Choose Your Herbal Hemorrhoids Treatment

People are searching for the natural route and finding with great success that herbal hemorrhoids treatment is highly effective and entirely natural. So in this search, what herbal hemorrhoids treatment is right for you?

Butcher’s broom is an herb not unlike the asparagus plant that is found in Europe and a member of the Rosacea family. Its pine-tipped leaves are ground up and used as nutritional supplements for individuals suffering from such maladies as chronic venous insufficiency, atherosclerosis and varicose veins. Butcher’s broom is especially good for the herbal hemorrhoids treatment as it serves to strengthen the vein walls. This is good news, as the origin of hemorrhoids deals with the enlargement of vessel walls due to their weakness.

Horse chestnut is a tree of the genus Aesculus and can be found in many varieties in both North America and Eurasia. Known as Buckeyes in North America and Horse Chestnuts in Eurasia, this tree has long been used as a natural medicinal ingredient to relieve rectal pain. This freeing element allows you to live your life more comfortably as you continue your healing process.

Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme that can be found in the Bromiliaceae family of plants. The Venezuelan chemist, Vicente Marcano in 1891, first isolated Bromelain but it was only introduced as a medicinal treatment component in 1957. It was used primarily in the treatment of arthritis, sinusitis and phlebitis for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has only been recently considered for the treatment of other medical conditions. Pineapples are members of the Bromiliaceae family and are an excellent source for herbal hemorrhoids treatment. With the help of bromelain, you can reduce the swelling of your hemorrhoids and speed your healing process. Bromelain has also been noted to reduce blood clotting which is the cause of more severe hemorrhoid cases.

Styphnolobium, also known as the Japanese pagoda tree, is historically the object of the famous Japanese art of bonsai gardening. The Japanese pagoda tree is also a part of the fundamental herbs used in classical Chinese medicine. The flowers and buds can be ground up by an expert to produce mixtures that are not only diuretic and anti-bacterial, but these mixtures are also known as anti-inflammatory. Even though the Japanese pagoda tree is an excellent source for an herbal hemorrhoids treatment, professionals must prepare it as improper preparation can result in a potentially poisonous concoction.

Aloe Vera juice at 99% purity can be consumed by someone suffering from hemorrhoids and will provide relief from itching and swelling. This treatment can be carried out multiple times during the day, but check with your physician before attempting this herbal hemorrhoids treatment to ensure that you are getting the proper dosage.

What Hemorrhoids Symptoms

Half the battle in combating hemorrhoids is knowing what hemorrhoids symptoms to look for before it is too late for an easy non-invasive treatment.

Hemorrhoids are the result of enlarged vessels around your anus and along your anal track. These engorged vessels protrude in fleshy clumps and for the first while, merely exist. If left long they begin to either block passage, or protrude to the point where it is uncomfortable or even painful to sit. You can spot the beginnings of this condition by physically checking the area around your anus for any bumps or lumps. You may also feel a persistent itching in the area around your anus. If you discover any these hemorrhoids symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment regimen to deal with your hemorrhoids symptoms. External hemorrhoids may also bleed, so if you discovered bloody discharge in your undergarments, you should seek out your physician as well.

As stated before, hemorrhoids can develop along your anal tract. This version of hemorrhoids is harder to spot, but you can identify it through its own set of hemorrhoids symptoms. If you have difficulty and discomfort while experiencing bowel movements, this may be a sign that you have internal hemorrhoids. If you start to spot flecks or patches of blood in your stool after bowel movements, chances are that this is a manifestation of hemorrhoids symptoms. You should make sure to contact your physician immediately to ensure a proper diagnosis. You should be aware that internal hemorrhoids symptoms are exactly like the symptoms of far more serious maladies such as colon and rectal cancer. Therefore it would be prudent to clear your schedule for the next available appointment at your doctor’s office.

