, but alcohol may increase bleeding risk in the first few days.

Will the treatment cure my haemorrhoids permanently?

Treatment addresses existing haemorrhoids, but maintaining good bowel habits and avoiding constipation is needed to prevent new ones from developing. Most people have no further problems when they follow aftercare advice.