Haemorrhoids (Piles)

Haemorrhoids are the state in which the veins around the back passage become prominent. This can happen in the vessels inside the anus, outside it, or in both. With heavy straining they can tear and cause bleeding. The bleeding is sometimes considerable and may need dealing with.

Treatment is generally local; sometimes surgery, infrared, laser and freezing treatments are recommended. Haemorrhoids can sometimes also be the first sign of serious conditions.

The blood inside a haemorrhoid can clot and become infected, and very severe pain can follow. The treatment for this is ointments and suppositories used externally on these areas, together with painkillers and antibiotics; and if a thrombosis has developed, surgical treatment to let out the clotted blood.

The first four pictures show haemorrhoids inside, seen with the endoscope; the picture below shows a thrombosed haemorrhoid seen outside the back passage.