Effective Treatment of Hemorrhoids

Prim. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Trubel

Medical fields
Surgery
Vascular surgery

Professor Trubel, what causes hemorrhoids and how often do they occur?

We all have tiny hemorrhoids! They're not a disease, but rather normal swellings of blood vessels located just above the anal canal, i.e., inside, beneath the rectal mucosa. However, they can be very unpleasant if they enlarge, become congested, bleed, or become inflamed. More than half of all adults are affected by them to some degree during their lifetime. There is a hereditary predisposition to hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Hemorrhoids tend to develop as a result of a combination of lack of exercise and increased strain (during physical exertion and bowel movements), as well as a result of pregnancy.

Is there anything you can do to prevent the development of hemorrhoids?

Yes, you can! Try to avoid prolonged sitting, do exercises including pelvic floor exercises (this also applies to men!), pay attention to breathing techniques (avoid forced breathing during physical exertion), eat a balanced, high-fiber diet in order to prevent chronic constipation.

What conservative treatment options are available?

There is a wide range of hemorrhoid ointments available to improve stool lubrication, treat local thrombosis, or treat local inflammation; small hemorrhoids can be eliminated through sclerotherapy.

If conservative treatments turns out to be insufficient, how can hemorrhoids be surgically treated?

Depending on the shape, extent, and changes in the hemorrhoids, different methods are used. If possible, the vascular cushions beneath the skin of the anal canal can be "peeled out," allowing a significant portion of the very important and sensitive skin of the anal canal and anal margin to be preserved and re-covered over the surgical wound with fine, dissolvable sutures (skin graft). Localized or individual nodules can also be excised without skin graft surgery, preserving as much of the anal skin as possible. By injecting long-acting local anesthetics during the procedure, the pain associated with open surgery, that many patients used to fear, can be avoided. In the Longo surgical method, the hemorrhoidal blood vessels are closed with a circular staple in the rectum above the anal sphincter, causing the hemorrhoids to regress or subsequently obliterate.

How long is the hospital stay, what should be considered for aftercare?

The hospital stay lasts 1-2 days. The surgical area requires post-operative treatment with ointments for one to two weeks.

Can hemorrhoids recur after surgery?

Yes, this can rarely happen, especially if the affected rectal vein was not completely removed during the operation.

What are the advantages for patients of undergoing treatment at the Döbling Private Hospital?

All preliminary examinations and follow-up check-ups can be performed in the outpatient clinic affiliated to the hospital. Appointments for examinations and surgery are organized with minimal waiting times. The ambiance of the clinic is uniquely beautiful, and the staff is particularly friendly and competent.

Please contact us for further information or appointments!