External Hemorrhoids And Its Symptoms

External hemorrhoids are a condition of varicose veins. These swollen or dilated vessels protrude around the anus in fleshy clumps. These clumps can grow to block the anus, making bowel movements an excruciating affair. Even if they don’t cause an impasse, external hemorrhoids can be quite uncomfortable, making sitting a chore for even the shortest amount of time. Some cases of external hemorrhoids result in breakage or laceration, causing the external hemorrhoids to bleed persistently. Not only does this do damage to clothing and is a great source of embarrassment, bleeding external hemorrhoids are highly susceptible to infection, which could lead to more serious maladies. It’s fairly easy to tell if you have external hemorrhoids, as there is a distinct physical manifestation of their presence.

However, many sufferers go on oblivious to their condition until it requires a serious recovery regimen. External hemorrhoids that are caught early can be eliminated with such solutions as topical creams, diet changes and exercise geared to strengthen core body muscle groups. Other natural remedies work well at this stage such as chamomile teas, witch hazel and butcher’s broom. By doing a little online research you will find a plethora of natural treatments available that are considered to be effective in treating conditions of external hemorrhoids.



If left too long, external hemorrhoids may require invasive procedures. These procedures may include such processes as a hemorrhoidectomy or rubber ligation. A hemorrhoidectomy is a procedure carried out by your doctor where the external hemorrhoids are physically removed with a scalpel. This procedure is painful and takes a while to recover from, but has a good track record of eliminating your hemorrhoids when other processes fail. Rubber ligation is a process where a rubber band is wrapped around the external hemorrhoid and tightened to cut off the blood flow. The external hemorrhoid withers and then falls off. This process is less painful, but takes longer and is a little uncomfortable until the hemorrhoid falls off.

The Bleeding Hemorrhoids Treatment That Best Suits Your Needs

Regardless of your bleeding hemorrhoids condition, you should always keep your physician informed of your progress to ensure that your bleeding hemorrhoids treatment is the best one for you.

Many hemorrhoids sufferers have found that the natural approach to bleeding hemorrhoids treatment has the best effect in the alleviation of symptoms and elimination of the condition. There are many methods out there for the patient to take advantage of, but there are only a few natural procedures that provide the results you may be looking for, so you should consult with your physician to find the proper mode of treatment. If you are looking for the natural route, there are some examples of a bleeding hemorrhoids treatment that you can perform in the privacy of your own home.

First off, before you start any bleeding hemorrhoids treatment, ensure that you are not suffering from either colon or rectal cancer, as these conditions can manifest themselves in a fashion similar to bleeding hemorrhoids. Sanitation is an important aspect to bleeding hemorrhoids treatment that many patients have found to alleviate the symptoms allowing them to heal faster without infection. Sanitation can be completed with such things as sitz baths that allow the wound to bleed out cleanly and allows you to keep the area free from dried blood and discharge. Witch hazel has been known to effective in this process. After every bath, bowel movement or showering activity, you should ensure that you pat the area dry. Rubbing only exacerbates the condition and can cause infection to set in. After patting dry, wipe the anal area with a witch hazel pad, warm wet cotton cloth or sterile baby wipe. Again, pat the area dry. Remember, sanitation is the key in treating hemorrhoids and allows you the comfort you desire while you heal from this discomforting condition.

If you are still experiencing bleeding, you may want to further your bleeding hemorrhoids treatment with rubber ligation. This method utilizes a rubber band that is wrapped around the base of your bleeding hemorrhoids and tightened until it cuts off the blood flow to the area. Not only will this eliminate the bleeding, but it will also cause the hemorrhoids to wither and fall off.

Hemorrhoids Have Been With Us A Long Time

In fact, there are writings dated back to ancient Babylon describing that embarrassing and painful condition.

Physicians have been attempting to remedy this ever since with such methods as poultice application, encouraging bed rest and even using a red-hot poker. Patients with this malady were understandably reticent about receiving treatment, as most of it was ineffective if not more painful than the condition itself.

Then in the 1800s, doctors began to experiment further into the treatment of hemorrhoids with injections of iron sulphate, which provided some relief from the condition.

Soon doctors were recommending a regimen of abstinence from such things as alcohol and recommending things such as cold spring water enema after having abstained from food. Needless to say, there have been many things tried to alleviate the symptoms and eliminate the condition.

