Tag Archives: Anal itching

Treating Hemorrhoids With Witch Hazel: The Rundown | Minnesota

July 3, 2018 admin

No, witch hazel isn’t some concoction brewed in a cauldron—but it most certainly can have beneficial health effects, especially on pesky hemorrhoids.

One of history’s most powerful natural healing agents, witch hazel has long existed as an anti-inflammatory compound. Dating back hundreds of years, it was used by both Native Americans and European settlers to reduce inflammation and bleeding within the body, and has since been touted for its natural astringent properties. Witch hazel has been an effective at-home remedy to treat hemorrhoid discomfort, yeast infections and acne.

In essence, witch hazel derives from the leaves and bark of the North American witch-hazel, Hamamelis virginiana. Its healing properties come from tannic acid, a chemical that can help constrict and cool the blood vessels and skin at the end of the rectum, which in turn reduces swelling and bleeding.

How Do You Use Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel can be purchased in liquid form or ointment form. Apply a pea-sized amount directly to the hemorrhoid three times daily AND after every bowel movement.

Witch hazel can also be found in products like hemorrhoidal pads and medicated wipes. For best results, use witch hazel products after taking a sitz bath (soaking the affected area in warm water for 10-15 minutes).

Are There Any Potential Risks or Side Effects?

Stomach discomfort may result if witch hazel is taken orally. Very rarely, topical witch hazel (applied directly to the skin) can cause inflammation. Overall, witch hazel is considered to be safe.

Keep in mind that while witch hazel can help alleviate hemorrhoid pain, it’s mostly used for basic, non-severe hemorrhoids. In the case of severe hemorrhoids or increased hemorrhoid flare-ups, witch hazel might not prove as effective. It is extremely important that anyone who suffers from hemorrhoid discomfort visits a doctor for a full evaluation or follow-up even after seeing signs of improvement from using witch hazel. Home remedies certainly help with symptoms, but it’s always best to see a doctor for a complete, thorough treatment method.

Posted in Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, hemorrhoid during pregnancy, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids myth, hemorrhoids Twin Cities

The External Hemorrhoidectomy Recovery Process

February 18, 2018 admin

What happens afterwards? The External Hemorrhoidectomy Recovery Process.

If you’ve only local anesthetic was used, you’ll be able to go home right after surgery. Most external hemorrhoidectomies are performed under local anesthesia without any sedation. If you have large external hemorrhoids or mixed hemorrhoids, you may be given oral or intravenous sedation, and you leave once the sedative wears off, you need to arrange a driver . General anesthesia is typically unnecessary for external hemorrhoidectomy.

Following an external hemorrhoidectomy, the recovery should involve a little time off work (a couple of days), and avoiding intense physical strain; that said, it is important to try to remain active while you recuperate.

Pain management after an external hemorrhoidectomy is important part of recovery. Your bowels still need to keep work while recovering, except now it has a wound in it. It is almost certainly going to be quite sore at first.

Most patients go through bowel preparation before surgery, and as a result usually don’t have any bowel movements in the first day or even 2nd day. You should reduce the amount of food you eat in the first 2 days in order to reduce the bowel movements. You’ll also get some fiber and medication to soften your stool, allowing you to pass it more easily and with less disturbance to the operative wounds. For similar reasons, you should make sure you drink plenty of water, at least 6 to 8 glasses every day. This also helps keep your stools soft and easy to move.

Tylenol or Ibuprofen is usually sufficient for pain control. If the pain is severe, stronger painkillers such as narcotics may help keep it in check. That said, you are discouraged from using them since narcotics may cause constipation, which affects the wound healing.

It is also important to give yourself a Sitz bath three times a day, 15 minutes each time to help the wound healing and prevent infection. Wash or soak after each bowel movement, and Keep the anus clean and dry.

The pain ought to lessen as the wound heals over, which is a fairly fast process – everything should be back to normal, and pain-free, within two to three weeks.

Posted in External Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, anal tags, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Rectal Bleeding, rectal itching, Rectal lump, Rectal Pain

The Management of Anal Tags | Minneapolis & St Paul

February 11, 2018 admin

Have you been using too much toilet paper because of pesky anal tags? Hemorrhoidal skin tags are flaps of skin or flesh found around the anus. They often form as a result of an existing hemorrhoid.

Anal tags are the shapeless lumps and flaps of skin and tissue found at the anal verge. They’re quite common and usually come with other anorectal problems, such as hemorrhoids.

Anal skin tags often occur if an individual heals the thrombosed external hemorrhoids at home without surgery, the thrombosed hemorrhoids may leave behind skin tags. Anal sentinel tags may also form because of non-hemorrhoid causes, such as anal fissure, surgery, or infection, etc.

Despite the fact that people often confuse them with cancerous growths, skin tags are benign and present no serious health concerns.

Hemorrhoidal skin tags often don’t cause significant rectal symptoms, but they often affect the cleansing after bowel movement. If feces become trapped beneath the skin tags, it can cause irritation and lead to itching and further inflammation. Skin tags can also cause pain when it flairs up or if there’s another underlying rectal problem.

Patients suffering discomfort or itching due to hemorrhoidal skin tags can treat the condition with the following:

Thorough cleaning of the affected area after bowel movement. May use gentle cleansers, such as witch hazel or aloe vera extract.
Do a Sitz bath with warm water.
May use OTC hemorrhoid cream to reduce irritation and swelling.
If the skin tags frequently cause symptoms, individuals may consider having them removed surgically.
Most patients who have anal tags often have hemorrhoids, too, they should consider complete care by treating internal hemorrhoids before removal of anal tags or at the same time.

Excision of anal tags:
Anal tags can easily be removed in the office using local anesthetic. A radiofrequency device is used to get rid of skin tabs and resurface the anal area to acquire a good cosmetic result. The procedure takes less than 10 minutes and patients are safe to drive immediately afterwards. There may be mild postoperative pain and discomfort with bowel movement in the first week. The patients are typically able to go back to work next day although the whole healing process may take a few weeks. If the patient needs a hemorrhoidectomy, anal tags can be removed together as part of hemorrhoidectomy. If the anal tag is extensive, two stages of surgery may be necessary to avoid anal stenosis.

Posted in Anal lump, anal tags, Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids, rectal lump | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, anal tags, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Rectal Bleeding, rectal itching, Rectal lump, Rectal Pain

Find a Qualified Hemorrhoid Doctor | Minnesota

January 7, 2018 admin

A hemorrhoid is a common illness that numerous Minnesotans suffer from. If you suffer from hemorrhoids, the good news is that the symptoms of mild hemorrhoids usually improve on their own with at-home treatments. But what if they get to the point where you need to see a doctor for an evaluation or treat them? How do you choose where to go and what doctor is right for you?
Here’s what you should know about finding the right hemorrhoid doctor for you:

The hemorrhoid procedures are usually conducted by colorectal surgeons, general surgeons, and family physicians. Here are some tips to help find a qualified doctor who can provide hemorrhoid care.

1. Check doctors’ credentials; besides basic medical credentials, the most important questions you need to ask are:

How many hemorrhoid procedures does the doctor performs every week?

How many years has the doctor been providing hemorrhoid care?

Does the doctor provide complete hemorrhoid care by offering all available hemorrhoid procedures such as IRC, banding and surgeries?

What is the complication rate?

Does the doctor offer the convenient and alternative hemorrhoid care delivery system?

Experience matters.

2. You may ask if the doctor uses any newer non-surgical technologies or surgical techniques. It makes a big difference in many aspects between the combined non-surgical and surgical approach and traditional hemorrhoidectomy only approach since not every patient needs hemorrhoidectomy. Some family doctors offer hemorrhoid cream only and other surgeons offer hemorrhoidectomy only. In fact, hemorrhoid care should be based on the severity of hemorrhoids, and the treatment plan should be customized based on each patient’s needs.

3. There are a multitude of sources that offer information on hemorrhoid doctors in a patient’s area. These include Google searches, insurance companies, and primary-care doctors. If the patient knows any friends, family members and colleagues who have had hemorrhoid treatment, ask them about their personal experience with that particular hemorrhoid doctor and clinic. This information may be more in-depth, and can also provide the patient with a better understanding of the whole process of hemorrhoid care and what to expect.

4. Once a number of hemorrhoid doctors have been identified, try to find out more about them. While credentials and clinical experience are important to consider, there are also practical considerations to take into account. These factors indirectly indicate how much the doctors are committed to hemorrhoid care and quality of hemorrhoid care.

a. You should review their website to see if:

It is an informative and well-designed website

The contents are frequently updated

There is a user friendly online registration.

It is a dynamic website with ongoing blog posting

There are positive testimonials. There is a big difference in the evaluation of patient satisfaction between a few outdated testimonials and hundreds of recent testimonials.

b. If the price is affordable, ask about the total cost.

c. You should find the whole hemorrhoid care system to be a friendly and patient-oriented service. For example, One Stop Medical Center offers the Easy Hemorrhoid Care with one trip care system.

d. Consider the office location and convenience.

e. Evaluate the quality of customer service: how the patient is treated on the phone during inquires, the cleanliness of the office, the attitudes of the staff during initial contacting, the level of the procedure room (simple office room or higher level of Surgicenter), and other less-tangible measurements should also influence your decision.

