Haemorrhoids

The symptoms of haemorrhoids vary, depending on how severe they are, but may include: 

• itching, swelling, and/or discomfort around your bottom

• bleeding from your bottom – you may notice bright red blood on the paper or in the toilet bowl 

• passing mucus from your bottom

• feeling that you don’t completely empty your bowels when using the toilet 

• feeling a lump around your bottom

Haemorrhoids are common, and many people have them at some point in their lives. 

They occur when there’s excessive pressure on the veins in your anus or rectum, which can lead to swelling, irritation and inflammation.

Some causes of haemorrhoids include: 

• straining to pass a stool

• chronic constipation or diarrhoea

• not eating enough fibre 

• pregnancy 

• lifting heavy objects 

• being overweight or obese 

• anal sex

At your first Welbeck consultation, you’ll be seen by a consultant colorectal surgeon. They’ll ask you about your symptoms, general health, medical history, and any medications you take regularly. They’ll also perform a physical examination. 

Your consultant may be able to diagnose haemorrhoids based on your symptoms and physical examination.

Sometimes your consultant will use a small plastic telescope to examine your rectum and anus. This will allow them to confirm your diagnosis and plan the most appropriate treatment.

Avoiding straining on the toilet and taking steps to prevent constipation are the main ways to reduce your risk of developing haemorrhoids. 

You can do this by: 

• eating plenty of high-fibre foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, pulses, and whole grains

• drinking plenty of fluids, especially water

• exercising regularly

Haemorrhoids are usually treatable, and complications are rare; however, in some cases, untreated haemorrhoids can lead to complications, including: 

• soreness and irritation – discharge from your haemorrhoids can irritate the surrounding skin 

• thrombosed haemorrhoid  – the formation of a blood clot on an external haemorrhoid, resulting in extreme pain

• strangulated haemorrhoid – occurs when the blood supply to a prolapsed haemorrhoid gets cut off, leading to severe pain and possible tissue damage

• anaemia – a rare complication that can result from long-term bleeding from your haemorrhoids 

• infection – haemorrhoids can make it harder to keep the area clean, which can lead to bacterial or fungal infections

• ulcers  – can develop on external haemorrhoids

Treatment for haemorrhoids is different for each patient. We develop a personalised treatment plan based on your symptoms and the type of haemorrhoids you have.

Treatment for haemorrhoids may include lifestyle changes, topical treatments, injections or surgery. 

• lifestyle changes – include not straining to move your bowels and preventing constipation 

• topical creams and suppositories – include steroids to relieve swelling or discomfort, barrier creams to help with itching, and preparations containing local anaesthetic to soothe the area 

• injection sclerotherapy – this involves an injection into the anal canal that cuts off the blood supply to your haemorrhoids, causing them to shrink and reducing the risk of bleeding

• rubber band ligation – an effective nonsurgical method for treating haemorrhoids that involves applying a rubber band to the base of the haemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to shrivel up and fall off

• radiofrequency treatment for haemorrhoids (Rafaelo procedure) – uses radiofrequency energy waves to shrink haemorrhoids 

• haemorrhoidal artery ligation (HALO) or trans-anal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation (THD) – the blood vessels that supply your haemorrhoids are tied off, stopping their blood supply and causing them to shrink 

• open (excisional) haemorrhoidectomy – haemorrhoids are removed with a scalpel under a general anaesthetic

• stapled haemorrhoidectomy/anopexy – the blood vessels that supply the haemorrhoids are stapled under a general anaesthetic

At Welbeck, our colorectal surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.