Hemorrhoids are a very common and widespread problem in both sexes. It is estimated that about 50% of the adult population has suffered once in their life, with a slightly higher percentage of women due to pregnancy and childbirth, which are two predisposing situations to its development. However, only in some cases, for the resolution of the problem, a surgical intervention will be necessary, while in the majority of cases it will be necessary to intervene with dietary-behavioral measures: “The surgical treatment, when indicated, will have to be individualized on the patient’s disorders”, adds Professor Antonino Spinelli, Head of the Operational Unit of Colorectal Surgery at Humanitas and Professor at Humanitas University.
Hemorrhoids
The disturbance is caused by the dilatation of the venous plexus present in the mucosa of the anal canal. There are two hemorrhagic plexuses: the inner one, in the anal canal, and the outer one, close to the ano-cutaneous margin. The pressure exerted on these tissues in situations of protracted exertion in evacuation is the main fact that triggers the pathology, so constipation is one of the main causes.
Hemorrhoids, swimming may not be contraindicated
Sedentariness, being overweight and a diet with low fiber intake are all factors that can promote the appearance of hemorrhoids. Its symptoms are different: burning, itching, anal swelling up to episodes of bleeding that sometimes lead to anemia. Depending on the severity of the disorder, different degrees can be distinguished in hemorrhoids: in less severe cases there is only congestion without prolapse; in other cases, however, congestion is higher and prolapse can be greater, reducing spontaneously or at the end of evacuation.
Surgery
In the most serious cases, the pathology is not very responsive to medical treatment and it is necessary to resort to surgery: “Hemorrhoidal de-arterialization can be used to reduce blood flow through the ligation of the arterial branches that belong to the hemorrhoids plexuses. Usually, – explains Professor Spinelli – this procedure is also combined with mucopessia, i.e. the reduction of the mucosal prolapse with points that bring the tissue back into the anal canal”.
Hemorroidectomy, or the removal of hemorrhoids, is the most radical procedure with the most lasting results: “The hemorrhoids are completely removed, with an almost complete rate of healing of the symptoms. This is a more invasive procedure in terms of immediate and post-operative context, but it is now well manageable with adequate pain relief therapy,” concludes the professor.