Posted in Easy Hemorrhoid Care, External Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Rectal Bleeding, rectal itching, Rectal lump, Rectal Pain

When Should I Call a Doctor in the Hemorrhoid Clinic to Treat My Hemorrhoids? | Minneapolis & St Paul

January 1, 2018 admin

Hemorrhoid disease is not a cancer, and it usually doesn’t kill you. However, it often affects the quality of life. Letting a hemorrhoid go untreated can lead to serious complications
If you suffer from hemorrhoids, you’re not alone. A hemorrhoid is a common illness that numerous Minnesotans suffer from. It is estimated that more than 10 million people in the United States suffer from hemorrhoids on a daily basis. Approximately three out of four people will develop hemorrhoids at some time in their lives. And while sometimes the symptoms are minor enough to be managed by yourself with home remedies. It’s important to know when you need to call a doctor.

For the majority of hemorrhoid cases, using home remedies will only temporarily help to relieve the symptoms for a short period of time while prolonging the problem since it typically only addresses the symptoms rather than the root cause of hemorrhoids, Talking to a doctor can put you on track toward correct diagnosis and the treatment that will relieve you of your painful, inflamed hemorrhoids for good. Plus, hemorrhoids can be a sign of more serious medical issues, such as colon cancer or rectal cancer – so it’s important to get them checked out by a physician.
Contact a doctor to treat hemorrhoids if:

• Experiencing any rectal bleeding.
• Having black stool
• Noticing an anal lump
• Experiencing changing and worsening rectal symptoms
• Have abdominal symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea or constipation
• Having very thin and small size of stool

What About Non-surgical Hemorrhoid Treatments?
The non-surgical hemorrhoid treatments like the infrared coagulation and the rubber band ligation are quick, simple, and virtually pain-free, and they are safe and effective office procedures. One Stop Medical Center offers the Easy Hemorrhoid Care with convenient, minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatments.

Posted in Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Rectal Bleeding, rectal itching, Rectal lump, Rectal Pain

Do I have Internal or External Hemorrhoids? | Minnesota

December 26, 2017 admin

You’re might be reading this because you saw blood on your toilet paper. Or maybe it was because it’s so itchy down there and it makes your life a living hell in public, or even worse- it hurts when you have a bowel movement. Well, you and 75% of the population are or will be wondering the same thing. Most likely, you have hemorrhoids.

Now, you probably want to know more about them. It’s your body, after all. Essentially, there are three types of hemorrhoids – internal, external, and mixed, which are usually the result of intrinsic weakness of local hemorrhoid tissue with other factors, including excessive or prolonged straining, pregnancy, constipation, heavy lifting, or just unfortunate genetics.
Internal hemorrhoids form above the dentate line, while external hemorrhoids form below the dentate line. Mixed hemorrhoids can either refer to lesions formed at the dentate line, or to the presence of both internal and external hemorrhoids. Luckily, all of them can be treated fairly easily in a clinical setting.

External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids are pretty easy to figure out when you feel bulges or bumps around the anus. It usually affects the cleansing after the bowel movement and cause the skin irritation and itching. The thrombosed external hemorrhoids occur if the varicose veins rupture and the blood clots develop, it is often accompanied by severe pain and swelling. Lots of people can self-diagnose external hemorrhoids, but a doctor’s visit is required to make sure since there are several other medical conditions look similar to external hemorrhoids, such as anal warts, sentinel pile of anal fissure, anal polyp and anal cancer.

Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids, while not as apparent as external hemorrhoids, are far more common. It is the root cause of hemorrhoid disease. In fact, they are so common that 100% of the population has them. Normal hemorrhoidal tissue is actually a physical part of your body, not an affliction. They only become a problem once the connective tissue around it weakens and the veins become swollen.

For many, the only sign of internal hemorrhoids might be bleeding. As the hemorrhoid grows, it may become prolapsed, which is certainly not a pretty sight. This means the hemorrhoid is bulging out of the anus. Prolapsed hemorrhoids will be pretty obvious and can be painful and itchy. They can often be pushed back in manually if they aren’t too big. Note that external hemorrhoids and internal prolapsed hemorrhoids are not the same thing, but many patients with external hemorrhoids also have internal hemorrhoids, and your doctor will be able to tell you which it is if you aren’t sure.

Posted in External Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Rectal Bleeding, rectal itching, Rectal lump, Rectal Pain

Ten Ways to Temporarily Alleviate Symptoms of Hemorrhoids | Minneapolis & St Paul

December 17, 2017 admin

You come home one day and in the bathroom you notice blood on the toilet paper after you wipe. It might hurt, and it might be itchy, and, like most adults, you probably haven’t been meeting your daily requirement for fiber lately. If you tick all these boxes, well, congratulations! You probably have hemorrhoids! and you should call your doctor’s office to make an appointment for the evaluation and treatment, especially when you have rectal bleeding. While you wait for your doctor’s appointment, you can start treating the rectal symptoms by yourself to temporarily alleviate the hemorrhoidal symptoms.

1. Keep the area clean and dry. Do not wipe or rub vigorously.
2. Take sitz bath in warm water for 15-20 min, 2-3 times a day and after every bowel movement. Sitz baths will help relieve discomfort and clean the area.
3. Good toilet habits: move your bowels as soon as you feel the urge; Do not strain and bear down; Do not sit on the toilet for long periods of time.
4. Avoid constipation by eating plenty of high-fiber foods, drink plenty of fluids, and exercise. If your diet is lack of fiber, y can also take two tablespoons of fiber supplement. If you develop constipation with hard stool, you may use a stool softener with or without laxative.
5. Do not stay seated for more than two hours.
6. Avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks.
7. Do not drink alcohol or reduce alcohol intake.
8. Apply hemorrhoid creams.
9. Witch Hazel is found in many OTC hemorrhoid creams, you may use it since Witch hazel is an astringent that reduces swollen hemorrhoids.
10. Put cold on the hemorrhoids every 5 minutes for a few times if you have the flair-up with swollen prolapsed hemorrhoids.

Posted in Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid prevention, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Rectal Bleeding, rectal itching, Rectal lump, Rectal Pain

Infrared coagulation (IRC) is a fast and effective non-surgical solution for hemorrhoid treatment!

December 9, 2017 admin

A hemorrhoid is a common illness that numerous Minnesotans suffer from. Approximately three out of four people will develop hemorrhoids at some time in their lives. While many people associate hemorrhoid treatments with painful surgery, only a small percentage of hemorrhoid patients actually require hemorrhoidectomy. A fast and simple non-surgical office procedure has taken the fear out of hemorrhoid treatments. The majority of hemorrhoid patients in Minnesota are good candidates for non-surgical Infrared coagulation (IRC) treatments.

What is Infrared Coagulation (IRC)?
IRC is a FDA approved office procedure that uses infrared light to treat symptomatic internal hemorrhoids, and it takes just a couple of minutes for each treatment. IRC is a safe, fast, and effective solution for hemorrhoids. Therefore, IRC has quickly become the most widely used office procedure for hemorrhoid clinics and is preferred over other methods because it is fast, effective, well-tolerated by patients, and rarely has complications.

A small light probe contacts the area above the hemorrhoid complex under direct view, exposing the tissue to a burst of infrared light for about 1.5 second. This coagulates the veins above the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink.
With IRC, hemorrhoid doctor can effectively coagulate the insensitive area right above the hemorrhoids and destroy these small veins. In this way, the sensitive and painful area is avoided, and IRC becomes a very tolerable treatment.

IRC offers major advantages to patients over previous hemorrhoid treatment methods:

• Fast, simple, and safe solution
• No anesthesia required
• No special preparation needed
• No recovery time after treatment
• Clinically proven results
• Covered by all major insurance companies

Who are the Best Candidates for Infrared Coagulation (IRC)?
Infrared coagulation can be used to treat the early stages of hemorrhoids, and it is most effective in grade 1-2 hemorrhoids.

How is Infrared Coagulation Procedure Performed?
Before IRC procedure is performed, Dr. Shu gently inserts the anoscope (a very short, 3-4 inch rigid metal tube), then uses a handheld device that creates an intense beam of infrared light to touch the mucosa above the hemorrhoids, exposing the hemorrhoid tissue to a quick pulse of infrared light. The heat from the infrared light burns 4-5 spots in the targeted area, coagulating the vein above the hemorrhoids.

The resulting scar tissue cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid venous complex. This causes the hemorrhoid complex to shrink and die. It may take a few weeks for all the hemorrhoids to shrink completely. Moreover, the scar tissue acts to hold nearby hemorrhoid veins in place so they don’t bulge into the anal canal easily and become hemorrhoids as you age.

Each IRC treatment only takes a couple of minutes. You may need as many as four separate treatment sessions every two weeks to cover all the areas where hemorrhoids appear, but this depends on each individual case and how extensive your hemorrhoids are.

What is the Recovery Time of Infrared Coagulation Procedure?
After the IRC procedure, you may feel mild discomfort in the anus and the urge to have a bowel movement sometimes. You are able to resume normal everyday activities immediately afterward. Typically, there are no post-treatment effects. However, there may be slight spot bleeding a few days later, but heavy rectal bleeding is extremely rare. Avoid heavy straining, lifting, and aspirin. If you notice significant rectal bleeding, you should call your doctor’s office.

You may use Tylenol as needed and take a warm sitz bath daily to relieve discomfort. A stool softener, fiber, and water will help ease your bowel movement while you heal.

