Piles Treatment Without Surgery: Is It Possible?

Piles Treatment Without Surgery: Is It Possible?

Piles or hemorrhoids are a prevalent but mostly ignored disease in India.

Most patients are too shy to discuss it, and treatment is delayed, causing more discomfort. However, surgery isn't the answer for all the piles cases.

With the right approach and timely care, non-surgical piles treatment can provide long-lasting relief.

This guide will inform you about what piles are, when you can avoid surgery, and the most effective non-surgical treatments.

What Are Piles?

Piles are inflamed blood vessels within and around the anus or rectum.

They may cause pain, itching, bleeding during bowel movements, and a sensation of fullness.

Read More: [What is Piles?](/laser-surgery/hemorrhoids-piles)

Types of Piles

• Internal Piles: Happens within the rectum. They are normally painless, but sometimes bleed.
• External Piles: Found on the skin around the back passage. They may be tender, sore, and can form blood clots.

Grades of Piles

Piles are graded into 4 according to severity:

• Grade I: Mild swelling; no prolapse
• Grade II: Prolapse during bowel movement but spontaneously retrays
• Grade III: Prolapse requires manual reduction
• Grade IV: Permanently prolapsed; cannot be reduced and can be painful or thrombosed

What Are the Non-Surgical Piles Treatment Methods?

Following is a summary of the three principal non-surgical methods:

A. Lifestyle and Dietary Changes (First-line Approach)

Most piles cases are associated with constipation and straining during bowel movements. Simple lifestyle modifications can significantly improve symptoms.

• Consume High-Fibre Foods: Whole Grains, fruits (banana, papaya), vegetables, oats. Helps in reducing constipation.
• Consume Plenty of Water: Drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water every day, which will soften stool naturally.
• Do Not Strain: Do not spend a long time on the toilet, and do not use phones while passing stools.
• Regular Exercise: Walking, yoga, or mild exercise improves digestion and blood circulation.
• Do Not Delay Urine Passing: Holding urine for too long can worsen piles and constipation.

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B. Medicines (As Prescribed by a Doctor)

Both over-the-counter and prescription medicines can help reduce symptoms while lifestyle changes start to work.

• Oral Pain Killers: Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (only if your doctor approves). These reduce inflammation and pain.
• Topical Ointments or Creams: Hydrocortisone, Lidocaine, or ayurvedic gels. They helps in relieving itching, swelling, and pain
• Suppositories: They are most helpful for internal piles. Helps soften the region and reduces inflammation.
• Stool Softeners or Mild Laxatives: Lactulose, Isabgol, or Dulcolax. They prevent straining and lower the risk of flare-up.

Note: Always consult a doctor before taking any drug.

C. Minimally Invasive, Non-Surgical OPD Procedures

When medication and lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor can prescribe clinic-based procedures that don't involve cutting or stitches.

1. Rubber Band Ligation (RBL)

Rubber band ligation is a very popular non-surgical method of treating internal haemorrhoids (piles).

During this procedure, a physician puts a little elastic band on the pile's base, within the rectum, using a special device.

The band eliminates the flow of blood to the pile. Within the next 5–7 days, the haemorrhoid dries up, dies, and comes out with the bowel movement.

The region tends to heal within 1–2 weeks with minimal scarring to avoid recurrence in the same location. It is normally performed on an outpatient basis and does not involve hospital admission.

2. Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is an injection procedure that is fast and often applied to smaller internal haemorrhoids or patients who are unable to have surgery.

The physician injects a chemical solution (a sclerosant) directly into the tissue of the haemorrhoid. This treatment makes the blood vessels within the pile small, hard, and ultimately absorbed back into the body. The swelling decreases significantly in days to weeks.

3. Infrared Coagulation (IRC)

Infrared coagulation is a modern, minimally invasive option for treating small to medium-sized internal haemorrhoids. A device emits a brief burst of infrared light onto the base of the pile.

The heat from the infrared energy seals off the blood vessels supplying the haemorrhoid. Without blood flow, the pile tissue gradually shrinks and falls off within a few days. The procedure is quick, usually done in less than 10 minutes, and doesn't require anaesthesia.

These treatments have several advantages: they don't require a hospital stay or general anaesthesia, recovery is quick, and there is very little pain.

Read More: [Best Way to Cure Piles in 3 Days](/laser-surgery/hemorrhoids-piles)

Do Home Remedies Help?

Some self-help measures can give relief temporarily, particularly in Grade I or mild Grade II piles:

• Warm Sitz Baths: Bathe in warm water for 10–15 minutes to get relief from itching and discomfort
• Cold Compress: Inhibits pain and swelling in external piles
• Aloe Vera Gel: Anti-inflammatory agent, may relieve pain in the affected area
• Witch Hazel: Reduces swelling and pain (apply pads or wipes)

Although these remedies can help but they are not alternatives to medical treatment.

When Is Surgery Recommended?

Surgery is indicated in:

• Piles that are Grade III or Grade IV and are not controlled by other measures
• There is persistent bleeding or severe pain
• Blood clots (thrombosed piles) occur
• There is a prolapse that cannot be reduced.
• Non-surgical methods fail despite repeated efforts

Can Non-Surgical Treatments Provide Long-Term Relief?

Yes, relief can be obtained through non-surgical measures if you eat a healthy diet and lead a good lifestyle, get an early diagnosis, and begin treatment in time.

Regular doctor check-ups are necessary.

But though piles may be cured once, they return if you do not develop good habits. That is why prevention is equally necessary as treatment.

FAQs

1. Can Grade 2 Piles Be Cured Without Surgery?

Ans: Yes, Grade 2 piles do respond to change of diet, medication, and day-case therapy such as rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy.

2. Is Laser Treatment for Piles Surgery?

Ans: Technically, yes, but minimal so. Laser treatment is carried out with no incisions or sutures and is usually performed as a day-case procedure with rapid recovery.

3. Can I Treat Piles at Home Without a Doctor?

Ans: Mild cases of piles can get better through diet and rehydration, but it always pays to see a specialist to eliminate the chances of complications and delay in treatment.

When to See a Specialist

Consult a piles specialist doctor emergently if you experience:

• Bleeding during bowel movements
• Persistent itching or pain
• Swelling or lump around the anus
• Chronic constipation
• Pain when walking or sitting

Conclusion

Piles can be cured without surgery if they are diagnosed early and managed with appropriate care.

From medication and lifestyle modification to rapid OPD procedures, there are several ways to find relief without surgery.

However, ignoring symptoms or self-medication can make things worse. Always consult a qualified specialist like Dr. Kapil Agrawal to find a treatment plan that works best for you.

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