Types of Piles: Internal, External, and Thrombosed – Know the Difference

Are you struggling silently with itching, discomfort, or pain near the anal region, but you don’t know what's causing it? You might be dealing with piles, a common condition that most people often feel embarrassed to talk about.

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions associated with piles, which result in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Despite the widespread presence of piles among so many individuals, patients are still not aware that the condition has different types and how each should be managed in different ways.

In this blog, we will break down the various types of piles, their symptoms, and treatment options, especially with a focus on laser piles surgery in Kolkata, which has greatly transformed.

What are Piles?

Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are swollen and inflamed blood vessels in and around the anus or rectum. They mostly cause pain, irritation, and bleeding. Some people are even asymptomatic, meaning they are not even aware that they have the condition.

In mild cases, the symptoms of piles usually go away on their own with a few lifestyle changes and dietary precautions. However, severe cases require immediate surgical interventions.

How to Identify Different Types of Piles?

Piles are generally categorised into three main categories: internal, external and thrombosed. Let’s understand each of them separately.

Internal Hemorrhoids

They develop within the rectum just above the dentate line. Internal piles are mostly invisible and painful because the area lacks pain-sensitive nerves. Many individuals with this type of piles don’t even realise that they have the condition until the veins become large. Some of the common symptoms include the following:

• Bleeding during or after bowel movement
• Mucus discharge
• Always a feeling of incomplete emptiness
• Itching or irritation near the anus
• Swelling or formation of a lump outside the anus
• Prolapse (when haemorrhoids protrude from the anus), especially in advanced stages.

Diagnosis begins with an evaluation of the symptoms, along with suggestions of certain procedures to confirm their presence. Mild cases often resolve with medications and lifestyle changes like the incorporation of high-fibre foods, hydration and avoiding straining. However, advanced cases require surgical removal or minimally invasive procedures like laser piles surgery.

External Hemorrhoids

These types of piles develop beneath the skin surrounding the anus. Unlike internal hemorrhoids, external piles are visible as lumps and are painful, especially after prolonged sitting or after bowel movements, because the area contains numerous nerve endings. Symptoms are as follows:

• Pain and tenderness around the anal region
• Itching or burning around the anus.
• Swelling or a lump that is painful to touch
• Occasional bleeding while passing stool

External piles are diagnosed through physical examination. The surgeon conducts tests and checks the area to determine the severity of the condition. Treatment includes taking sitz baths, painkillers, and over-the-counter medicines. In certain individuals, surgery also becomes necessary. Make sure to get in touch with a reputed surgeon like Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, who is known for performing complicated laser piles surgery in Kolkata.

Thrombosed Piles

When external piles are left untreated, they become prone to thrombosis, a condition that results in blood clots within the hemorrhoidal veins. As the blood supply is cut off, it leads to sharp pain, inflammation, and swelling. The affected area around the anus turns hard, which necessitates urgent medical care.

• Patients with thrombosed piles most likely experience the following symptoms.
• Unbearable pain, particularly sitting for hours or after bowel movements.
• Swelling and inflammation around the anus.
• A hard lump around the anal area, which is generally bluish
• Bleeding if the veins are ruptured.

The treatment of thrombosed piles depends on the size of the clot. Temporary approaches include ice packs and pain relievers to provide relief from the symptoms. However, if the signs are recurring, the surgeon performs laser surgery for piles to shrink the veins and drain the clot.

When to seek Immediate Medical Attention for Piles?

If you have any of the following signs, don’t neglect them, as they might cause severe complications.

• Heavy rectal bleeding that does not stop
• A feeling of dizziness and fainting due to blood loss
• Severe and sudden anal pain due to the presence of a lump
• Black and tarry stools that indicate internal bleeding
• Signs of infections, such as fever, chills, or pus discharge
• Unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue, or changes in bowel movements.

In the above situations, prompt medical diagnosis is of utmost importance. If required, opt for laser piles surgery in Kolkata by Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik for an effective and lasting treatment method.

• Risk Factors for Piles
• There are several risk factors that increase the chance of the development of piles.
• Chronic constipation or diarrhoea
• Frequent straining during bowel movements
• Spending long hours in the toilet
• Increased pressure on the veins during childbirth
• Weakening of the anal tissue with age
• Family history of piles
• Excessive weight around the abdomen
• Sedentary lifestyle

If you fall into any of these categories, make sure to manage them effectively by booking an appointment with a reputable surgeon.

What is Laser Surgery for Piles?

Laser piles surgery is a modern technique that involves the use of high-energy laser beams to ablate or remove the swollen veins in the rectum or anus. The procedure is non-invasive in nature, which results in minimal damage to the surrounding tissues.

Moreover, it is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing the patients to return home safely on that day. Here are some of its other advantages.

• Reduced pain and bleeding
• Faster recovery period
• No visible scarring
• No postoperative complications

Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, who is a trusted name for performing laser piles surgery in Kolkata, always prefers this technique in patients where conservative treatments fail to show results.

Conclusion

Having complete knowledge about the different types of piles can help in early diagnosis and even the prevention of further complications. Consulting a reputed surgeon like Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik ensures expert guidance and successful laser piles surgery for long-term relief.