Posted in Easy Hemorrhoid Care, Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal lump, Rectal Pain

Rectal Bumps : Hemorrhoids or Something else? | Minnesota

December 3, 2017 admin

A rectal lump is a growth in the anal canal or rectal area. Rectal lumps vary in size and the degree to which they produce symptoms. Depending on the underlying cause, a rectal lump may or may not cause any pain. A palpable mass in the anal area may or may not indicate cancer or hemorrhoids. Lumps can be caused by a variety of conditions including anal warts, hemorrhoids, polyps, fissures, or cancer.

Hemorrhoids are probably the most common reason for having a rectal lump. It can be caused by prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, but more commonly by external hemorrhoids. If a rectal lump is related to internal hemorrhoids, it usually gets bigger and more prolapsed right after the bowel movement; it could be spontaneously reduced in the early stage of internal hemorrhoids. But it could be non-reducible in the late stage of hemorrhoids. It may be associated with other symptoms such as bleeding, itch or pain. The thrombosed external hemorrhoids are usually very painful if the varicose veins rupture and the blood clots develop.

Anal warts are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV infection is considered to be sexually transmitted diseases. Left untreated, anal warts can spread and increase the risk of cancer in the anorectal region.

Anal Fissure is a small cut or split in the anal lining often caused by a painful, hard bowel movement. Fissures are typically located anterior or posterior to the anus. Anal fissure is often associated with a lump called sentinel pile, accompanied by pain and bleeding.

Anal polyps are the growth in the anal canal that must be removed for the biopsy. Further examination with colonoscopy is required for polyps confirmed to be adenomatous in order to check for proximal lesions in the rectum and colon.

Anal cancer occurs in the anal canal, it is account for 2% of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract. An external or internal mass may be palpable. Anal or rectal cancer generally does not produce any pain; some lesions are so soft that they are missed on palpation. Anal cancer can take several forms including ulcers, polyps or verrucous growths.

Posted in Anal lump, External Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoids, rectal lump | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, anal lump, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, incidence of hemorrhoids, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal lump, Rectal Pain

The Easy Hemorrhoid Care™ (EHC) | Minnesota

November 27, 2017 admin

One Stop Medical Center invites you to experience an elevated level of care for your hemorrhoid treatments, with Minnesota’s first ever Easy Hemorrhoid Care™ Experience.

For nearly 20 years, Dr.Steven Shu has been providing exceptional hemorrhoid care utilizing the state-of-the-art medical techniques and technology available. Now he and his team offer Easy Hemorrhoid Care™ , a new care delivery system for hemorrhoid treatment with minimal invasive procedures, including Infrared Coagulation (IRC), rubber band ligation, and modified hemorrhoidectomy. It is an efficient system that requires only one trip. We provide patients a new experience in hemorrhoid care, from procedure through recovery. These advancements reduce discomfort, time, decrease the chance of complication and reduce the total recovery time.

For the first time in Minnesota, a personalized approach to meet your specific hemorrhoid care requirements is now available! The Easy Hemorrhoid Care™ Experience has been designed to take the stress and worry out of your hemorrhoid treatment. This package provides the most comfortable and seamless hemorrhoid care experience possible, with enhanced, customized hemorrhoid care, saving you precious time in your busy schedule.

Benefits of the Easy Hemorrhoid Care™ (EHC)
In the standard hemorrhoid care, the patients with hemorrhoids require multiple office visits with Infrared Coagulation and/or rubber banding ligation for their internal hemorrhoid treatments, followed by external hemorrhoidectomy and/or excision of anal hemorrhoids. It is a long process, but it is usually covered by your medical insurance.

The Easy Hemorrhoid Care™ (EHC) is a specially designed hemorrhoid care delivery system that aims to shorten the whole process of hemorrhoid treatment, to reduce discomfort, the chance of complications, and total recovery time. Patients are given Botox during the procedure to relax anal sphincter muscles, reducing post procedural pain. It is an efficient system that requires only one trip where you receive premium medical care, but it is not covered by your insurance.

To learn more about our Easy Hemorrhoid Care™ Experience in One Stop Medical Center, please contact us by calling at 952-922-2151 or email at info@shuMD.com.

Posted in External Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Banding, Easy Hemorrhoid Care, epidemiology of hemorrhoids, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, incidence of hemorrhoids, Infrared coagulation, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

Injections of Botulinum toxin for Anal Pain and Anal Fissure

November 8, 2017 admin

Introduction
Botulinum toxin A, is a toxin protein produced by bacteria called clostridium botulinum. When injected into a muscle, it will temporarily blocking neural signals for muscle contractions, causing the muscle fibers at the injection area to relax. Botulinum toxin A has been successfully used for the treatment of a variety of medical conditions involving unwanted muscle spasms such as strabismus and cervical dystonia. It is also commonly used for removing unwanted wrinkles in cosmetic care.

The internal anal sphincter that controls the anus is always under tension. If this tension (also called resting pressure) is too high, it causes rectal pain. The common diseases associated with anal sphincter spasms are anal fissure and functional anal rectal pain. Spasm can make an anal fissure worse or prevent an existing one from healing.

Botulinum toxin A has also been used to treat anal fissure for several years. Injecting Botulinum toxin A into muscle around the anus will temporarily relax the internal anal sphincter. This reduces the spasm and pain and allows the fissure to heal.

Most patients have at least some pain relief in their pain after treatment with Botulinum toxin A. The success rate for an anal fissure healing after the injection is 70 out of 100 treatments. Sometimes the injection might need to be repeated, especially in the patients with functional anorectal pain.

What Happens During the Procedure?
There is no special preparation needed before the injection procedure. You don’t need to do any preparation, but you are encouraged to have bowel movement and please do carry out your usual hygiene routine (shower or bath) before you come in.

Dr. Shu will perform the injection procedure in the exam room or procedure room, and it takes a few minutes to perform. You will be awake throughout the procedure.

You will be asked to lie on your left side on the exam table. The area around your anus will be cleaned with an alcohol spray. Dr. Shu will then give 6-8 injections of Botulinum toxin A into your sphincter muscle with a hair thin needle. This will be uncomfortable during the injection, but it is an extremely quick procedure.

After the Procedure
You can drive home or return to work afterwards. Very occasionally, the patient develops vasovagal reaction (fainting) to the procedure, the you lie on the table for a few minutes to recover.

The Botulinum toxin A will start to work in a few days. The effects of Botulinum toxin A peaks in 1-2 weeks and usually lasts 3-6 months. During this time, anal fissures are allowed to heal.

Most people do not have any side effects. The potential side effects of botulinum injections may include the inability to control the passage of gas (gas incontinence), pain from the injections, bleeding, infection at the injection site, and rarely, fecal incontinence (we don’t have any case of fecal incontinence). If symptoms of incontinence occur following Botox® injection, they typically disappear completely after several months.

It is important to make sure that you continue to keep your stool soft following the treatment, to avoid straining. Continue anal care measures including Sitz bath, fibre in your diet, and drinking enough water.

Posted in Anal fissure, Anorectal Diseases, Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, rectal pain | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Banding, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Infrared coagulation, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

Pregnancy and Hemorrhoids | Minnesota

September 27, 2017 admin

Going to the doctor again for hemorrhoids is one of the last things a woman wants to deal with after pushing a child out of their body, but the only thing less appealing than that is actually having hemorrhoids. Pregnancy brings a lot of changes to a woman’s body, one of which is an increase in progesterone, a hormone that is responsible for regulating pregnancy. Aside from one of the greatest joys in life, progesterone also causes one of the greatest inconveniences: hemorrhoids. The combination of progesterone and intense pushing during labor makes hemorrhoid a common ailment among women.

One of the things that can affect the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids during pregnancy is whether the birth is vaginal or a C-section. A vaginal birth is much more likely to result in hemorrhoids, due to all the pushing and strain on the anorectal area. Straining that area of your body can cause hemorrhoids whether your pregnant or not (so don’t spend too much time reading the news on your phone in the bathroom), and anyone that has had experience with childbirth will know that women have to push very very hard, and that’s putting it lightly.

C-sections are less likely to result in hemorrhoids because the entire process of straining and pushing the baby through the birth canal is avoided. However, this all depends on how much straining the pregnant woman does before the procedure.

Usually, very conservative treatment is given to women with hemorrhoids, as additional stress from a procedure is usually not the best for a pregnant woman. Typically, fiber intake, topical ointments, and cold packs are enough to manage hemorrhoids. However, in more severe cases, a procedure may be required to deal with it. In this case, it is best to go with your doctor’s recommendation as to what is best for you and the baby.

Posted in Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid prevention, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Banding, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Infrared coagulation, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

Epidemiology on Hemorrhoids | Minnesota

September 10, 2017 admin

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum and anus. They are among the most common causes of anorectal complaints, and only a small proportion of those people seek therapy. This blog will summarize the current epidemiology of hemorrhoids.

Prevalence
The prevalence of hemorrhoids is not well documented due to the lack of clinical research on this topic. There has been a scarcity of literature reporting on the epidemiology of hemorrhoids.
It is estimated that the overall prevalence of symptomatic hemorrhoids in the general population is about 4.4%, but the true prevalence of hemorrhoids, including asymptomatic hemorrhoids should be much higher than 4.4%.

According to a study done in a hemorrhoid center, estimates suggest that around half of Americans develop hemorrhoids by time they are 50. The number of people in the US suffering from symptomatic hemorrhoids is estimated to be around 10 million, with 1 million new cases occurring each year. Up to one third of those 10 million people with hemorrhoids seek medical treatment.

