What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are natural vascular tissue found in the anal canal. It is believed that their main function is to protect and cushion the anal canal. The term "prolapse" refers to the condition when the hemorrhoidal tissue enlarges and descends downward into the anal canal. Prolapse of the hemorrhoidal tissue, known as "piles", is a very common condition.

Why does hemorrhoidal tissue prolapse?
Numerous factors contribute to hemorrhoidal disease. Most commonly are:

• Constipation with prolonged straining
• Pregnancy
• Aging - the muscles and other anatomic structures that support the tissue weaken and help contribute to the prolapsation of the hemorrhoids.

What are the complications of hemorrhoidal prolapse?
Hemorrhoidal prolapse is often accompanied by bleeding, pain and the feeling of tissue in the anus. There may also be some mucus discharge.

What procedures are available for the treatment of hemorrhoids and prolapse?

There are several ways to manage hemorrhoids and prolapse. At False Creek Surgical Center, we offer a range of procedures from the traditional to advanced: banding, stapled hemorrhoidectomy (PPH) or conventional surgical hemorrhoidectomy.

New Technique: Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids (PPH) –Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy

A new process called procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) – also known as stapled hemorrhoidectomy - is less painful and allows patients to return to work and other normal activities much earlier than with conventional procedures. The new technique, which uses a stapling device, takes advantage of the fact that pain-sensing nerve fibers are absent higher in the anal canal where the wound will be placed.

PPH is a technique developed in the early 90’s that reduces the prolapse of hemorrhoidal tissue by excising a band of the prolapsed anal mucosa membrane with the use of a circular stapling. In PPH, the prolapsed tissue is pulled into a device that allows the excess tissue to be removed while the remaining hemorrhoidal tissue stapled. This restores the hemorrhoidal tissue back to its original anatomical position.

• Less painful
• Local anesthesia – return home the same day
• Shorter recovery period

Instead of the sharp pain of traditional methods, patients may feel a dull but tolerable ache for only a few days. In a recent study 20% of the patients returned to work one day after the operation and 99% of the patients made a full recovery within seven days. 93% of patients required no further therapy for their hemorrhoids. However, because this procedure is so new, it does not have the proven track record of conventional hemorrhoidectomy. Long-term recurrence rates are not known.

Hundreds of surgeons in Europe already use this new technique. More than a quarter million of these operations have been performed. This surgery is now available at False Creek Surgical Centre.

During your initial consultation, our board certified surgeons will evaluate which procedures may offer you the best results