More Options Of Alternative Hemorrhoids Treatment

Now, doctors prescribe a round of lab-generated chemicals for relief, which has almost
the same effect as the earlier treatments. You will be glad to know that finally there are options of alternative
hemorrhoids treatment that have more effective results without some of the debilitating side effects of earlier
treatments.

One effective alternative hemorrhoids treatment is the use of Centella Asiatica. Centella Asiatica, also known as
Gotu Kola, is a plant that is known to the tropics and has long been held as a medicinal plant. In 1945, medical
professionals were able to isolate the active ingredient in Gotu Kola. This component was titled as Asiaticoside.
Asiaticoside was determined as a substance that would strengthen the connective tissues in blood vessels. Since
hemorrhoids are largely due to weak vessels walls that cause the vessels to enlarge due to pressure, this is one
effective alternative hemorrhoids treatment. This substance also increases anti-oxidant levels, thus speeding up
the healing process.

Another effective alternative hemorrhoids treatment is the amending of you diet by adding the intake of blueberries.
Blueberries have long been known for their curative properties and in the instance of hemorrhoids they have
special effect. The reason is similar to Gotu Kola, as blueberries also increase anti-oxidant levels, thus speeding
up the healing process for those unfortunate to be suffering from hemorrhoids.

Physicians practicing natural methods of hemorrhoid elimination have also recommended the intake of flavonoids
as an alternative hemorrhoids treatment. Flavonoids are components that are known to give plants their color.
This pigment creating substance helps in the production of anti-oxidants and therefore allows the healing process
to take place at a faster rate. Flavonoids also serve as a strengthening agent for connective tissues, thus serving
to increase the tensile quality of vessel walls.

Vitamin C is also another important alternative hemorrhoids treatment for the same reasons as the above listed
substances.

If you are looking for more options of alternative hemorrhoids treatment, you may want to look into such things as
lifestyle modifications. By removing stress in your life, you run less risk of suffering from hemorrhoids, as stress
drains important nutrients from your system, thus allowing your connective tissues to weaken.

Practical Ways You Can Do For Prevention

For prevention there are practical ways you can do:

1. add fiber to your diet to lessen the possibility of constipation.

2. drinking lots of water will also help.

3. avoiding walking and standing for a long time.

4. take some rest in the prone position.

5. Wearing of loose undergarments will also help in the prevention of hemroids.

Two Types Of Hemroids

There are two types of hemroids, the internal and external hemroids. Internal hemroids are the ones that bleed. These hemroids are hidden and usually painless. The external type is the most painful of the 2 types. External hemroids do not bleed, but if there is bleeding it might be from anal fissures.

In dealing with hemroids there are two things that are important: relief from the pain and discomfort and prevention of re-emrgence of hemroids.

For relief, you can have a warm bath for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this as often as possible to have enough relief. Another source for relief is through over the counter gels and jellies. This too can give relief, but one thing everybody must be aware of is that most of these medications have in them harsh chemicals that worsen the condition instead of curing it. It has been noted too that long term use of these medication is not suggested because they may cause other problems such as damage to the skin surrounding the anal area.

The Primary Cause Of Hemroids Is Pressure

If you see blood on the toilet bowl, toilet paper or on your stool then most likely you are suffering from Hemroids. To be sure you may consult and have yourself checked by a medical professional. Bleeding on the stool does not necessarily mean hemroids. It is also a sign of other health problems or condition.Hemroids affect about 50% of the American population. In most cases are men. Studies reveal that more men suffer from hemroids because of the low fiber content of what they eat.

The primary cause of hemroids is pressure, pressure made on the anal area. This pressure makes the blood vessels swell and protrude right in the anal opening or even inside.

The most prone to hemroids are pregnant women because of the pressure made from the weight of the unborn child on the lower parts of the pregnant woman's body.