Trends
It is noticed that the number of people visiting hospitals for hemorrhoidectomies has fallen. A peak of 117 hemorrhoidectomies per 100,000 people was reached in 1974; this rate declined to 37 hemorrhoidectomies per 100,000 people in 1987, and the number should be much lower now. Office treatment of hemorrhoids with non-invasive methods account for some of this decline.

Gender
There is no known sex predilection, although men seem to be more likely to seek medical attention. However, the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy also increase the likelihood that hemorrhoids will become symptomatic and may increase the incidence of thrombosis in females.

Race
Caucasians are more frequently present with hemorrhoidal disease and seek treatment more often than other races.

Genetics
Some individuals are more genetically predisposed to hemorrhoids than others. But there are no indicative factors that can be used to identify this group of patients.

Age
The prevalence of hemorrhoids increases as people age. In most cases, hemorrhoids develop in individuals who are over 30 years old, with a peak in persons aged 45-65 years, although they can develop at any age. External hemorrhoids tend to occur more commonly in younger adults.

Socioeconomic Status
People who live in rural areas and those with a higher socioeconomic status appear to be more likely to develop hemorrhoids.

Posted in Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Banding, epidemiology of hemorrhoids, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, incidence of hemorrhoids, Infrared coagulation, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

Normal Things that Can Give You Hemorrhoids | Minnesota

August 31, 2017 admin

There are few things more annoying than suffering from hemorrhoids. Even with Grade I hemorrhoids, you will usually find out when there’s blood on their toilet paper or occasional itching and irritation around anus. God forbid it becomes Grade IV mixed hemorrhoid. It’s ghastly sight. Who wants to see that? You notice the blood and feel the itch, as well as mild anxiety- you look up the symptoms, and WebMD tells you that you probably have hemorrhoids. Then you have to pretend like you don’t have a itchy swollen bleeding vein in your rectum while you talk to your coworkers. And you’ll wonder: what did I do to deserve this?

Well, a lot of things. You’re probably doing one of them right now. Old habits die hard, or give you hemorrhoids. Here’s a list of everyday things that are actually giving hemorrhoids:

Straining too hard/long- Your colon and rectum can only take so much straining while you relieve yourself. This is usually because of constipation or diarrhea, or because you had eyes glued to your phone for 25 minutes. Eat your beans and keep trips to the bathroom short.

Weight/pregnancy- Putting on weight of any kind is going to put pressure on your rectum. And, for those who are overweight, diet and aerobic exercise will help keep you in shape and prevent hemorrhoids.

Lifting too hard/long- If your job often requires heavy lifting, or you never figured out how to deadlift correctly, the physical strain can injure your rectum and give you hemorrhoids.
Being born- Unfortunately, some people are just more genetically inclined to get hemorrhoids. For whatever reason, God decided you were gonna have weak easily-swollen veins that’ll start bleeding at 27.

Thankfully with modern medical technologies like IRC and old, but reliable rubber band ligation and surgical excision, and an ever growing understanding of hemorrhoids, even those destined to have an itchy rectum can still have a normal, nuisance-free existence.

Posted in Hemorrhoid, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid prevention, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Banding, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Infrared coagulation, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

The Combined Modalities Achieve the Best Result in the Treatment of Hemorrhoids | Minnesota

August 14, 2017 admin

Hemorrhoids diseases begin internally, then external hemorrhoids develop when the internal hemorrhoids get worse over a period of time. Internal hemorrhoids are graded from I to IV based on the degree of prolapse. Because no single treatment modality can fix all hemorrhoids, a true hemorrhoid clinic will offer multiple treatment modalities and options to meet a patient’s needs and provide complete care.

If you are treated with a single modality for your hemorrhoids, regardless of the severity, type of hemorrhoids, and associated anorectal conditions, it leads to poor results because of poor quality care. Based on his hemorrhoid treatment experience for the past 20 years, Dr. Shu developed a practical and effective treatment strategy based on the severity of hemorrhoids.

For example, if you have to push the prolapsed hemorrhoids back with your finger after bowel movements, it suggests you may have grade three internal hemorrhoids. Dr. Shu will perform rubber band ligation one to three times to downgrade your hemorrhoids from grade three to grade one to two, then he will perform infrared coagulation to further treat the remaining hemorrhoids. The result of the combination treatments is much better than that of either single modality.

Rubber band ligation is widely used for the treatment of more advanced (more prolapsed) internal hemorrhoids where the prolapsed hemorrhoidal tissue is pulled into a double-sleeved cylinder to allow for the placement of rubber bands around the tissue. Over time, the ligated tissue dies off.

Infrared coagulation (IRC) is a non-surgical treatment that is fast, well tolerated, and remarkably complication-free. An infrared light quickly coagulates the vessels that provide the hemorrhoid with blood, causing the hemorrhoids to shrink and recede.

Dietary and lifestyle changes should also be part of the treatment plan for more advanced hemorrhoids.

If you have grade four internal hemorrhoids, large external hemorrhoids and/or persistent symptomatic external hemorrhoids, you may need surgery (external hemorrhoidectomy) to have them removed.

Posted in External Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Banding, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Infrared coagulation, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

Kegel Exercises and How They Can Help to Prevent Hemorrhoids | Minneapolis & St Paul

August 7, 2017 admin

Hemorrhoids, a disease that affects almost 75% of people at some point in their lives, can be a real nuisance for a busy adult. The itching, bleeding, and pain of hemorrhoids make them as annoying as they are unsightly, and getting rid of them may take a while or require going to a doctor’s office, which is why the best way to deal with hemorrhoids is preventing them from occurring in the first place!

Exercise may help to prevent hemorrhoids. Many people are under the impression that exercise can make hemorrhoids worse or even cause hemorrhoids, but this is only true for certain exercises such as weightlifting, typically due to bad form. Certain exercises are very good for hemorrhoid relief.

One method is kegel exercises. Kegel exercises, also known as pelvic exercises, involve contracting and relaxing the pubococcygeal, or PC, muscle in the pelvic floor in order to strengthen it. It’s the same muscle you contract and relax in order to go to the bathroom. They are commonly used to prevent urinary incontinence as well as other pelvic floor problems. Doing this exercise regularly may also reduce the chances of hemorrhoids, and can be done discreetly almost everywhere, either sitting, standing, or lying down, and requires no equipment, so it’s great to do it at work or at home!.

To perform a kegel exercise:
Squeeze the PC muscle for 3 seconds
Relax the PC muscle for 3 seconds
Perform steps 1. and 2. in succession for 10 reps
Take a 30 second break and perform the set of 10 reps two more times
3 sets of 10 reps should performed three times a day

This is by no means the only way to do kegels- feel free to modify as you see fit.

Posted in External Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid prevention, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Banding, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Infrared coagulation, Kegel Exercise for hemorrhoids, recovery of hemorrhoid treatment, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

The Elephant Foot Yam: a Potential Future Hemorrhoid Treatment? | Minnesota

August 1, 2017 admin

Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, or the elephant foot yam, when cut in half, looks exactly like it’s described: an elephant foot. While it’s not a pretty looking root, there may be more than meets the eye with this humble looking root. Basically, the elephant foot yam is this wide-spread vegetable is grown in places in Africa, Southeast Asia, and tropical Pacific islands. It’s almost unheard of in America for the most part, but in the areas it is cultivated, such as India, it is often fried or cooked into delicious curries.

However, not only is it prized for its subtle, mild, taste, but it’s also coveted for its medicinal effects by those who study alternative and traditional medicine. Like many health superfoods it has a reputation for being a cure-all, with a wide variety of positive health benefits ranging from lowering cholesterol to treating diabetes to “detoxification”. While some of these unsubstantiated claims might make you roll your eyes, don’t dismiss the elephant root yam just yet- when it comes to hemorrhoids, research suggests that yam could be answer.

A recent paper from the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute suggests that extracts of the Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tuber could be effective in treating hemorrhoids. In the paper, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers searching for potential new drugs induced hemorrhoids in rats using croton oil, a foul smelling oil made from the seeds of the Asian croton tree. Once the rats had developed hemorrhoids, indicated by the inflamed tissue and the presence of blue dyes added by the researchers, they administered various kinds of extracts of the root as well as normal hemorrhoid medication from the drugstore. The results were quite interesting- the root resulted in reductions in hemorrhoid size and inflammation comparable to that of the medication. There was a clear healing effect observed, as the control group with no medication saw no reductions in hemorrhoid size or inflammation.

Of course, there is a long way to go before a marketable drug or even clinical testing on humans is possible, but this study could certainly result in lot of interesting follow up research. While the mechanism of how the tuber’s healing effects are not exactly known, an analysis of the compounds within the tuber give some hints as to what the secret of the tuber is. Various flavonoids and phenolic compounds were found that could potentially explain the root’s anti-inflammatory and curative effects on hemorrhoids. While no one should be holding their breath waiting for a miracle hemorrhoid drug coming anytime soon, these studies show the enormous potential of this native plant and sheds light on an interesting and uncommon medical field. In the meantime, make sure you get enough daily fiber.

Posted in External Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids myth, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Infrared coagulation, IRC treatment, recovery of hemorrhoid treatment, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

Hemorrhoids and Pregnancy | Minensota

July 19, 2017 admin

Hemorrhoids are very common complaints during pregnancy. It afflicts 20 to 50 percent of all pregnant women in Minnesota. Pregnancy changes your body in more ways than you might think. Why does pregnancy make women more prone to hemorrhoids? There are several reasons on it.

