Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen blood vessels within or around the anus. They are very common and may cause bleeding, itching, discomfort or prolapse.

Common symptoms include bright red bleeding, itching, swelling, prolapse, mucous discharge and discomfort around the anus. External haemorrhoids can become painful if a blood clot develops within them.

Haemorrhoids develop when increased pressure causes the blood vessels within the anal canal to enlarge. Common contributing factors include constipation, straining, pregnancy, obesity, prolonged sitting on the toilet and increasing age.

Yes. Haemorrhoids can occasionally bleed if their surface becomes damaged or they rupture. However, persistent or heavy rectal bleeding should never automatically be assumed to be caused by haemorrhoids and should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Small haemorrhoids often improve over a few days or weeks with conservative treatment. Larger haemorrhoids may persist and require rubber band ligation or surgery to provide long-term relief.

External haemorrhoids appear as soft swellings or lumps around the anus. If a blood clot develops within them, they may become firm, swollen and very painful.

No. Haemorrhoids cause symptoms around the anus but do not usually cause abdominal pain or discomfort. If you have abdominal symptoms together with rectal bleeding or a change in bowel habit, further assessment is recommended.

Surgery may be recommended if symptoms persist despite conservative treatment or rubber band ligation, or if your haemorrhoids are more advanced. The most appropriate procedure will depend on your symptoms and the findings at examination under anaesthetic.

The exact procedure depends on the size and appearance of your haemorrhoids. During your consultation, the possible treatment options will be discussed with you, and in many cases you will be booked for an examination under anaesthetic (EUA) with possible HALO, mucopexy or haemorrhoidectomy. The final decision is made once you are asleep under the general anaesthetic, allowing the haemorrhoids to be assessed more accurately.

Recovery depends on the procedure performed. HALO is usually associated with mild to moderate discomfort, whereas a haemorrhoidectomy is associated with a significantly more painful recovery. Although this pain can last for several weeks, most patients are delighted with the long-term outcome once healing is complete and feel the operation was well worth it.

Following HALO, around 2 weeks off work is often recommended. Following a haemorrhoidectomy, around 6 weeks off work is often recommended, depending on your recovery and the type of work you do.

Gentle walking is encouraged from the day of surgery. More strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided until healing has progressed and your surgeon advises it is safe to resume.

Although surgery provides excellent long-term results, haemorrhoids can recur. Maintaining a high-fibre diet, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly and avoiding constipation helps reduce the risk of recurrence.

Neither procedure is better for every patient. HALO offers a quicker and less painful recovery but is not suitable for all haemorrhoids. A haemorrhoidectomy has a longer and more painful recovery but may provide the best long-term outcome for more advanced haemorrhoids. The most appropriate procedure will depend on your symptoms and the findings at examination under anaesthetic.

The cost of treatment depends on the procedure performed and whether you are using private medical insurance or paying for treatment yourself.

Please contact us for an individual quotation.