FAQ - Hemerrhoids

Here's what patients most frequently ask about hemerrhoids and treatment options...

• What causes hemorrhoids?
• What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
• Have any new treatments been developed?
• Can patients be treated if hemorrhoids are actively bleeding?
• What is the cost of treatment and does insurance cover it?
• Can patients’ have the treatment if they are on medication?
• What about after the procedure?
• How do patients get started?
• Is there any special preparation required before treatment?
• What should patients’ expect during the procedure?

• What causes hemorrhoids?

  The veins of the anus and rectum have no valves, and any maneuver that increases pressure can cause these veins to stretch and dilate and become hemorrhoids. This increased pressure often comes from the pushing and straining that accompanies constipation. Other sources of increased pressure are being overweight, labor (the pushing and straining of delivery is similar in nature to that of constipation), strenuous physical exertion, and prolonged sitting. Heredity is known to play a significant role too.
  
  

• What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

  As the hemorrhoidal veins stretch and dilate, their walls become thin and fragile. Symptoms often begin with painless rectal bleeding. This blood appears bright red on the toilet paper or stool. Over time, if the stretching and pressure continues, the weakened veins will protrude and the symptoms can include pain, swelling, itching, and discharge (soilage). Hemorrhoids can also develop blood clots, which can be extremely painful. Hemorrhoids can subside temporarily, but unfortunately, they never go away if left untreated. Eventually, the agony from hemorrhoids can affect nearly everything people do, and by then may require major surgery.
  
  

• Have any new treatments been developed?

  Yes. To relieve the suffering without the need for painful surgery, Vein Associates™ has the exclusive rights to a new device called the KM-25 used in the HAL procedure. This procedure is quick and easy with excellent and long-lasting results. The procedure is performed in the comfortable surroundings of our office, is about one-fourth the cost of traditional hospital surgery, and is covered by Medicare and most insurance companies.
  
  

• Can patients be treated if hemorrhoids are actively bleeding?

  Yes. treatment should immediately reduce bleeding.
  
  

• What is the cost of treatment and does insurance cover it?

  The total cost depends on the number of treatments needed. Our fees are up to 75% less than traditional surgery, and the majority of that cost is usually paid by insurance. We accept Medicare assignment and we bill most health insurance plans. If patients’ do not have insurance, we offer special prompt-pay discount prices or convenient payment plans.
  
  

• Can patients’ have the treatment if they are on medication?

  In most cases, yes. During the initial examination with Vein Associates™, they will determine if patients’ are a good candidate for treatment.
  
  

• What about after the procedure?

  Each visit takes just a few minutes and patients’ can immediately resume usual activities, including driving home. After the treatment patients’ can have regular bowel movements. The procedures causes no disruption to work schedule or lifestyle.
  
  

• How do patients get started?

  By calling our office at 1.866.4NO.VEINS to schedule a Physician Consultation at a Vein Associates™ clinic in near you.
  
  

• Is there any special preparation required before treatment?

  No. The procedure requires no special preparation, no fasting, no special diet, and no enema.
  
  

• What should patients’ expect during the procedure?

  Before treatment, one of our physicians will conduct a painless anoscopic exam to document the hemorrhoids and to ensure that no other disease is responsible for the symptoms. This examination takes just a few minutes. The procedure is then performed. Depending on the severity of the hemorrhoids, treatment time will last 5 to 10 minutes. Patients’ will be fully awake during the procedure.