1. Hemorrhoids are a type of venous disease similar to varicose veins; it is surely not perfect designing in its anatomy and physiology with intrinsic defects.

2. The enlarging uterus plus increased blood flow put pressure on the pelvic veins and other large veins that increases the pressure on the veins and causes them to become more dilated.

3. Constipation is another common problem during pregnancy, which can also aggravate hemorrhoids due to the straining.

4. An increase in progesterone hormone during pregnancy causes the walls of hemorrhoidal veins to relax, allowing them to swell more easily. Moreover, progesterone slows down women’s digestive tract and contributes to constipation.

5. The pushing process involved in labor also makes the existing hemorrhoids worse.

Many women in the Minneapolis and St Paul areas develop the new hemorrhoids during their pregnancy; others have the preexisting hemorrhoids even before they get pregnant. Some women get them in the first pregnant, others get recurrent hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids usually get worse in the third trimester, right after labor pushing or if you develop constipation.

The typical hemorrhoids symptoms during pregnancy are anal itching, rectal bleeding, pain, and bulging out. The good news is that hemorrhoids will begin to improve soon after giving birth.
The most conservative hemorrhoid treatments are usually prescribed for hemorrhoids occurring during pregnancy and soon after childbirth. Local application of over-the-counter ointments, fiber supplements, Sitz bath and cold packs are often sufficient to relieve the symptoms. If the patients develop the hemorrhoid complications, commonly painful thrombosed external hemorrhoids, then the simple surgical procedure with incision and drainage is necessary to remove the blood clots and alleviate excoriating rectal pain. Occasionally, the limited external hemorrhoidectomy is needed in some severe cases.

The patients are encouraged to see hemorrhoid doctors, family physicians or colorectal surgeons for hemorrhoid evaluation in 2-3 months after delivery if they have severe hemorrhoids during pregnancy or the symptoms linger even a few months after giving birth.

The good thing is that minimally invasive hemorrhoid procedures, such as Infrared coagulation (IRC) and banding, can effectively treat most hemorrhoids without cutting or stapling to postpartum women. For the extensive or severe hemorrhoid cases that do not respond to conservative methods, hemorrhoidectomy is needed to remove them completely. Dr. Shu prefers to perform less invasive hemorrhoidectomy, not traditional hemorrhoidectomy, in combination with banding and IRC, The patients usually have good result with quicker recovery with this approach.

Posted in Hemorrhoid, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, hemorrhoid during pregnancy, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids myth, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Infrared coagulation, IRC treatment, recovery of hemorrhoid treatment, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

9 Tips for Recovering After Infrared Coagulation (IRC) Treatment of Hemorrhoids | Minnesota

July 9, 2017 admin

If you’re suffering from hemorrhoids, Infrared coagulation (IRC) is often an initial treatment of choice, especially for early stage of internal hemorrhoids. In this procedure, an intense infrared light heats the hemorrhoidal tissue, creating scar tissue that blocks blood supply to the hemorrhoid, which shrinks and dies.

In general, IRC is a very safe office procedure that takes less than a minute in each treatment. It is relatively painless and no anesthesia or painful injections are needed. It produces very good results in the early stages of hemorrhoids with minimal complications and quick recovery. The recovery time after IRC treatment is minimal with very little pain or discomfort. It is important to take care of the rectal area after the IRC procedure to avoid a recurrence of the hemorrhoids. Here at the Procedure Clinic in Edina, MN, we offer the following tips on recovering from IRC treatments.

1. Keep the area clean and dry. Do not wipe or rub vigorously.

2. Take sitz bath in warm water for 15 min, twice a day and after every bowel movement. Sitz baths will help relieve discomfort and clean the area.

3. Good toilet habits:
a. Move your bowels as soon as you feel the urge.
b. Do not strain, bear down, or hold your breath during a bowel movement.
c. Do not sit on the toilet for long periods of time. If you cannot empty your bowel, you may re-visit the toilet at a later time.

4. Avoid constipation and straining during bowel movements:
a. You are encouraged to eat plenty of high-fiber foods, drink plenty of fluids, and exercise. The high fiber food includes vegetables , fruits, , beans, and whole grains.
b. If your diet is lack of fiber, y can also take two tablespoons of any over the counter fiber supplement such as natural wheat bran, natural oat bran, flax, Benefiber with a lot of water.
c. If you develop constipation with hard stool, you may use a stool softener with or without laxative.

5. Do not stay seated for more than two hours. Do the muscle exercise by tightening your buttock muscles 10 times and take 10 deep breaths every a couple of hours.

6. Avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks.

7. Do not drink alcohol or reduce alcohol intake.

8. Apply hemorrhoid creams when the symptoms flair up.

9. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

When to Call Your Doctor
Problems are not common with the IRC treatment. However, if there is a substantial amount of bleeding, severe pain, chills, fever or difficulty passing urine (very rare), you should call your doctor to seek medical attention.

Posted in Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid prevention, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids myth, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Infrared coagulation, IRC treatment, recovery of hemorrhoid treatment, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

History of Hemorrhoid Treatments | Minnesota

June 28, 2017 admin

Hemorrhoids may be one the oldest conditions known to man. Hemorrhoids is a condition that involves swelling and inflammation of the veins and other vessels surrounding the anal canal. It is surprisingly common, especially among adults above 40. Today, common methods of treatment include infrared coagulation, rubber band ligation, surgical excision, and classic methods of conservative treatments like topical drugs, diet, Sitz baths, etc. The first mention of hemorrhoids were found on Egyptian papyrus dated 1700 BC, which gives the following advice:

“… an ointment of great protection; acacia leaves, ground, triturated and cooked together. Smear a strip of fine linen therewith and place in the anus, that he recovers immediately.”

While it was a very archaic remedy, their thinking was not unsound. Acacia leaves have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which may have helped relieve pain and swelling in hemorrhoids.

In 460 BC, Hippocrates described what may be the first recorded surgical treatment of hemorrhoids.

“And hemorrhoids in like manner you may treat by transfixing them with a needle and tying them with very thick and woolen thread, for application […] and always leave one behind; and when the patient recovers, let him be put on a course of Hellebore.”

This is essentially a primitive form a rubber band ligation, in which a rubber band is used instead of thread. Hellebore was a poisonous plant used as a laxative by Hippocrates. Galen (AD 129-~AD 200), a famous Greek physician, suggested severing arteries from veins to relieve pain and prevent the spread of gangrene.

In the Middle Ages, a common treatment in Europe involved cauterization of the hemorrhoid with a hot iron or cutting it with a sharp knife, and unpleasant and most likely excruciatingly painful procedure.

In the 19th century, anal stretching was used as a treatment. In the US, Carbolic acid was injected into hemorrhoids. By the 20th century, more contemporary methods like rubber band ligation, hemorrhoidectomy, etc. became commonplace.

Posted in External Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids myth, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

Hemorrhoid Myth-busting | Minnesota

June 5, 2017 admin

Hemorrhoids are uncommon
FALSE– Hemorrhoids are actually incredibly common. A whopping 75% of adults will suffer from hemorrhoids at some point in their life.

Only old people can get hemorrhoids
FALSE– While hemorrhoids are most commonly found in people aged 45-65, it’s definitely possible to find it in younger adults and even children.

Spicy foods can give me hemorrhoids.
FALSE– There is no evidence that spicy foods will cause hemorrhoids or make them worse. Those that eat spicy food while having hemorrhoids do not report any increased pain or discomfort with their bowel movements either.

Sitting on the toilet too long can give me hemorrhoids
TRUE– This is actually true. Sitting on the toilet too long, especially straining for long periods of time, puts pressure on the veins in the rectum, increasing the chances of developing hemorrhoids. Put away the phone and do your business.

Cold surfaces can give me hemorrhoids
FALSE– There’s no evidence that suggests sitting on a cold surface would increase the chances of developing hemorrhoids.

I shouldn’t exercise if I have hemorrhoids
FALSE– Exercise actually helps prevent hemorrhoids. However, weightlifting with poor form can increase the chances of developing hemorrhoids and make existing hemorrhoids worse.

Hemorrhoids could give me cancer
FALSE– There is no evidence hemorrhoids will increase the chances of cancer.

Posted in Hemorrhoid, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids myth, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

Anal Fistula & Hemorrhoids | Minnesota

May 28, 2017 admin

An anal fistula is an inflammatory tunnel under the skin, connecting the anal canal and the surface of the surrounding skin. 80% occur as a result of an anorectal infection, wherein the anal crypts are infected and cysts containing pus form near the anal canal. If the abscess breaks or is opened a fistula is often formed.

Symptoms of an anal fistula can be similar to those of hemorrhoids, manifesting as drainage from the anus, itchiness, and constant, throbbing pain, and is exacerbated by bowel movement. An anal fistula is commonly mistaken for a hemorrhoid upon first notice; however it eventually has episodes of recurrent infection. They are two very different issues that are important to distinguish. The patients with anal fistula usually have the history of anal abscess and recurrent fistula infection.

In the complex cases advanced diagnostic methods may be necessary.

1. Fistula probe, a thin metal instrument specially designed to be inserted through a fistula.
2. Anoscope, a small tube used to view the anal canal
3. Flexible sigmoidoscopy
4. An injected dye solution into fistula.
5. Imagine tests with endoscopic ultrasound and MRI
6. Fistulography with X-ray of the fistula after a contrast solution is injected.

