Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, affect millions of Americans each year and are among the most common causes of rectal discomfort and bleeding. While many cases can be managed with lifestyle changes, persistent or severe hemorrhoids often require medical evaluation and specialized treatment.
At Champion Health System, patients throughout North Carolina receive comprehensive, patient-centered care focused on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and long-term symptom relief. Champion Health System serves communities across North Carolina through multiple clinic locations, including Oxford, Henderson, Dunn, and Raleigh.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in the lower rectum or around the anus. Similar to varicose veins, these enlarged blood vessels can become irritated, inflamed, and painful.
Hemorrhoids are generally classified into two categories:
Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and may not initially cause pain. Common symptoms include rectal bleeding, tissue prolapse, and discomfort during bowel movements.
External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids form beneath the skin surrounding the anus and are more likely to cause pain, itching, swelling, and tenderness.
In some cases, a blood clot may develop within an external hemorrhoid, resulting in a thrombosed hemorrhoid that can cause significant pain and swelling.
Common Causes of Hemorrhoids
Several factors can increase pressure within the veins of the lower rectum and anus, leading to hemorrhoid development:
- Chronic constipation
- Straining during bowel movements
- Low-fiber diet
- Prolonged sitting
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Chronic diarrhea
- Heavy lifting
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Aging-related weakening of supportive tissues
Understanding and addressing these contributing factors is an important part of long-term hemorrhoid management.
Signs and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
Symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of the condition.
Common symptoms include:
- Bright red rectal bleeding
- Pain or discomfort during bowel movements
- Anal itching or irritation
- Swelling around the anus
- A palpable lump near the anal opening
- Mucus discharge
- Sensation of incomplete bowel emptying
- Prolapsed hemorrhoidal tissue
Patients experiencing persistent bleeding should seek medical evaluation to rule out other gastrointestinal conditions.
How Hemorrhoids Are Diagnosed
At Champion Health System, evaluation begins with a comprehensive consultation and physical examination.
The diagnostic process may include:
Medical History Review
Providers evaluate:
- Current symptoms
- Duration of symptoms
- Bowel habits
- Dietary patterns
- Previous gastrointestinal conditions
- Family medical history
Physical Examination
A careful examination helps identify external hemorrhoids and other anorectal conditions.
Anoscopy or Proctoscopy
For suspected internal hemorrhoids, specialized instruments may be used to visualize the rectal canal and determine the severity of the disease.
Early diagnosis allows providers to develop the most effective treatment plan while preventing complications.
Hemorrhoid Grading System
Internal hemorrhoids are commonly categorized into four grades:
Grade I
Hemorrhoids remain inside the rectum and do not prolapse.
Grade II
Hemorrhoids prolapse during bowel movements but return spontaneously.
Grade III
Hemorrhoids prolapse and require manual repositioning.
Grade IV
Hemorrhoids remain prolapsed and cannot be manually reduced.
The grade of hemorrhoids plays a significant role in determining the most appropriate treatment option.
Hemorrhoid Treatment at Champion Health System
At Champion Health System, hemorrhoid treatment plans are individualized based on symptom severity, hemorrhoid grade, medical history, and patient goals. The focus is always on achieving symptom relief while minimizing discomfort and recovery time.
Conservative Management
For mild to moderate hemorrhoids, treatment often begins with non-surgical approaches such as:
- Increased dietary fiber
- Hydration optimization
- Stool softeners
- Lifestyle modifications
- Sitz baths
- Topical medications, when appropriate
These measures can help reduce inflammation and prevent symptom progression.
Minimally Invasive Hemorrhoid Procedures
Patients whose symptoms persist despite conservative treatment may benefit from minimally invasive interventions.
Rubber Band Ligation
Rubber band ligation is one of the most commonly performed office-based hemorrhoid procedures. A small band is placed around the hemorrhoid, restricting blood flow and causing the tissue to shrink and detach naturally.
Sclerotherapy
This treatment involves injecting a specialized solution into the hemorrhoidal tissue, causing the blood vessels to collapse and shrink.
Infrared Coagulation
Infrared energy is applied to hemorrhoidal tissue, reducing blood flow and promoting shrinkage.
Benefits of minimally invasive treatments may include:
- Outpatient procedures
- Minimal downtime
- Reduced discomfort
- Faster recovery
- Return to normal activities within a short period
Surgical Treatment for Advanced Hemorrhoids
For severe, recurrent, or prolapsed hemorrhoids, surgical intervention may be recommended.
Hemorrhoidectomy
A hemorrhoidectomy involves the surgical removal of enlarged hemorrhoidal tissue and is considered one of the most effective treatments for advanced hemorrhoids.
Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy
This procedure repositions prolapsed tissue and reduces blood flow to hemorrhoids, helping alleviate symptoms and improve patient comfort.
Providers carefully discuss treatment options, expected outcomes, and recovery considerations before recommending surgery.
Recovery and Long-Term Prevention
Successful hemorrhoid treatment extends beyond the procedure itself.
Patients are encouraged to:
- Follow a high-fiber diet
- Drink adequate water daily
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid prolonged sitting
- Prevent constipation
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Attend recommended follow-up appointments
These measures can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization
Hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) is the latest minimally invasive treatment for bleeding internal hemorrhoids. The procedure is performed at one of our clinics and takes about 1-2 hours. Patients go home after the procedure and usually return to normal activities in 24-48 hours.
The virtually painless procedure involves placement of a small plastic catheter through the artery in your groin. Contrast is injected to map out the arteries to your hemorrhoids. These arteries are then selected and permanently blocked off using a combination of tiny particles and metal coils. After your procedure, you will recover for about two hours and then be discharged home.
HAE is ideal for patients who have either failed or do not want rubber band ligation, or cannot get or do not want invasive surgery. The procedure can be performed if you are on blood thinners. The procedure is successful at resolving bleeding in 80% of patients and can be repeated if bleeding comes back.
Why Choose Champion Health System?
Champion Health System is committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused healthcare throughout North Carolina. Their multidisciplinary team delivers advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and comprehensive outpatient care across multiple specialties.
Board-certified Interventional Radiologists with combined experience of over 35 years will work with your referring doctors to design the best treatment for you. Patients have access to convenient locations in Oxford, Henderson, Dunn, and Raleigh, ensuring expert care close to home.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing rectal bleeding, anal pain, itching, or symptoms of hemorrhoids, early evaluation can help prevent complications and improve treatment outcomes. We may refer you to a GI specialist to work with them on a definitive plan.
The experienced healthcare team at Champion Health System is dedicated to helping patients throughout North Carolina receive timely diagnosis and personalized care. To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit the Champion Health System website or contact one of our convenient North Carolina locations.
Our Locations
Raleigh Clinic
7901 ACC Blvd, Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27617
Phone: (919) 651-4345
Oxford Clinic
1614 Williamsboro St, Oxford, NC 27565
Phone: (919) 339-4077
Champion Diabetic Wound & Limb Preservation Center
511 Ruin Creek Rd, Suite 106, Henderson, NC 27536
Phone: (252) 572-4223
Champion Internal Medicine & Geriatrics
511 Ruin Creek Rd, Suite 203, Henderson, NC 27536
Phone: (252) 492-6127
Dunn Clinic
710 Erwin Rd, Dunn, NC 28334
Phone: (910) 304-1212
Visit Us Online – www.championhealthsystem.com
Schedule a Consultation – https://championhealthsystem.com/contact-us/
Contact Champion Health System today to learn more about hemorrhoid treatment options and personalized care plans available throughout North Carolina.
