Haemorrhoids are cavernous bodies consisting of a vascular ball of arteries and veins, which together with the sphincter muscle serve the purpose of sealing the anal opening.

Here and there, they can be knobbly swollen or enlarged and therefore, cause discomfort. A distinction is made between four degrees of severity in the case of enlarged haemorrhoids, which are defined by the dimensions. In the case of the 1^st degree, there is merely a slight enlargement. Haemorrhoids of the 2^nd degree are shifted downwards, do not prolapse in the beginning however, can protrude from the anus when they become larger and the abdomen is pressed but retreat spontaneously. In the case of the 3^rd degree, there is no spontaneous retreating. They have to be pushed back using a finger, which is no longer possible for the 4^th degree haemorrhoids. 

Therapy

Conservative therapy

Using special methods, slightly developed haemorrhoids can be successfully treated however, haemorrhoids only need to be treated if they are causing discomfort.

Haemorrhoids of the 1^st degree are not treated if they do not cause any discomfort.

Haemorrhoids of the 2^nd and 3^rd degree can be treated with rubber band ligation. Sclerotherapy, which was commonly used in the past, is no longer recommended due to complications. We offer rubber band ligation in our practice. This entails a tube-like instrument (proctoscope) being carefully inserted into the anus and a rubber band being placed over the haemorrhoidal knot. This leads to a mortification of the knotty tissue due to the reduced blood flow. Later on, it falls off on its own together with the rubber band. This treatment is painless.

Coagulation-inhibiting medication must be discontinued in advance. Rubber band ligation is discussed and explained beforehand individually. It enables the minimisation of haemorrhoids and avoids surgery.

Surgery