Non-surgical treatment of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a common condition, but improper treatment, based on information circulating on social media, can lead to serious complications. Importantly, not all cases of hemorrhoids require surgery.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Le Manh Cuong, Director of Tue Tinh Hospital ( Hanoi ) and President of the Vietnam Society of Anorectal Surgery, in reality, they have received patients with necrotic infections, and even those requiring colostomy, due to hemorrhoid treatment at facilities lacking professional qualifications or treatment based on unofficial information shared on social media.

"Properly indicated sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids can help patients avoid the risk of needing surgery," Associate Professor Dr. Le Manh Cuong stated at a scientific conference on advances in the treatment of anorectal diseases held on October 11 in Thanh Hoa.

PHOTO: THUY ANH

According to Dr. Le Manh Cuong, there are currently non-surgical methods for treating hemorrhoids: medication and sclerotherapy. The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of the disease, co-morbidities, the patient's condition, the equipment and facilities of the treatment center, and especially the experience of the physician. At Tue Tinh Hospital, hemorrhoid treatment is combined with traditional medicine, which helps increase treatment effectiveness, reduce swelling and inflammation, and help shrink hemorrhoids.

Associate Professor Dr. Le Manh Cuong added that among non-surgical hemorrhoid treatments, sclerotherapy is an effective technique. The sclerosing agent is injected directly to block the blood vessels supplying the hemorrhoids, causing them to shrink gradually due to lack of blood supply. Sclerotherapy is a less painful method with few complications, does not require hospitalization, and is simple and easy to perform. However, this method needs to be performed by an experienced doctor to avoid complications such as bleeding and infection. Diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids should be done by a specialist at a hospital; absolutely do not treat hemorrhoids based on unofficial information on social media.

Dr. Cuong also noted that within the anal canal, hemorrhoids function to "seal" the anus. When this function is lost due to inflammation or when hemorrhoids prolapse, treatment is necessary, but the priority is medical treatment to shrink the hemorrhoids. Surgical removal is only indicated when hemorrhoids are severe and cannot be treated medically. The rate of hemorrhoid surgery has been decreasing in recent years, currently at around 10% of cases requiring treatment.

Dr. Cuong emphasized that diagnosis, treatment effectiveness, and reduced risk of recurrence depend heavily on the expertise and experience of the doctor. The cost of medical treatment is approximately 7-8 million VND compared to 30 million VND if surgery is required. "Revenue" can also be a reason for the over-prescription of hemorrhoid surgery.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dieu-tri-benh-tri-khong-phau-thuat-185251015185357227.htm