Treatment varies depending on the severity and location of the fistula. Antibiotics, antipyretics and, pain medication is prescribed if there is drainage (indicating abscess). For simple rectal abscesses, antibiotics are usually not needed. The surgical procedure for simple fistulas are called a fistulotomy, where the fistula tract is cleared out surgically and allowed to heal properly. For simple fistulas, success rate with fistulotomy is over 90%. More complex fistulas may be to twisted or branching for a fistulotomy so fibrin glue or fibrin plug may be used instead. Fibrin glue is largely out of favor now due to its low success rates. The fistula is filled with this glue, which hardens and then dissolves, allowing scar tissue to form and the fistula to heal. Fibrin plug is a similar concept, but it is not a liquid. Like the glue, it dissolves, allowing growth of scarr tissue. Fibrin treatment has the advantage of not causing incontinence, which can be a risk of fistulotomy. Though in common, staged surgery may be needed.

With this condition, it is better to seek help sooner than later. Advanced abscesses that become complex are much more difficult to treat. For most however, it seems procrastination is not much of a problem- pain is a very effective motivator.

Dr. Shu manages the simple or superficial anal fistula with fistulotomy or fistulectomy, and he usually refers the patients with complex anal fistula to the colorectal specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Posted in anal abscesses, Anal fistula, External Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged anal fistula Minneapolis, anal fistula MN, anal fistula St Paul, Anal Fistula Twin Cities, Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

Importance of Diet in the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids | Minnesota

May 20, 2017 admin

The importance of diet to the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids is often understated. Even for the most severe hemorrhoids, good diet is important for proper treatment and recovery. To prevent and manage hemorrhoids, one must ensure that they take in enough fiber. Fiber is interesting, as it’s not a nutrient in the same sense as minerals and vitamins are, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important. Most dieticians agree that Americans don’t eat enough fiber- the recommended amount is 32 grams per day. The average American doesn’t even come close at 15 grams a day. In fact, research shows that a whopping 97% of Americans do not meet the minimum nutritional standard.

So what is fiber exactly?

Fiber is a carbohydrate, the same class as starches, sugars, but are different because they are not digestible by the human body. Fiber regulates your body’s sugar intake, and keep hunger and blood sugar in check.

Fiber comes in two varieties, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber can be dissolved in water, lowers glucose levels, maintains blood cholesterol, and most importantly, ensures passage of stool without constipation thanks to its water-absorbing properties. It’s contained in barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, etc. Insoluble fiber is found in wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool, which helps food pass quickly through the intestines. It’s what your grandmother might have called “roughage”. It’s the tough parts in stalks, stems, and seeds. The positive effects of fiber on your digestive system help prevent and manage the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

What are good foods for fiber?

Beans, lentils, and nuts all contain large amounts of fiber. Just a half cup of beans will have about 7-10 grams of fiber, about a third of your daily minimum, containing a mixture of soluble and insoluble fibers. Beans are fairly cheap, as well as a good source of protein. Almonds and pecans have around 3 grams of fiber per half cup, as does edamame.

Grains are another great source. Look for whole-grain items as opposed to the white variety. Bread, pasta, and crackers made from flours, buckwheat, cornmeal, or rye will contain insoluble fiber. Oats and barley will also contain fiber. Lots of cereals have fiber, either naturally or added artificially- fiber containing cereal is a good way to start the day!

Fruit and vegetables contain loads of fiber, and also have many other nutritional benefits.

Plant foods with skin contain insoluble fiber as well as flavonoids that help control intestinal bleeding. Fruit with lots of colour and darker vegetables contain a lot of fiber. Adding fruit to cereal, apples to salad, spinach with eggs, or zucchini in spagheti are great ways to add fiber.

Posted in External Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid prevention, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Infra-red Coagualtion, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain, rubber band ligation

Effective Non-surgical Treatment Protocol | Minnesota

May 10, 2017 admin

The effective Non-surgical Treatment Protocol we use is based on 17 Years Clinic Experience and About 3000 Hemorrhoids Cases with More Than 10,000 Treatments. It takes out your fear of hemorrhoid treatment!

Infrared coagulation (IRC) and rubber band ligation (banding) of hemorrhoids are fast and effective non-surgical solutions.

While many people associate hemorrhoids with painful surgery, only a small percentage of patients actually require surgery. A fast and simple office procedure has taken the fear out of hemorrhoid treatment. The majority of hemorrhoids patients are good candidates for non-surgical treatments, or Infrared coagulation (IRC) and rubber band ligation (banding).

Recently, we reviewed the hemorrhoid cases treated in the past 17 years. We accumulated extensive clinical experience on hemorrhoid treatments due to the vast numbers of hemorrhoid cases and treatments we did, which helped us to consistently refine the treatment protocols based the type of hemorrhoids and severity of hemorrhoids. Therefore, each patient can be offered with a customized treatment protocol with better results.

The IRC and banding both are office-based procedures takes just a few minutes and uses infrared light or tiny rubber bands to treat symptomatic internal hemorrhoids. IRC has quickly become the most widely used office procedure for hemorrhoids and is preferred over other methods because it is fast, effective, well-tolerated by patients, and rarely has complications. IRC can be used to treat the early stages of hemorrhoids, and it is most effective in grade 1-2 hemorrhoids, and banding can be used to treat more advanced hemorrhoids, such as prolapsed grade 2-3 hemorrhoids.

You may need as many as four separate treatment sessions every two weeks to cover all the areas where hemorrhoids appear, but this depends on each individual case and how extensive your hemorrhoids are.

After the IRC or banding procedure, you may feel mild discomfort in the anus and the urge to have a bowel movement sometimes. You are able to resume normal everyday activities immediately afterward. Typically, there are no post-treatment effects. However, there may be slight spot bleeding a few days later, but heavy rectal bleeding is extremely rare. Avoid heavy straining, lifting, and aspirin. If you notice significant rectal bleeding, you should call your doctor’s office. You may use Tylenol as needed and take a warm sitz bath daily to relieve discomfort. A stool softener, fiber, and water will help ease your bowel movement while you heal.

Posted in Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatments, Hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Infra-red Coagualtion, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain, rubber band ligation

Are You Going to the Bathroom the Wrong Way? | Minnesota

April 24, 2017 admin

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, 2.5 million people see a doctor for constipation a year and 75% will experience hemorrhoids someday. The average American will spend almost a year sitting on the toilet in their lifetime. Going to the bathroom’s is more important than people give it credit for. We’ve gotten used to our porcelain thrones and the pleasure of distracting ourselves with smart phones while we’re one them. But there might be more to this than a just a way to procrastinate- sitting on the toilet for an extended amount of time might not be good if you’re trying to avoid hemorrhoids.

First of all, you should probably limit cell phone usage on the toilet. Besides being a little gross, sitting on the toilet is not good for bowel movements and can increases the chances of hemorrhoids in the future. Sitting during a bowel movement puts pressure on the anorectal area, irritating the veins in the bowels that cause hemorrhoids. In most places outside the US, squatting toilets are used, where there is no seat and one must squat over the toilet. This has been shown to be better for bowel movements and more natural. In America, products that keep your feet elevated while on the toilet try to achieve this natural squat position, though the efficacy of such a device is still being studied.

Dietary fiber is also very important, in both soothing hemorrhoids and preventing them in the future. Fiber bulks stool ensures its smooth passage through the intestines. Dietary Guidelines recommend 25 grams of fiber for women under 50, and 35+ for men under 50. This is much more than the average person gets, and it’s imperative that people get an adequate amount of fiber in their diet. These bulking agents work better if you drink plenty of water every day (6-8 glasses of water daily). Diet and toilet habits are the best preventative measure for hemorrhoids.

Posted in Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Infra-red Coagualtion, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

Need to be a high suspicion of anal cancer if patients have rectal symptoms | Minneapolis & St Paul

April 19, 2017 admin

Patients with anal cancer often mistakenly think that the rectal symptoms are caused by hemorrhoids, which lead to a significantly delayed diagnosis. Even when patients seek medical attention, anal cancer is often misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids. It is important to have a high suspicion of anal cancer if patients have rectal symptoms.

Anal cancer is account for 2% of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract. It usually refers to anal squamous cell carcinoma. Anal squamous cell carcinoma is a disease associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). The anal cancer develops from the inflammation of squamous cells in the anal canal, which is the space that connects the rectum to the outside of the body. This is inflammation is often believed to be caused by HPV. Squamous cell cancer makes up the majority of cases of anal cancer- about 80%. Cancer types other than squamous cell carcinoma are varied and rare, accounting for only a minority of anal cancer.

Symptoms
Anal or rectal cancer generally do not produce any pain; an external or internal mass may be palpable. Some lesions are so soft that they are missed on palpation. Common symptoms include anal/pelvic pain and anal bleeding (seen in about half of patients), sensation of a mass in the rectum (seen in about a third of patients), local sensations of wetness/irritation, prolaps, rectal incontinence, and severe constipation.

About 19% of patients wait 6 months to see a doctor after initial symptoms. To further complicate things, about 27% of patients end up initially receiving treatment for misdiagnosed anorectal diseases with similar symptoms like hemorrhoids. Anal cancer has a very long lag time between symptoms and diagnosis due to reluctance or denial, often out of shame/embarrassment, or fear.

Risk factors for anal cancer include active HPV infection, smoking, receiving anal sex, immunosuppression, HIV infection, and organ transplant. Risk is particularly high if one has two or more of these factors.

