Embedded Files
Overview
Hemorrhoids are very common and are dilated vessels present in the anal canal. When they get too large they can have increased pressure and cause bleeding.
In general when hemorrhoids are small or not very symptomatic, we treat them with avoiding constipation and some perianal creams and ointments such as preparation H (a steroid anti-inflammatory).
If these initial steps do not work long-term or patients have recurrent bleeding, then a hemorrhoid procedure is warranted. There are a variety of treatments available and Dr. Cober has experience with many of them and offers banding, HemWell, Ligasure hemorrhoidectomy, and traditional Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy.
Most often, we can treat hemorrhoids at the same time as colonoscopy to maximize patient convenience.
Dr. Cober can treat patients with hemorrhoids in several locations in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St Lucie, Stuart, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Lake Worth.
HemWell is only offered in Vero Beach at the Live Oak Endoscopy Center, and this is the only location on the East Coast of Florida offering this technology.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are dilated veins and vessels in the anal canal. They are a part of normal anatomy but when dilated can be bothersome and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, bleeding, anal discomfort, leakage, and more.
Are hemorrhoids dangerous?
In general no, however some patients do have significant bleeding from hemorrhoids and in this case it is of high medical importance to treat hemorrhoids to decrease chronic blood loss. Furthermore we do recommend an exam by a medical provider to ensure that what is thought to be hemorrhoids is not really something more serious like an anal mass (which can be firm, irregular, or not go away or fluctuate in size with time).
Hemorrhoid surgery can be very painful, so we go to great lengths to avoid it and perform minimally-invasive techniques
What about hemorrhoid surgery?
We generally offer hemorrhoid surgery as a last resort for patients with very large and troublesome hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoid surgery is very often quite painful and recovery can take 3-4 weeks. Of note there are other procedures with a growing experience such as hemorrhoid artery embolization available at certain endovascular centers.
What is the initial treatment for hemorrhoids?
Initially we recommend a non-operative approach that consists of:
Treating and preventing constipation: We often recommend utilizing Miralax and prunes and dietary adjustments.
Treating flare-ups:
Cool soaks in the tub.
Preparation H or Anusol suppositories.
What if hemorrhoid problems persist?
If patients continue to have significant symptoms and decreased quality of life due to hemorrhoids, we generally recommend aiming to treat the hemorrhoids by reducing or removing them. First-line procedural treatments entail less painful and invasive techniques. Here are two that we often recommend:
Banding: This can be done in-office, has some discomfort, and is moderately successful, and may require multiple treatments over the course of a few months. Currently we do not offer in-office banding.
HemWell: This is our preferred non-surgical procedure as it is fairly successful and can decrease symptoms even in grade III and IV hemorrhoids (i.e. larger hemorrhoids with external components). It does require anesthesia, but there is usually minimal pain afterwards.
Schedule a Consultation to Get Started
We start with a consultation to assess your situation and provide our recommendations. For out-of-town patients, telehealth visits are offered, but we strongly suggest having your doctor's office send us over your last medical progress note which can detail the external exam of any hemorrhoids present or provide any relevant clinical history. Click here to schedule a consultation.
Insurance and Payment Information
We are in-network with Medicare and accept a wide variety of insurance plans. If we are not in network with your plan our billers can often negotiate with payors such that patients pay the same as they would with an in-network provider. In the event that our biller is unable to obtain in-network rates for you, we will inform you and quote any out-of-pocket costs upfront.
For Referrals From Providers Offices
Step 1: Fax/email us the last clinic note or any other relevant information such as history and recent colonoscopy.
Fax: (561) 693-2210
Email: secure@coberhealth.com
Step 2: We will reach out to the patient and schedule them for a consultation.
Step 3: We will update you with our findings and recommendations.
Google Sites
Report abuse