Sclerotherapy for Piles: Benefits, Side Effects, and Results

According to a study by Niranjan Agarwal et al., approximately 5% of Indians experience haemorrhoids at any given time. While often manageable with lifestyle changes, this condition may sometimes require medical intervention. For those looking for a minimally invasive approach to treat this issue, sclerotherapy for piles can be the key solution. 

Want to know more about this method? This blog will explore sclerotherapy piles treatment, including its benefits, risks, and costs. Read on!

Sclerotherapy for piles is a medical procedure used to treat internal haemorrhoids. The chemical solution is injected into the affected area during the procedure. This solution causes the piles to shrink and eventually disappear.

This is done by creating scar tissue, which inhibits the blood supply to the haemorrhoid. Sclerotherapy is recommended for smaller internal piles and is often performed in an outpatient setting.

Injection sclerotherapy is primarily used to treat grade 1 (no prolapse outside the anal canal meaning swollen veins protrude outside the body) and grade 2 (piles mass bulge outside the anal opening) haemorrhoids. It offers relief from symptoms such as bleeding and discomfort. 

The method is effective for smaller internal piles that have not responded to conservative treatments. These may include dietary changes and over-the-counter medications.

Haemorrhoids sclerotherapy is a well-tolerated procedure, and many patients experience relief from symptoms shortly after treatment. Patients would receive instructions from their doctor to follow before and on the day of the treatment. 

Before Surgery 

Before undergoing sclerotherapy for piles, patients undergo a pre-procedure consultation. The doctor discusses the treatment plan and addresses the concerns.

On the Day of Surgery

Patients are advised to follow any preoperative instructions provided by their healthcare provider on the day of the sclerotherapy procedure. 

Sclerotherapy for piles is a straightforward procedure, lasting no longer than 10 to 15 minutes. This highlights the efficiency of this treatment in targeting internal haemorrhoids with precision. The key steps involved are:

1. Preparation: The patient will be rested comfortably in a supine position on the examination table. 

2. Injection: The doctor injects a sclerosing agent (chemical solution) into the hemorrhoidal tissue using a fine needle. 

3. After Effects: The solution will cause inflammation and scarring, leading to the shrinkage of the piles over time. It takes around 4 to 6 weeks.

Sclerotherapy for piles typically takes 1-2 weeks to treat haemorrhoids. One may expect the following during their recovery period:

The Recovery Process in Hospital 

As sclerotherapy for piles is an outpatient procedure, patients can usually leave the medical facility on the same day as the treatment. The factors one may expect in the hospital immediately after the surgery are:

1. Vital signs, like blood pressure, pulse rate, and body temperature, are checked.

2. Pain management medications are provided. 

3. Patients are monitored till they urinate and pass gas or stools to ensure the effectiveness of treatment.

Recovery Process/Expectation After Hospital Discharge 

After hospital discharge, the patient may experience mild discomfort, bleeding, or irritation around the anal area for a day. The guidelines below may help to cope with these complications:

1. Follow a soft diet and drink plenty of fluids

2. Take painkillers as prescribed by the doctor

3. Avoid strenuous activities for a day or two

4. Contact the doctor if experiencing severe pain and persistent bleeding

First Follow-Up Appointment

During this appointment, the doctor evaluates the effectiveness of the sclerotherapy treatment. They will assess the patient's overall recovery and inquire about residual symptoms.

Sclerotherapy injection for piles offers a range of advantages that make this one of the common haemorrhoid treatments. The key benefits are as follows:

1. Minimally Invasive: Sclerotherapy is performed outpatient and does not require anaesthesia. This results in minimal discomfort and a short recovery time.

2. Low Risk of Complications: It is associated with fewer risks than surgical interventions, such as infection, bleeding, or incontinence.

3. Multiple Procedures: If needed, the procedure can be repeated to address persistent or recurring piles effectively. It provides patients with continued relief from symptoms and promotes long-term haemorrhoid management.

The overall success rate in II and III degree haemorrhoids after a single sclerotherapy session is 78.8%. Furthermore, following the second session, the efficacy can increase to 86%. While the data suggests that sclerotherapy for piles has low complications, there are potential risks to look out for. These include:

1. Pain or discomfort at the injection site

2. Infection in the treated area

3. Allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent

4. Formation of fistulas or abscesses

5. Inflammation or irritation of surrounding tissue

6. Ulceration or scarring of the anal canal

When to consult a doctor?

Patients should consult a doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms after undergoing sclerotherapy for piles:

1. Severe pain with no relief from over-the-counter pain medication

2. Excessive bleeding that persists beyond a few days after the procedure

3. Infectious signs at the injection site like increased redness and swelling

4. Allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing or a rash

Delaying sclerotherapy treatment may lead to the progression of haemorrhoids, making them more challenging to manage. The other risks involved are:

1. Development of larger haemorrhoids that may be more challenging to treat

2. Persistent bleeding during bowel movements

3. Prolonged itching and irritation in the anal area

4. Chronic inflammation and swelling of piles

Sclerotherapy Piles Treatment Cost

The sclerotherapy piles treatment cost can vary based on location and the number of sessions required. The general overview is provided below.

Note: The figures mentioned are all estimated. Contact HexaHealth professionals to get accurate prices.

Factors that may affect the cost of sclerotherapy for piles include:

1. The Severity of Haemorrhoids: The extent of the condition can influence the complexity of the procedure, which may affect the overall cost.

2. Healthcare Provider: The fees charged by different doctors or clinics can vary based on their expertise, reputation, and geographic location.

3. Location: The price of healthcare services can differ significantly between regions due to variations in living and overhead expenses.

4. Number of Sessions: Some patients may require multiple sittings for sclerotherapy to achieve the desired results. This can increase the total amount.

Sclerotherapy for piles offers a minimally invasive solution for those suffering from internal haemorrhoids. The procedure provides significant symptom relief, promotes shrinkage of piles, and facilitates a quicker recovery. 

For those needing sclerotherapy piles treatment, HexaHealth can provide useful resources and top-tier support. Our platform streamlines the booking process, providing access to experienced specialists. Get in touch!

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