Treatment
Surgery plays a limited role in the treatment for anal cancer. Surgery is indicated in anal cancer with very early stage, such as T1, N0, well-differentiated lesions in the anal margin.

For the majority of patients diagnosed with anal squamous cell carcinoma, treatment will consist of radiation therapy combined with radiosensitizing chemotherapeutic agents. These treatments can caused the complications that affect the anal cancer patient, including the short-term adverse effects of chemotherapy and long-term risks of radiation exposure.

Conservative management of symptoms include lifestyle changes and bulking agents and anti-diarrheal agents.

Vaccination against HPV serotypes 16 and 18, which are believed to cause the majority of cases, is the best way to prevent the development of anal cancer.

Posted in Anal Cancer, Anorectal Diseases, Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal Cancer Minneapolis, anal cancer MN, anal cancer St paul, Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

How to Differentiate Anal Fissure from Hemorrhoids | Minneapolis & St Paul

April 17, 2017 admin

The patients in Minnesota often couldn’t tell the differences between anal fissure and hemorrhoids. Although both hemorrhoids and anal fissure are associated with rectal pain and rectal bleeding, they are two very different diseases that are important to distinguish.

Hemorrhoids could be as painful as anal fissure when thrombosis develops. In the most time, the pain caused by hemorrhoids is mild, persistant, dull aching pain, not always related to bowel movement. Anal fissure usually has sharp rectal pain during bowel movements.

Anal Fissure
An anal fissure is a tear in the anal canal in the lower rectum. Anal fissures are typically thought to be caused by trauma from a hard or painful bowel movement, and are often associated with a lack of fiber in the diet. Symptoms include severe rectal pain during bowel movements, which can last from minutes to hours after. The pain is worse with constipation, which may occur if the patient has been avoiding bowel movements due to pain. Many patients report bright red blood on the toilet paper or the stool, though bleeding is usually not significant. If a fissure persists over time it may become a chronic fissure.

Anal fissure require anoscopy as it cannot be directly observed visually. However, anoscopy is quite painful for those with an anal fissure so a doctor may treat it based on symptoms alone. About 80% of fissures resolve themselves without the need for surgery. Initial treatment is generally conservative in nature, with the goal of relieving constipation and breaking the cycle of hard bowel movements. Patients may take stool-bulking agents like fiber supplements and stool softeners, as well as laxatives to encourage regular bowel movements. Mineral oil can serve this purpose as well, but it is not advisable to be used indefinitely. Sitz baths after bowel movements are effective in relieving symptoms.

If these first-line treatments do not work, the patient may be directed to use 0.4% nitroglycerine (NTG) ointment in conjunction the treatments listed above; however, this is generally not preferred as NTG ointment can cause adverse side effects like headache and dizziness. Alternatively, Nifedipine gel is a better option to treat anal fissure.

Botox has also shown to be a promising treatment, its relaxation effect on sphincters lasts for three months that is long enough for anal fissure to heal. If the anal fissure does not resolve following treatments, then a partial anal sphincterotomy may be needed, where a cut will be made on the anal sphincter in a different location in the anus, and both the fissure and new cut will heal together.

Posted in Anal fissure, Anorectal Diseases, Hemorrhoid, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoids, rectal pain | Tagged Tagged Anal fissure Minneapolis, anal fissure MN, Anal Fissure St Paul, Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

Why Are Infected Hemorrhoids So Rare? | Minnesota

April 10, 2017 admin

Have you ever noticed blood on the tissue after wiping too hard, or experienced bleeding due to hemorrhoids? Blood indicates the presence of a wound, fecal matter is obviously teeming with harmful bacteria, and most people in America do not use anything other than dry toilet paper to wipe. Yet, hemorrhoidal infections are incredibly rare, especially in healthy people.

Why is this?
First, it’s important to note the immune system is different in different parts of the body- the Immune system in the gut is very well adapted to prevent serious infection. Immune cells constantly “sample” bacteria in the gut and create antibodies that bind the proteins on surface of the bacteria which prevents them from passing through the epithelium (wall of cells lining the inside of the intestines). This keeps the bacteria inside the intestine and outside the body. This “scanning” of the bacteria is something unique to the gut; this does not occur on the skin or elsewhere.

After a small tear in the epithelium occurs, there is an immediate inflammatory/clotting response around the broken blood vessels. This prevents the bacteria from spreading deeper into the surrounding tissue. The bacteria that do make it past that are met with a strong response. The antibodies marking the bacteria are used by the immune cells to target them, and not enough bacteria makes it through to cause a severe infection. The particular antibody used, known as “IgA” is non-inflammatory, which is why there are no symptoms typically associated with infection (swelling, pain, itching, etc).

That said, this only applies to small tears and hemorrhoids- large tears and injuries increase the risk of infections. While rare, the risk of infection holds serious consequences and it is best not to delay treatment of hemorrhoids.

Although the infection of hemorrhoids is rare, anorectal abscess is relatively common. Anorectal abscess is a different disease from hemorrhoids, and it is the result of infection of anal glands in the lining of the anal canal. Most perirectal abscesses form from obstruction of the anal gland crypts.

Procedure Clinic can diagnose and treat both hemorrhoids and anal abscess at low cost and little down time.

Posted in anal abscesses, External Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Infra-red Coagualtion, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

How to Correctly Use Hemorrhoid Cream | Minneapolis & St Paul

April 2, 2017 admin

Over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoid cream is widely available in store pharmacies in Minnesota, and it’s an effective way to temporarily improve hemorrhoidal symptoms, such as pain, irritation, itching and swelling. However, they do little to actually the hemorrhoid disease itself and prevent it from recurring.

Many patients in Minnesota don’t use hemorrhoid cream correctly, and others are not sure if they should apply hemorrhoid cream around the outside of their anus, or internally.

Here are our instructions for using hemorrhoid cream:

You may use hemorrhoid creams externally or internally, depending on your symptoms.

If you have hemorrhoid symptoms that are more towards the outside of your anus, you may use the cream externally:

• Apply a small amount of cream around the outside of your anus with your finger.
• You may use hemorrhoid cream 2-3 times daily.
• Wash your hands after each application.
• Only use the cream for a short period of time; no more than a week each course. Stop at any time once the symptoms improve or disappear.
• You may use the cream again when hemorrhoid symptoms recur.

If external use does not provide enough relief from your symptoms, you may have swollen hemorrhoidal tissues inside your rectum. In this case, you may apply hemorrhoid cream internally to further reduce inflammation and swelling.

• Try to have a bowel movement prior to using the cream.
• Squeeze the cream tube gently to fill the applicator.
• Lubricate the end of the applicator with KY Jelly or petroleum jelly.
• Gently insert the applicator into your rectum.
• Squeeze the tube of hemorrhoid cream gently
• Remove the applicator and wash it and your hands with soap and warm water.
• Try not to have a bowel movement within two hours after an application.
• Only use the cream for a short period of time; no more than a week each course. Stop at any time once the symptoms improve or disappear.
• You may use the cream again when hemorrhoid symptoms recur.

Please remember, if you suffer from hemorrhoid symptoms repeatedly, you should seek medical attention in a hemorrhoid clinic and have definitive treatments.

Posted in External Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, hemorrhoid cream, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Infra-red Coagualtion, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

Differences Between Hemorrhoids and Anal Abscesses | Minnesota

March 23, 2017 admin

Although both hemorrhoids and anal abscesses appear to be tissue lumps protruding from the rectum, they are two very different issues that are important to distinguish.

Hemorrhoids could be as painful as anal abscesses when thrombosis develops. Anal abscesses are an infection around the opening of the anus or deep in the rectum, where there is pus. An anal abscess is commonly mistaken for a hemorrhoid upon first notice; however it eventually becomes more painful and leads to a fever.

Hemorrhoids are usually a chronic condition, while anal abscess is an acute disease, which can cause serious complications that could result in death if left untreated. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, medical attention should be found as soon as possible.

ANORECTAL ABSCESS?
Anorectal abscesses are the result of infection of anal glands in the lining of the anal canal near the opening of the anus. The anal glands secrete fluid into the anal canal, passing through a crevice known as the anal crypt. Most perirectal abscesses form from obstruction of the anal crypts (approx. 90% of cases). Normally the internal anal sphincter acts as a barrier between bacteria in the gut and the tissue surrounding the rectum, but it is possible for bacteria to pass this barrier through the anal crypt. Once bacteria passes through the crypt, it can easily move to the surrounding tissue. This results in the formation of an abscess of varying severity and depth depending on how deep the infection is and where it spreads.

Anal abscesses most commonly occur in the third and fourth decade of life, and are more common in men. Deaths due to anorectal abscesses are very rare.

Most abscess can be easily identified via physical examination and digital rectal examination. Deep rectal abscesses are more difficult to find and may require a CT scan, MRI scan, or ultrasonography to confirm.

Most of the time a perirectal abscess can be detected upon initial examination. Digital rectal examination involves the doctor putting the finger of their gloved hand into the rectum in order to feel out the presence of an abscess. Sometimes anesthetic is used in cases where pain from the abscess would limit the effectiveness of the examination.

Sometimes the formation of a fistula can accompany this infection (approx. 30-60%% of cases). 10% of patients suffer from recurring and chronic anal fistula. An anal fistula is an abnormal passage between the anal canal and the skin near the anus.

TREATMENT
The presence of an abscess warrants surgical incision and drainage as soon as possible. Just antibiotics would be ineffective at this stage in the infection. Delaying surgical intervention can result in tissue destruction, fibrosis (scar tissue formation), and impaired anal continence.

