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MBBS
MMed
MRCS (IRE)
FRCSED
FAMS
Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are swollen veins located around the lower rectum or anus. They can develop internally, within the rectum, or externally, under the skin around the anus.
Haemorrhoids are a common condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. While they can cause discomfort, they are generally not life-threatening.
Haemorrhoids are classified into two main types based on their location.
Internal haemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and are not visible from the outside. They are further classified into four grades:
External haemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus and are visible and can be felt. They can cause significant pain and discomfort, as the skin around the anus is particularly sensitive.
In some cases, people may experience both internal and external haemorrhoids simultaneously, a condition referred to as mixed haemorrhoids.
The development of haemorrhoids is often caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum, which can be due to reasons such as:
This is one of the most common causes. Straining puts additional pressure on the veins in the rectum, leading to haemorrhoids.
Regularly experiencing constipation or diarrhoea can lead to straining during bowel movements, which increases the risk of haemorrhoids.
The weight of the foetus on the abdomen increases pressure in the pelvic region and could cause haemorrhoids. Additionally, the straining during childbirth can exacerbate the condition.
Excess body weight can increase pressure in the pelvic area, contributing to the development of haemorrhoids.
Sitting for extended periods, especially on the toilet, can increase pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus.
The tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken and stretch with ageing, leading to haemorrhoids.
The symptoms of haemorrhoids can vary. Some people may not experience any symptoms, especially with internal haemorrhoids. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
Diagnosing haemorrhoids usually involves the following processes:
A doctor may visually inspect the anal region for external haemorrhoids. For internal haemorrhoids, a digital rectal examination (DRE) is performed, where the doctor uses a lubricated, gloved finger to feel for abnormalities inside the rectum.
A small, tube-like instrument is inserted into the anus to inspect the anal canal and rectum, providing a clear view of internal haemorrhoids.
Similar to an anoscopy, this procedure uses a slightly longer instrument to examine deeper into the rectum.
If there’s concern about gastrointestinal bleeding or the need to rule out other conditions like colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy may be recommended.
Consult our dual fellowship-trained surgeon for a personalised treatment plan today.
The treatment of haemorrhoids depends on the type, severity, and persistence of symptoms. Treatment options in Singapore range from conservative management to surgical intervention.
These are some strategies for the prevention and management of haemorrhoids:
MBBS (SG)
MMed (Surg)
MRCS (Ire)
FRCSEd (Gen)
FAMS (Surg)
Dr Thng Yongxian is a dual fellowship-trained Hepatopancreatobiliary & General Surgeon who has performed over 6000 surgical procedures.
He pursued his subspecialty training in Hepatopancreatobiliary surgery first in the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Singapore General Hospital. Following this, he completed a clinical fellowship in Minimally Invasive Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital in Bundang, South Korea.
Dr Thng set up and pioneered the Minimally invasive surgery program for his hospital in complex liver and pancreas cases. His surgeries were featured on live national television. His surgical videos have also been presented at international surgical conferences. He also pioneered the use of capsule colonoscopy for colorectal screening.
Dr Thng has served on various committees at hospital, cluster and ministry level. Dr Thng served as a member of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Laparoscopic cholecystectomy Clinician workgroup for value-driven care (VDC).
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820 Thomson Road, #06-05 ,Singapore 574623
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3 Mount Elizabeth, #08-06, Singapore 228510
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
38 Irrawaddy Road, #08-43, Singapore 329563
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(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
319 Joo Chiat Place, #05-01, Singapore 427989
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday, Sunday & PH: Closed
6 Napier Road, #05-10, Singapore 258499
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
820 Thomson Road, #06-05 ,Singapore 574623
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
The duration varies; minor haemorrhoids may improve in a few days without treatment, while more significant cases might take a couple of weeks to improve with proper management.
Stress does not cause haemorrhoids, but it can lead to behaviours (like changes in diet and bathroom habits) that increase the risk of developing them.
Many haemorrhoids can be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies, dietary changes, and warm sitz baths. If symptoms are severe or don’t improve with home treatment, seeking medical advice is necessary.