Which doctor treats haemorrhoids?

Mucous discharge, blood in the stool, burning sensation and itching in the anus are reasons to think about which doctor treats haemorrhoids.

Haemorrhoids are a dangerous pathology characterized by expansion of the corpora cavernosa of the submucosal rectum due to increased blood flow. Can be external, internal or combined.

The disease is not rare. Occurs in the presence of conditions conducive to its development. According to official medical statistics, in Ukraine, at least 11-12% of the adult population of different genders and social status suffer from it.

People experiencing discomfort in the anus are advised to immediately visit a doctor, and people aged 40-50 years who are predisposed to rectal cancer are recommended to have a scheduled visit to a proctologist at least 1-2 times a year.

Symptoms that need to be addressed by a specialist

Haemorrhoids are characterized by pronounced clinical symptoms that change as the disease develops. May be observed:

1. Periodic discomfort. At the initial stage of the disease, a person may from time to time feel periodic discomfort in the anus caused by swelling of the internal folds of the anal canal
2. Constant discomfort. As the disease progresses, the sensation of a “foreign body” in the anus occurs more and more often during the day. The discomfort intensifies.
3. Burning sensation and itching. During defecation, a burning sensation and itching occurs, caused by irritating discharge to the anal mucosa and prolapse of haemorrhoids.
4. Bleeding This symptom of haemorrhoids can be periodic or constant, short-term or long-term. Blood is released after bowel movements and appears in the stool or on underwear during the day.
5. Prolapse of haemorrhoids. In advanced cases of the disease, haemorrhoids fall out and are set inward only as a result of manual intervention (or not set at all).
6. Pain. Painful sensations with haemorrhoids occur periodically (during bowel movements, during exercise, in a sitting position) or are constant.

Preparation before use

Many people put off visiting a doctor because they do not understand how to properly prepare for it. However, in reality, preparing for a consultation with a proctologist is very simple. The recommendations are as follows:

1. Preparation of documentation. When meeting with a doctor, it is recommended to take with you medical documents for the last 6 months: statements of surgical interventions performed and past illnesses, test results, opinions of specialists in other fields, etc.  
2. Cleansing the rectum. You can cleanse the rectum of feces using microenemas, laxatives or an Esmarch mug. Microclysters are sold in pharmacies without a prescription and cleanse the intestines within 15-20 minutes after application to the rectal area. Laxatives are taken according to a schedule (in several stages) and cleanse the intestines 3-5 hours after administration, depending on the individual characteristics of the body. Esmarch circles are made three times – twice in the evening (the day before the doctor’s visit) and once in the morning (about 5 hours before the appointment).
3. Nutrition correction. A strict diet before consulting a specialist is not necessary, but it is recommended to limit the consumption of heavy foods that cause increased gas formation, alcoholic and sweet carbonated drinks. You can eat various vegetable soups, boiled white meat and fruits, which, due to their high fiber content, stimulate intestinal motility.
4. Drawing up a list of questions. Having a list of questions that you would like to discuss with your doctor in advance will help you feel more comfortable during the consultation.
5. Hygienic shower Immediately before the appointment, it is recommended to take a shower and change your linen. You should not use creams and other deodorizing products in the intimate area, but you can take wet wipes without antiseptic with you.

Modern methods for diagnosing haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids should be differentiated from polyps, malignant intestinal tumors and other pathologies that have similar symptoms. It is impossible to do this on your own. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor!

Diagnosis is based on anamnestic data about the patient’s condition, visual examinations and laboratory tests.

Visual inspection and palpation of the affected area

Allows the doctor to assess the strength of contraction of the anal sphincter muscles, the condition of the skin on the inner surface of the buttocks and around the anus. Identify the presence of scratches, scar deformities, pigment spots, hyperkeratosis, polypoid formations, tumors and fistulous openings, which are given a detailed description.

Digital examination of the rectum

Allows the doctor to assess the condition of the tissues of the anal canal, rectal mucosa and the closing function of the sphincter, examine the organs and tissues surrounding the rectum and select the optimal position of the patient’s body for basic instrumental examination.

Anoscopy

Examination of the mucous membrane of the lower ampulla of the rectum and anal canal using an optical anoscope device to a depth of 10 cm. A safe procedure that is carried out in the absence of acute inflammatory processes, chemical and thermal burns in the anus.

Rectosromanoscopy

Examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon using a rigid retroscope to a depth of 30 cm. A safe procedure that is performed in the absence of profuse bleeding from the intestine, acute inflammation of the abdominal cavity and anal canal fissures.

After a complete diagnostic examination, the doctor makes a diagnosis and selects an appropriate treatment regimen.

Invitation for a consultation (check the cost when making an appointment) to the clinic

If you want to avoid such a delicate problem as haemorrhoids or have already faced it and need the help of a specialist, we invite you to a consultation (check the cost when making an appointment) in our clinic!

Qualified medical staff will help overcome feelings of embarrassment and solve numerous problems that affect daily well-being and quality of life at the level of world standards.

Proctologist will answer all your questions, maintaining complete confidentiality and medical confidentiality, and will prescribe additional studies to make a final diagnosis and select an effective treatment regimen.