Cauterization for Hemorrhoid

By | January 31, 2018

One who has piles (a.k.a. hemorrhoids) no longer has to suffer because there are many available treatments. One could consult a doctor for prescription drugs. Non-surgical procedures like sclerotherapy and surgical procedures such as hemorrhoidectomy are also available. Despite the advancements in technology, cauterization remains to be one of the top options for mild cases. It is an old technique but with its effectiveness, it should not surprise you if doctors still recommend cauterization for hemorrhoid these days.

Hemorrhoids: Briefly Explained

A hemorrhoid is a vascular structure that helps in the bowel movement. Sometimes, the tissue that makes up this structure gets blocked making them swell and bleed. The swollen tissues are called piles but many people also refer to them as hemorrhoids. The condition can affect the anus, which is the last four centimeters that stool has to pass through. Some hemorrhoids may also occur in the lower rectum, which is connected to the anus.

Cauterization in General

Cauterization is of two kinds. One uses electricity while the other uses chemicals. Whichever the case, cauterization’s main purpose is to produce heat that burns tissue, causing it to degrade. The process also seals the veins.

Cauterization and Coagulation

If you have looked up non-surgical treatment options, you must have already read about heat coagulation. The process is similar to cauterization but it actually kills the tissue. Cauterizing the tissues is much better because the process does not harm the protein structures.

Electrocauterization to Treat Hemorrhoid

The electrocauterization – one that uses electric current – is more often used because chemicals are feared to possibly leak to other tissues.

To conduct cauterization for hemorrhoid, electric current is allowed to pass through the tip of the wire. It will heat up. It can then be run over the affected tissue, which will burn considering the heat in the wire. The tissue will then degrade.

Note that electrocauterization involves electric current. The current runs through the body. To let it flow, a grounding pad is attached to the patient. The fact that electric current needs to run through the body of patient limits the length of time that this treatment can be performed.

Pros and Cons of Cauterization

For piles, cauterization has advantages and disadvantages, just like with any other form of treatment.

It can be a good option because it is not as expensive and time-consuming as surgical procedures. It can also be done as an outpatient procedure. It is also more convenient for patients as there is no lengthy recovery time considering that there is no skin cutting to be done. Most importantly, bleeding may be permanently cured since cauterizing often lead to sealing the veins. These are only some of the reasons why cauterizing hemorrhoids has never been eliminated from the list of treatments.

On the other hand, cauterization for hemorrhoid can encourage the formation of scar tissues that are hard to the touch. Nonetheless, the scar tissues that will form will act like protective walls for the damaged veins. It helps control inflammation in the future.