Piles Treatment Explained: Symptoms, Remedies & Laser Surgery
It starts as an itch, or perhaps a little blood after using the toilet, and many brush it off as "something normal." But in India, where dietary habits, lifestyle, and even toilet design differ from the West, piles (or haemorrhoids) are a surprisingly common yet under-discussed issue.
Piles treatment today has come a long way from painful surgeries. Whether it's early symptoms or advanced cases requiring laser treatment for piles, understanding your options is key to finding relief. Inspired by the expertise of specialists at centres like Bangalore Gastro Centre, this educational guide is here to answer all your questions and help you make informed decisions.
What Are Piles and How Are They Different from Anal Fissures?
Piles (haemorrhoids) are swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus. They're classified as:
- Internal haemorrhoids: Develop inside the rectum; usually painless but can bleed.
- External haemorrhoids: Occur around the anus; can be painful, itchy, or swollen.
Anal Fissures are small tears in the lining of the anal canal, often caused by hard stools or constipation. Unlike piles, they tend to cause sharp, stinging pain during bowel movements.
Analogy: Piles are like bulges forming inside a toothpaste tube due to pressure; fissures are like cracks at the tip from too much force.
Worsening factors in Indian lifestyles:
- Prolonged squatting
- Spicy diets
- Low water intake
What Causes Piles?
The piles treatment journey starts by identifying what caused them in the first place. Common causes include:
- Chronic constipation: Straining increases pressure on rectal veins.
- Prolonged sitting: Especially on Indian toilets.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Weakens digestion and blood flow.
- Pregnancy: Increases pressure in the pelvic area.
- Low-fibre diets
Note: Experts at Bangalore Gastro Centre often find underlying issues like anal fissures or poor bowel habits during evaluations.
What Are the Symptoms of Piles?
Recognizing early signs can help you seek piles treatment sooner. Symptoms include:
- Bright red blood during bowel movements
- Itching or irritation near the anus
- Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting
- Swelling or a lump near the anus
- Mucus discharge
Internal vs External:
- Internal: Usually painless but bleed
- External: Painful, especially if thrombosed
These symptoms can mimic fissures or serious conditions like colorectal polyps—consult a specialist for clarity.
When Should You Consult a Doctor for Piles?
Seek medical help if you notice:
- Persistent bleeding
- Severe pain
- Lump/swelling that persists
- No improvement after home remedies
Specialists at centres like Bangalore Gastro Centre may use tools like endoscopy for accurate diagnosis.
Complications of ignoring piles: thrombosis, strangulation, or surgery.
What Are the Best Home Remedies for Piles?
India’s traditional wisdom offers several home remedies for piles:
🌿 Natural Ingredients:
- Isabgol: Aids smoother bowel movements
🧘♂️ Daily Practices:
- Sitz baths: 15–20 mins in warm water
- Hydration: 2–3 litres of water daily
- Fibre-rich foods: Papaya, banana, leafy greens, soaked raisins
- Avoid spicy/oily foods
Reminder: These bring relief but aren’t a cure. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist.
What Is the Best Treatment for Piles?
Depends on severity and grade.
Mild to Moderate:
- Diet changes
- Topical creams
- Minimally invasive procedures:
- Rubber band ligation
- Sclerotherapy
Severe or Recurrent:
- Laser treatment – fast and low-pain
- Traditional surgery (Haemorrhoidectomy) – for Grade 4
The “best treatment” is case-specific—recurrence, age, and response to medications matter.
What Is Laser Treatment for Piles and How Does It Work?
Laser treatment uses focused laser energy to shrink or vaporize piles.
✅ Benefits:
- Minimal bleeding
- No cuts or stitches
- Short hospital stay
- Faster healing
⚙️ Procedure:
- Under local/general anaesthesia
- Laser probe seals blood vessels and shrinks tissue
Often used for Grade 2 or 3 piles. At centres like Bangalore Gastro Centre, it's becoming standard care.
📝 Laser treatment is increasingly the preferred choice for working professionals seeking faster recovery.
Is Piles Surgery Painful?
Many ask: “Will piles surgery hurt?”
Honest Answer:
- Traditional surgery: Some discomfort; recovery in 7–10 days
- Laser surgery: Minimal pain; faster recovery in 2–3 days
Post-op care includes pain meds, stool softeners, and anaesthesia management.
Bangalore Gastro Centre focuses on smooth, tailored recovery plans.
Can Piles Be Cured Permanently?
Yes—but lifestyle is key.
Even with the best piles treatment, recurrence is common if root causes (like constipation or prolonged sitting) aren’t addressed.
Combine laser or medical treatment with lifestyle adjustments for long-term relief.
How to Prevent Piles from Coming Back?
Tips:
- Stay active – walk, move, stretch
- Avoid long toilet sitting
- Use squatty potty tools
- Include natural laxatives (raisins, flaxseed)
- Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily
- Increase vegetables and fruits
- Get annual digestive checkups
Prevention is built into the piles treatment plans at clinics like Bangalore Gastro Centre.
Moving Forward
Piles can be uncomfortable—and yes, embarrassing—but it’s also highly treatable.
From home remedies to laser treatment, there are now safe and effective options for all grades.
Don’t let fear delay action. Clinics like Bangalore Gastro Centre offer expert, pain-minimizing solutions.
If you’re also exploring GI procedures like gallbladder removal, check out our guide to Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.