Things That Cause Pressure

Some of the things that cause pressure on the anal area are:

- Lifting heavy things
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Prolonged sitting or standing

The number one cause among these is constipation. The strain of trying to move stool for elimination puts pressure on the canal tissue causing the strangulation of blood and the swelling of blood vessels. Once this happens swelling and the obvious protrusion of a grape like cluster or single lump appears. These are sensitive protrusions and they bring a lot of pain and discomfort.

Hemroids Can Look Like Flattened Grapes

Normally everyone has internal hemroids which are usually hidden and are painless. The first time I read about this I was surprised, because what I know of is the more obvious external type of hemroids.

Well, I guess the shock of knowing that is incomparable to the shock when you see your insides down there seem falling out. Hemroids usually appear like tiny lumps of grapes from the anus. The shape, size and the number of hemroids are different from each person. Sometimes there is only one mass or to some they may have small clusters of it.

Hemroids can look like flattened grapes sometimes aside from the full grape like clusters. Some may even look wrinkly. Internal hemroids which are usually hidden may protrude out and would look like as the ones describe. They may go back in after strain or stay out in some cases.

Hemroids are basically swollen veins in the rectal or anal area. They are caused by pressure from lifting, pregnancy, constipation, diarrhea and all other physical activity as ordinary as prolonged sitting or standing.

We are brought up and taught how dirty and unmentionable that part of our anatomy is and having to see grape like lumps appear there is embarrassing. But once you see any of the description above plus bleeding usually on your tissue, feces or toilet bowl you need to have it checked by a doctor. Self examination and diagnosis is not good as you may confuse hemroids with warts or other condition. A professional medical diagnosis is necessary for proper treatment and also because it may not be just hemroids, but symptoms of another more serious condition like cancer.

Side Effects of Hemorrhoidectomies

Having hemorrhoids surgically removed often seems like an enticing remedy to people who have been suffering from this condition for many years. After applying over-the-counter treatments and never feeling anything but temporary relief, it is understandable for someone to want to get rid of hemorrhoids forever. However, with surgery comes consequences that people should definitely consider beforehand.

Patients who undergo hemorrhoidectomies always experience pain in the following weeks. While surgery is intended to be a long-term solution, the pain is definitely something to consider, especially since hemorrhoids can return after surgery. Besides, the main reason people seek hemorrhoids surgery is to ease the pain.

Another common side effect of hemorrhoidectomies is the inability to urinate after surgery. This is so common that hospitals will not even release patients until they have successfully urinated. Less likely, although still possible, consequences of a hemorrhoidectomy include the loss of bladder or bowel control, hematomas, and infections.

A Common Misconception About Hemorrhoids Treatment

A common misconception about hemorrhoids treatment is that it must be an external application (such as a creme) to be effective. While it seems logical at first that since hemorrhoids protrude from the rectal area then surely applying a creme or gel directly to the affected area would be the fastest and best solution. But there problem with topical medications...

They only provide temporary relief and rarely cure hemorrhoids (especial in the more severe cases). External treatments can provide temporary relief by reducing pain and causing the hemorrhoids to become less swollen. They do not, however, change the conditions inside the human body that allow hemorrhoids to develop and remain painful. For this reason, hemorrhoids and the severe discomfort that comes with them return far too frequently.

you can try them but don't expect to cure your hemorrhoids by using them alone. And if you do use them we suggest using very simple gels such as aloe or petroleum jelly. Recent studies have shown them to help ease the pain and reduce reduce swelling of hemorrhoids that are detected early almost as well as chemical over-the-counter drugs.

Most Continue To Suffer In Silence For No Reason

Hemorrhoids treatment isn’t particularly difficult and can be practiced in the privacy of your own home so that the only person that knows you have it is you. Yet, most continue to suffer in silence for no reason.

First off, if you suspect that you might be suffering from hemorrhoids, especially if you are experiencing rectal bleeding, you need to visit your physician immediately for a proper diagnosis. For instance, if you are finding blood in your stool and no outward signs of hemorrhoids, you very well may be suffering from colon or rectal cancer. Admittedly, this is most likely not the case, but you should make sure as soon as possible. So what is the hemorrhoids treatment right for you? You will be pleased to note that a plethora of natural hemorrhoids treatment methods available to you and many of them are extremely effective in hemorrhoids treatment.

