20th June 2023, Mumbai: Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are a common medical condition characterized by swollen and inflamed blood vessels in the rectum and anus. This condition affects a significant portion of the global population and can have various causes, including prolonged sitting or standing, chronic constipation, obesity, pregnancy, and straining during bowel movements.
The prevalence of piles can vary across countries and regions, but studies suggest that millions of individuals worldwide are impacted by this condition. Approximately 4.4% of the general population globally has symptomatic hemorrhoids, and this percentage may be higher when considering undiagnosed or asymptomatic cases. While piles can occur in people of all ages, they are more prevalent in adults, particularly those between the ages of 45 and 65. Men are slightly more susceptible to this condition than women. The disease burden of piles is influenced by various factors, including lifestyle habits, dietary patterns, and genetic predisposition.
Piles can lead to a range of health complications and significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Common symptoms include chronic pain, bleeding, itching, irritation in the anal area, and difficulties in performing daily activities such as sitting and walking. The condition can also have psychological effects, such as embarrassment, anxiety, and decreased self-confidence, leading to social and emotional distress. Moreover, the economic burden of piles is noteworthy. The condition often requires medical consultations, diagnostic tests, and individuals may incur costs related to medications, surgical procedures, and follow-up care. Piles can also lead to decreased work productivity, absenteeism, and impaired daily functioning, resulting in indirect costs to individuals and society as a whole.
Diagnosing piles typically involves evaluating the medical history, symptoms, and performing a digital rectal examination. Additional procedures like anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy may be conducted to rule out other underlying conditions and determine the extent and severity of the disease. However, fear of treatment, recurrence, and embarrassment often result in delays in seeking consultation, leading to the worsening of symptoms.
The treatment of piles depends on the severity of the condition and the individual’s overall health. In mild cases, self-care measures and lifestyle changes may be sufficient. These measures include increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, avoiding excessive straining during bowel movements, and practicing good anal hygiene. Over-the-counter creams, ointments, and suppositories can provide temporary relief from itching and discomfort. For more persistent or severe cases, medical interventions may be necessary. These can include non-surgical treatments like rubber band ligation or injection sclerotherapy, as well as surgical treatments like conventional hemorrhoidectomy, MIPH (stapled surgery), or LASER hemorrhoidopexy.
Laser surgery for piles, also known as laser hemorrhoidoplasty, has undergone advancements and refinements over the years. It was introduced as a minimally invasive alternative to conventional hemorrhoidectomy, which involved the removal of hemorrhoidal tissue using a scalpel. Laser hemorrhoidoplasty utilizes focused laser energy to coagulate and shrink the hemorrhoidal tissue, reducing the blood supply to the hemorrhoids. The laser also seals the blood vessels, minimizing bleeding during and after the procedure. Over time, advances in laser technology have led to the development of more precise and efficient lasers for surgical procedures. Currently, diode lasers are used for laser hemorrhoidoplasty.
Laser surgery for piles offers several potential advantages, including reduced post-operative pain, decreased bleeding, minimal tissue damage, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. Laser hemorrhoidoplasty is generally considered a less painful option with a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery. Additionally, it may be associated with fewer complications and a lower risk of recurrence in some cases. As medical technology continues to advance, ongoing refinements in laser surgical techniques for piles may be expected. These refinements could involve improvements in laser devices, surgical methods, and patient selection criteria.
It’s important to note that the specific approach and techniques used in laser surgery for piles may vary depending on the surgeon, the patient’s condition, and advancements in medical technology. Consulting with a qualified healthcare professional will provide the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding laser surgery for piles.
In conclusion, the global disease burden of piles is significant, and this condition can have physical, psychological, and economic implications for individuals and society. Raising awareness about the condition, promoting preventive measures, and providing accessible and effective treatment options are necessary to reduce the global disease burden. Encouraging healthy lifestyle practices, including maintaining a high-fiber diet, drinking an adequate amount of water, regular exercise, and proper bowel habits, can help prevent the development or recurrence of piles. Additionally, individuals should refrain from excessive straining during bowel movements and take prompt action if constipation occurs. Timely medical intervention and surgery, when needed, can alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent complications.