Condition guide
What is piles?
Piles, also called hemorrhoids, are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus and lower rectum. They may cause bleeding, pain, itching, swelling or a feeling that the bowel has not cleared completely.
Common causes
- Long-term constipation or straining during stool
- Repeated diarrhoea or bowel irritation
- Sitting for long periods, especially on the toilet
- Low-fibre diet, dehydration and irregular bowel habits
- Pregnancy, ageing or excess pressure around the rectal area
Symptoms to notice
- Bleeding while passing stool
- Pain, soreness or burning around the anal opening
- Itching or irritation near the anus
- A lump or swelling around the anus
- Feeling that stool has not passed completely
Treatment options
Lifestyle and medicines
Mild piles may improve with fibre, fluids, stool softeners, sitz bath, ointments and medicines recommended by a doctor.
Rubber band ligation
A small band is placed around an internal hemorrhoid to reduce blood supply. The hemorrhoid usually shrinks and falls off over time.
Hemorrhoidectomy
In selected cases, the swollen hemorrhoid tissue is surgically removed. The wound may be closed or left open depending on the method used.
Stapled hemorrhoidopexy
A stapling device is used for suitable internal piles to lift tissue back into position and reduce blood flow to the hemorrhoids.
Recovery guidance
- Follow the surgeon's medicines, diet and dressing advice
- Drink enough water and eat fibre-rich foods
- Avoid straining and long sitting on the toilet
- Attend follow-up visits even if symptoms reduce
When to seek urgent care
- Heavy bleeding
- Severe pain
- Fever
- Pus or foul discharge
- Dizziness or weakness
This page is for awareness and surgery planning support only. A surgeon should confirm the diagnosis and recommend the right treatment.