Hemorrhoids can either reside around your anus in fleshy clumps or line the inside of your anal track. In the case of external hemorrhoids, you have many options open to you depending on the severity of your condition. If you spot these purplish fleshy clumps around your anus and haven’t experienced any bleeding, you have the ability to remedy the situation in fairly short order with a modicum of effort. First off, make sure that you are controlling your diet, as constipation on a regular basis will exacerbate the condition and even bring it on in the first place. Nutritionists and doctors recommend that you have a daily intake of at least twenty-five to thirty grams of fiber in order to ensure your regularity. You can visit your closest fitness expert for a regimen of exercises that will strengthen your rectal muscles that will allow you to have regular bowel movements without stretching your rectal walls and causing damage to your anus.

In 1987, Israeli scientists came to the conclusion that our classical sitting toilet has an effect on us that makes us more susceptible to hemorrhoids. If you find that regular treatments lack the effectiveness to keep you free from hemorrhoids, you may want to try the squat toilet, which puts the human form into a natural less-stressful position for bowel movements. Other bathroom utilities you may want to add to assist in your recovery and prevent future incidents are a sitz bath and a bidet. These additions help in the sanitation of the anal area without the irritation of rubbing.

Why suffer through the needless pain and embarrassment when hemorrhoids treatment is widely available from a number of resources from your local physician, clinic to the Internet. As you can see there are many methods that you can employ in your hemorrhoids treatment.

Prevention Is Better Than Treatment!

Next a few tips you can follow to help prevent hemorrhoids from developing.

Diarrhea, constipation, and sitting on the toilet for long periods of time, for any reason, are all common causes of hemorrhoids. Maintaining a healthy and functional excretory system, therefore, is crucial to hemorrhoids prevention. A diet high in fiber is essential, and so is eating moderate portions of food.


It is also recommended that people do not read while sitting on the toilet. Reading preoccupies the mind and keeps people on the toilet longer than necessary, thereby indirectly contributing to hemorrhoids. In addition to avoiding extended stays on the commode, people should avoid sitting in one position for too long. Those who work desk jobs should rise for at least five minutes each hour, especially people who have had a history of hemorrhoids.

You Can Use Hemorrhoids Natural Treatment At Home

Having a healthy lifestyle that include a lot of exercises and eating a lot food rich in fiber will help prevent and cure hemorrhoids permanently.

Read on as I will discuss several ways to use hemorrhoids natural treatment and end it once and for all at home.

1. Internal And External Hemorrhoids

A few years ago, I have experienced with what is called internal hemorrhoids, so I can talk to you directly from personal experience. According to doctors, hemorrhoids can be divided into two locations, internal and external hemorrhoids.

For internal hemorrhoids, your doctor will suggest local surgery as the best alternative since chemical medicine cannot reach this area. For external hemorrhoids, depending with the level of the hemorrhoids, your doctor will give chemical medicine and antibiotic.

This chemical medicine and antibiotic often have temporary results. Once you stop taking the medication, your hemorrhoids problem will happen again.

2. Knowing The Cause Of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can happen because of various causes. Some notable causes:

- standing or sitting for a very long time
- constipation
- obesity

For most people the main cause of hemorrhoids is constipation. Therefore to prevent it, you should eat a lot of food rich in fiber.

3. Choosing Natural Treatment Over Medical Treatment

Medical treatment does not resolve the root cause of hemorrhoids. Most sufferers know this and prefer to choose alternative hemorrhoids treatment over medical treatment.

Another advantage of natural treatment is that they are less side effects and more cost effective in the long run.

4. Butcher´s Broom

Butcher´s broom is an old herb used to cure varicose veins. Just ask your granny, I´m sure she will know about it. Another advantage of butcher´s broom is the ability to cure your hemorrhoids. You might need to give some times for butcher´s broom to work, but the result you will get worth the time you spend.