Drainage of perianal abscesses involve a small incision above the abscess made as close to the anus as possible. After 24 hours the gauze is removed. Postoperative care involves sitz baths three times a day and after bowel movements. Painkillers and stool softeners may be prescribed for pain and constipation. The patient will follow up with the doctor 2-3 weeks later. After the procedure, antibiotics are generally not necessary in healthy adults.

Posted in anal abscesses, Anorectal Diseases, Hemorrhoid, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Infra-red Coagualtion, IRC, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

Surgical Excision is Often More Effective and Efficient in Treating Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids | Mineapolis & St Paul

March 19, 2017 admin

Everyone in Minnesota has normal hemorrhoids tissue- clusters of venous complex that reside below the mucus membrane of the rectum and anus. They become an issue once they become swollen and prolapsed as a result of prolonged pressure. External hemorrhoids are formed under the skin around the anus secondary to internal hemorrhoids. The skin outside of an external hemorrhoid can be irritated, which can be very uncomfortable in flare-up. If thrombosis (blood clot) occurs after hemorrhoidal veins rupture, it can cause severe pain and swelling of the external hemorrhoid, identifiable by the blue-purple discoloration of the swollen hemorrhoids, which can easily observed looking at the anus. Risk factors associated with thrombosed external hemorrhoids could be related to increased rectal pressure during bowel movement, heavy lifting, constipation and traumatic vaginal delivery.

The symptoms of thrombosed external hemorrhoids appear within 48-72 hours. If the rectal pain is not severe, and thromboses is relatively small, they can be managed with conservative treatment, including stool softeners, fiber, fluid intake, warm baths, and pain relief. However, for most patients, surgical excision is often more effective and efficient in treating thrombosed external hemorrhoids. Surgical excision is an office-based procedure performed under local anesthesia. This safe office procedure offers low complication and recurrence rates and high levels of patient satisfaction.

One study showed that surgical treatment resulted in significant faster symptom resolution (3.9 days post procedure compared to 24 days if left untreated). 24 days is a long time to deal with acute anorectal pain- most would opt for the procedure. Afterwards a skin tag may be left which can be surgically removed.

If you have thrombosed external hemorrhoids, please consider Procedure Clinic in Edina, MN to take care of your needs.

Posted in External Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids, Thrombosed external hemorrhoid | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, hemorrhoids Twin Cities, Infra-red Coagualtion, IRC, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain

Comparison of Non-Surgical Methods of Treating Hemorrhoids | Minnesota

March 7, 2017 admin

Hemorrhoids can be an embarrassing nuisance for a busy adult in Minnesota, and any would like to know what the best treatment is. While many people in Minneapolis and St Paul areas associate hemorrhoids with painful surgery, only a small percentage of patients actually require surgery. There are four non-surgical methods of treating hemorrhoids: sclerosing injection, electric desiccation, infrared coagulation, and rubber band ligation. This blog will go over the pros and cons of each one.

Sclerosing injection is a procedure used to reduce or remove abnormal veins, such as varicose veins. It can also be used for treating hemorrhoids. Essentially, the injection of sclerosing agents such as 5% phenol in almond oil (PAO) or Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA) induces inflammation in the area, and causes the walls of the vein to harden and thicken, reducing the flow of blood or completely eliminating it with a small enough vein. The procedure takes about 5-10 minutes, and it is tolerable with mild discomfort and pain. It takes about 6 weeks for the injections to take full effect. The treatment usually lasts up to about 6 months. Repeat treatments are usually necessary. The complications included pyrexia, low blood pressure, perineal pain, rectal ulcers and infection. However, this treatment is no longer often used in the US because it is only really effective for very small and early hemorrhoids and relatively high complication of infection. This treatment is not provided at Procedure Clinic in lieu of other, more effective methods.

Bipolar diathermy is the method of electric desiccation involves using high frequency electrical currents to dehydrate hemorrhoid tissue. The hemorrhoid subsequently dries, shrinks, and sloughs off. Larger hemorrhoids require more current. This method is not to be used in advanced cases, or if the patient has complications. The procedure itself also takes a considerable amount of time, which for many people is not convenient, especially when quicker methods are available. This procedure is not done at Procedure Clinic.

Infrared coagulation (IRC) is the most commonly used procedure of treating hemorrhoids in the US, so is our clinic. It is often used for small to medium sized internal hemorrhoids. In this procedure, an intense infrared light heats the hemorrhoid, creating scar tissue. The scar tissue blocks blood supply to the hemorrhoid, which shrinks and dies, leaving a scar that keep the veins from bulging into the anal canal. The procedure can be done every 10-14 days. This treatment works best for early-stage hemorrhoids, and has the advantage of being quick, from procedure to recovery time. Most people can go to work right away. The effectiveness of IRC is quite high. As we know, regardless of treatment methods, hemorrhoid is more prone to return if the patients don’t follow the instructions of prevention. The good news is that the IRC procedure can be repeated easily.

Rubber band ligation involves tying off the hemorrhoid tissue with a rubber band, mechanically cutting off blood supply to the tissue. It is best for more advanced hemorrhoids , such as grade 2 or 3 hemorrhoids- it is not appropriate for early or very late stage hemorrhoids (which is the may require surgery). The recovery time is longer compared to infrared coagulation, and patients report more pain after the procedure. However, ligation is generally more effective and hemorrhoids are less likely to return for this method. The procedure, like infrared coagulation, is usually limited to once every two weeks.

Procedure Clinic uses infrared coagulation and rubber band ligation to cover a wide range of hemorrhoids at different stages. Dr. Shu also performs the hemorrhoidectomy to treat the most advanced hemorrhoids. The best method will vary from person to person, and depends on various factors. By scheduling an appointment, you could find out which is the best method for you.

Posted in External Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoid Care, hemorrhoid clinic, hemorrhoid doctor, Hemorrhoid treatment, Hemorrhoids | Tagged Tagged Anal itching, Banding, bipolar diathermy, Hemorrhoid Minneapolis, Hemorrhoid MN, Hemorrhoid St. Paul, Hemorrhoid Treatment, Hemorrhoidectomy, Hemorrhoids Minneapolis, Infra-red Coagualtion, non surgical hemorrhoid treatments, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Pain, sclerosing injection

Learn about Pruritis Ani | Minneapolis & St Paul

December 10, 2016 admin

What is pruritis ani?
Pruritis ani is a Latin term meaning “itchy anus” and it is an unpleasant, intense, cyclic itching or burning sensation of the skin around the anus (rectal opening) that produces the urge to scratch. Minimal stimulation or irritation of the skin in the anal area may cause itching. The subsequent scratching may cause damage to the skin which leads to more itching and scratching, which is a vicious cycle.

Pruritis ani is classified as either primary or secondary. The primary form is idiopathic, which may not have an identifiable cause, while the secondary form has an identifiable cause. It affects up to 5% of the population in Minnesota.

The symptom of itching is common to many anorectal diseases, such as internal and external hemorrhoids, anal tags, anal fissures and fistulae, anal warts. But the difference is that itching in pruritis ani is more intense and cyclic, having an irresistible urge to scratch, and it happens more often at night or after a bowel movement.

What causes pruritis ani?

The exact mechanism of developing pruritis ani is not clear. There are many risk factors that contribute the disease.

Excessive Cleanliness

Prolonged exposure to moisture

Dietary factors

Skin Irritants

Infectious processes

Anal skin diseases.

How is pruritis ani diagnosed?
The diagnosis of pruritis ani is clinically diagnosed by history, physical examination, and anoscopy. There is no test for it. In the initial office visit, your doctor may inspect the anus visually to look for skin changes or growth in the anus, followed by a digital rectal examination with a gloved, lubricated finger and then anoscopy to look for abnormalities in the lower rectum and anal canal. If indicated, your doctor may also perform a biopsy (a small piece of skin removed for microscopic examination).
Anoscopy is a rectal exam with a very short (3 to 4 inch) rigid metal tube to examine the lower rectum and anal canal. It is very useful when your doctor suspects hemorrhoids, anal fissures and other anorectal diseases.

How is pruritis ani treated?
The goal of therapy is to reduce or eliminate the itching symptom and cure the disease by restoring clean, dry, and intact skin.

Avoid injury to the skin. This is one of the most important, but often most difficult, part treatment of pruritis ani. This means no scratching with hands or dry toilet paper, which is often very difficult to achieve, due to the intense desire to scratch. The patients should cut their nails and wear a pair of mittens at night so they are not able to scratch.

Thicken stool and create a formed bowel movement to minimize leakage. Most people can benefit from taking a fiber supplement. If stools still remain loose, additional medications, such as Imodium and Lomotil, may be helpful.

Make dietary changes. Avoiding overuse of several common foods and beverages may improve symptoms. These foods and include coffee, colas, tea, chocolate, tomatoes and beer.

Improve bowel hygiene or modify cleaning habits. It is important to clean the anus gently. Cleaning with plain water rinses is quite helpful. Anything containing deodorants, alcohol and witch hazel agents should be avoided. You may use diluted white vinegar.

Make sure the skin is dry. You may use a hair dryer on a low setting and place a wisp of rolled cotton between the buttocks and against the anus to absorb moisture.

Try skin barriers or short course of steroid cream in the initial stage of treatment.

Treat the underlying diseases such as hemorrhoids, anal tags, anal fissures, and anal warts.