The word “surgery” can make haemorrhoids sound like a problem that is heading straight for an operating theatre. That isn’t necessarily the case.
Some people with piles have fairly mild symptoms that settle after a few days. Others have symptoms that keep coming back or become troublesome enough to need treatment. So, if you have noticed bleeding, itching, swelling or discomfort, the first question isn’t always “Which surgery should I choose?” It is often “What is actually causing this, and is it getting better?” Singapore’s HealthHub notes that treatment depends on the symptoms and the type of haemorrhoid involved.
Start With the Things That Put Pressure on the Area
There are usually a few things worth looking at before anyone starts talking about procedures. Constipation and straining are common ones, but haemorrhoid symptoms can also be affected by diarrhoea, low fibre intake, pregnancy, excess weight and long periods sitting or standing.
Even how you spend time on the toilet can matter.
For mild symptoms, simple changes may be enough to help. Eat enough fibre, drink enough fluid where appropriate, keep moving and don’t force things when you’re using the toilet. And if you’re sitting there scrolling through your phone for ages, that’s probably a habit worth dropping.
Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may also suggest medication for itching or discomfort. If constipation is involved, treating that part of the problem can make things easier too.
But There Is a Point Where “I’ll Wait and See” Stops Being Useful
This is where things can get a little confusing.
A few days of mild symptoms is one situation. Bleeding that keeps happening, a lump that stays out, increasing pain or symptoms that are getting worse is another.
HealthHub advises seeing a doctor if piles do not improve within seven days or become worse. It also advises medical review for symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, bleeding at times other than passing motion, changes in stool, or a hard lump at the anus.
And there is a good reason for that caution. Rectal bleeding is not caused by haemorrhoids alone. SingHealth lists several other possible causes, including diverticular disease, colitis, angiodysplasia and colorectal cancer. Some symptoms can overlap, so repeatedly assuming “it’s only piles” may delay the right assessment.
Does Bleeding Mean You Need Surgery?
No.
Bleeding can occur with haemorrhoids, but the treatment decision depends on the findings. For some internal haemorrhoids, rubber band ligation can be performed as an outpatient procedure. Injection treatment may also be suitable in selected cases.
Surgery enters the discussion when symptoms are more severe, keep returning or have not responded to less invasive measures. SingHealth describes procedures such as haemorrhoidectomy, stapled haemorrhoidectomy and transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation, with the choice depending on the individual condition.
So if you’re searching for Haemorrhoid surgery in Singapore, it is worth understanding that “surgery” is not one single treatment. There are different procedures, and not every person with haemorrhoids will need one.
What If the Haemorrhoids Keep Coming Back?
That deserves a closer look.
Maybe constipation is still an issue. Maybe there is repeated straining. Maybe the haemorrhoids have progressed to the point where lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough. Or maybe the symptoms aren’t entirely due to haemorrhoids in the first place.
A doctor can assess the area and decide whether further examination is needed. Depending on the symptoms, this may include a physical examination of the anus and rectum and, when appropriate, other investigations. SingHealth notes that rectal bleeding may require investigation because several bowel conditions can present with similar symptoms.
That’s a lot more useful than trying to work out the answer from photographs on a search page.
A Few Questions People Have
Can mild haemorrhoids go away without treatment?
They can. Sometimes the symptoms settle after a few days and that’s the end of it. The important bit is not to assume every bout of rectal bleeding is automatically from haemorrhoids.
What if they settle and then come back?
That happens. Constipation and straining can play a part, so improving those habits may help. It doesn’t, however, guarantee that you’ll never have another flare-up.
How long is too long to wait?
If you’re still having symptoms after around seven days, or things are getting worse, it’s worth seeing a doctor. The same applies if there’s unusual bleeding, a change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss or a hard lump.
Is rubber band ligation the same as surgery?
It is a procedure used for suitable internal haemorrhoids and is commonly performed without hospitalisation. More involved surgical procedures are used in other situations.
At Crest Surgical Practice, haemorrhoids can be assessed and treated with non-surgical procedures or surgery, depending on the situation.
So, do you always need surgery? No. Some haemorrhoids improve without it. But if the problem keeps coming back, the bleeding doesn’t settle or things start getting worse, that’s a good point to see a doctor and find out what’s actually going on.