5. Grape Seed

Anthocyanins and proanthocyanins that are contained within grape seed will help decrease the swelling of your veins. Another fruit where you can find anthocyanins and proanthocyanins are blackberries and blueberries. You can blend it and drink the juice, or eat it directly, it will have same effect.

Now For Your Hemorrhoids Remedy!

If your job requires that you spend a lot of time in the sitting position, this might bring on hemorrhoids and will definitely exacerbate an existing condition. Therefore in this case, a hemorrhoids remedy may be to change up your day. If you give yourself five to ten minute breaks every hour or so of sitting, you will take the stress off your posterior and allow your hemorrhoids to heal. Another remedy may consist of adjusting your diet. Hot and spicy foods may be delicious, but they are pure hell when they exit as they not only serve to weaken connective tissues, but they cause a tremendous irritation to the area around your anus. So in the interest of healing, cut back on the chicken vindaloo. You may also want to consider herbal treatments in your hemorrhoids remedy. Herbs, such as witch hazel, provide relief from itching and also help speed the healing process when applied topically.

There are also physical treatments that can be included in your hemorrhoids remedy. These treatments could include acupuncture and acupressure. Acupuncture and acupressure are made to stimulate energy points within your body. This effect causes you body to produce the natural elements necessary to strengthen the connective tissue of your vessel walls and produce the natural anti-inflammatory elements necessary to reduce swelling. Acupressure and acupuncture can also serve to reduce stress, which is a large factor in the development of hemorrhoids.

Herbal creams, oils and unguents are great for providing your hemorrhoids remedy. They are easy to apply, reduce itching and swelling and speed the healing process. A proper sleep schedule will also compliment your hemorrhoids remedy by reducing your stress and allowing your body to have the necessary time to heal.

Regardless of your approach, there are many remedies to be had that will effectively deal with your hemorrhoids. All you need to do is consult with your physician to ensure that you are applying the hemorrhoids remedy that is most effective for you.

Many Treatments Available To Help In Hemorrhoids Relief.

This is a question asked by many people across the globe as they suffer this painful and embarrassing condition. Hemorrhoids have been recorded since the age of ancient Babylon. Doctors and suffers alike, have been searching ever since for hemorrhoids relief.

If you think that you may be suffering from this painful condition, you may want to immediately begin treatment.

With this idea in mind, many sufferers are looking to natural products to provide them with hemorrhoids relief.

Creams made from such components as Aloe Vera, witch hazel and butcher’s broom have proven themselves to quite effective in providing hemorrhoids relief without the worry of developing a new strain of drug resistant bacteria.


Cold compresses made from natural cotton have also proven fruitful in providing hemorrhoids relief. These compresses can also contain witch hazel and Gotu Kola. You must remember when using a cold compress that you keep it clean. This means that when it comes time to change the compress, you need to switch it out with another clean compress and not chill and reapply the first compress.


Chamomile tea is a great component in providing hemorrhoids relief as it helps to reduce itching that only serves to exacerbate the problem. Chamomile can also be applied topically in cream compounds. You must be sure that you are only using oil-free creams that soak into the skin without leaving residue. This allows you to keep the area clean and not attract bacteria.

There are many methods of providing hemorrhoids relief without having to buy a synthetic pharmaceutical product, but you should consult with your physician to ensure that your treatment choice is effective for your particular situation. If you do your research, you can easily find the treatment that will provide you hemorrhoids relief.

Natural Hemorrhoids Treatment

You will be pleased to note that natural hemorrhoids treatment is not uncommon and has been proven to be highly effective in many cases.

If you suspect that you may be suffering from hemorrhoids, you should visit your physician to ensure a proper diagnosis before you set out to follow your natural hemorrhoids treatment. Many serious maladies have the same symptoms as internal hemorrhoids such as colon or rectal cancer, so it would be prudent to know what your condition actually is. If you doctor has agreed and diagnosed you with hemorrhoids, you can begin to explore the natural hemorrhoid treatment that will suit your recovery best. If your doctor is insistent on prescribing such chemicals as hydrocortisone, you should seek a second opinion. This predilection for prescribing chemicals has only served to develop more nasty side effects and even the development of new bacterium such as the deadly MRSA. Many physicians have begun to see the light, so it shouldn’t be that difficult in finding a medical professional that would prescribe a natural hemorrhoids treatment.

Most natural hemorrhoids treatments are very similar to preventative treatments and can include such things as exercises and herbal supplements. For instance, there are workout regimens that allow you to strengthen your anal musculature. This allows you to pass your movements without the worry of anal damage and stretching. Beyond working your core muscles, the doctor may also suggest that you step up your fiber intake. Plantains are a small member of the banana family and are grown mostly in tropical areas and can grow as far north as Florida. This small exotic fruit is the perfect source for fiber and can be eaten daily to ensure the softening of stool to prevent the exacerbation of existing hemorrhoids. Pysllium seed husks are another option for increasing the fiber in your diet and have the same effect on your stool that plantains do.

Another natural hemorrhoids treatment component is chamomile tea. Chamomile is a flower that has long been distilled to create relaxing mixes that allow you to decrease your stress. Stress is a large factor in the development of hemorrhoids and is a major player in exacerbating the condition. With drinking at least a cup of chamomile tea a day, you will decrease your stress and allow your body to keep the nutrients it requires to speed your healing process.

Surgery Is A Better Long-Term Option For Severe Hemorrhoids

Surgical removal was once the only option for large hemorrhoids that could not be adequately managed with topical therapies, but newer treatment options include rubber bands and staples that choke off their blood supply.

A review of the research, published last year, suggested surgery is a better long-term option for severe hemorrhoids than the banding procedure, known as rubber band ligation.

Now, a separate study shows the same to be true for hemorrhoid stapling.

Both research reviews were sponsored by The Cochrane Collaboration, an international, non-profit group that provides independent assessments of current medical practices.

The new findings were published in the latest issue of The Cochrane Library.

More Recurrences With Stapling

Hemorrhoid stapling has been growing in popularity since its introduction in the U.S. in the late 1990s, largely because it is viewed as a far less painful alternative to surgery.

Early studies found stapling to be as effective as surgery, but colon and rectal surgeon David Thompson, MD, FACRC, says this is not his experience among patients with severe hemorrhoids.

The University of Texas Medical School associate professor of surgery tells WebMD he does not consider stapling an appropriate treatment for patients with very painful internal and external hemorrhoids.

"I have seen many cases where patients with these severe hemorrhoids end up coming to us after having stapling because they are still having trouble," he says.

7 Studies Reviewed

The newly published review included seven trials with a total of 537 patients who had either hemorrhoid stapling or surgery. The studies were published between 1998 and May of this year, with patients followed as long as three years.

The review showed that patients who had the stapling procedure were significantly more likely to have their hemorrhoidshemorrhoids come back than surgical patients.

The 'Gold Standard'

The researchers concluded that both procedures are relatively safe, but patients need to be made aware of the differences in outcomes between the two approaches.

"If hemorrhoid recurrence and prolapse are considered the most important clinical outcomes, then conventional (surgery) remains the 'gold standard' treatment for hemorrhoids," Jayaraman S. Colquhoun, PhD, and colleagues write.

The reviewers note that stapling may still prove to be a better option than surgery for some.

"One of the questions that needs to be answered is, 'Are patients willing to accept a greater likelihood of hemorrhoid recurrence and symptom recurrence if the intervention is more tolerable in the short term?'" they write.

Thompson says even if this is the case, surgery is still a better option for patients with severe hemorrhoids because it is less risky.

"I personally know of at least three cases in my area where patients who had stapling ended up needing colostomies due to complications," he says. "I have been doing hemorrhoid surgery for more than 20 years, and I have never had to give a colostomy because of complications."


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SOURCES: Colquhoun, J. Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, Oct. 18, 2006; issue 4. David Thompson, MD, FACRC, colon and rectal surgeon; associate professor of surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston. WebMD Medical News: "Which Hemorrhoid Procedure Is Best?"