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Hemorrhoids

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Overview

Hemorrhoids are blood vessels in the lower rectum and around the anus. They often result from straining to have bowel movements, constipation, and increased pressure on the lower rectum. They also can result from pregnancy, aging with weakness of the tissues, and diarrhea. Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external, depending on their location.

Diagnosis

The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are rectal bleeding, itching, rectal pain and swelling, thrombosis, or protrusion of hemorrhoids during bowel movements. It is important that symptoms are checked by a colon and rectal surgeon because other conditions like anal or rectal cancer can also present in a similar way.

Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatments

High fiber diet and fiber supplementation is usually recommended along with increased water intake. Avoidance of straining and hard stools or loose stool as well. Sitz baths with warm water will also be helpful. Most of the hemorrhoids will respond to topical treatments with creams and ointments and improve in a matter of days. The swelling usually will take longer to improve.

Surgical Treatments

Hemorrhoidectomy

Removal of hemorrhoids, often both internal and external, during general anesthesia in the operating room. This is usually accompanied by more pain compared to the other surgical options for hemorrhoids.

Rubber Band Ligation

A band is placed at the base of the hemorrhoid, which will fall off 5-7 days later. The hemorrhoid will regress because of a lack of blood supply. This method is painless but some patients exhibit discomfort or pressure for 24h. This method of treatment of hemorrhoids has great success rates and very high patient satisfaction. It takes place in an office setting due to lack of pain. In general, patients can return to work the same day.

THD (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization)

Is a newer method of treating hemorrhoids which involves suturing of the hemorrhoids to interrupt the blood flow under Doppler guidance. It is done in operating room settings under anesthesia. It is highly successful and carries significantly less pain when compared to hemorrhoidectomy. The entire procedure is done on the inside of the rectum, leaving no scars on the outside.

Click Here For More Information on THD

ASCRS: Hemorrhoids

National Digestive Diseases Information Cleaninghouse: What are hemorrhoids?

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What Our Patients Are Saying

The young man who registered me was excellent. I waited about 45 minutes and could not help but overhear how calmly and professionally he handled multiple complaints by walk-in patients. The complaints were not related to appointments but getting a response to inquiries about other issues. He just took it all in stride and seemed to calm the patient. Dr. Jones also patiently listened to my personal issues with communications with the practice. I appreciate his time and consideration.

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I would like to write a raving review for Sal! Over the years she has been EXTERMLY professional, her dedication to your patients goes above and beyond. She has been truly a pleasure to work with and we will miss her referring to use here at Michigan Medicine. I have often referred to her process and professionalism with many other outside referring offices. She will be missed! You I wish you nothing but the best Sal!!! Suzanne

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Staff at reception/checkout were professional & helpful. Medical Assistant was friendly & thorough. Dr. Ahmad was at his best as is the case with every visit. He is thorough, honest, empathetic, and always an excellent communicator/educator.

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Great experience all-around! Very friendly staff and knowledgeable providers (both physician assistants and doctors) I see lots of people on here who are frustrated with phones and IT-related issues but as this is out of the employee’s hands I base my review off of the things that WERE in their control. They were kind, efficient and understanding.

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From my very first encounter at the front desk, to the discharge nurse after surgery, my experience was a good one. The staff all listened to my questions and concerns, and Dr. Julian is top-notch.

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Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, click their image or visit our providers page.

Daniel Coffey, MD

Dorian Jones, MD

Lucas Julien, MD

Janell Lee-Allen, MD

Razvan Opreanu, MD

Scott Plaehn, DO, FACOI

Albert Ross, MD

John Walling, Jr., DO, FACOI

Siaka Yusuf, MD

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FAQs

What happens during my first visit?
If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.
What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?
An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If an Digestive Health Institute physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.
How do I get test results?
We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. You may call 517-332-1200 and press “8″ and your call will be directed to the triage nurse.
What insurances do you accept?
Digestive Health Institute accepts payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 517-332-1200 #6.

What if I need to contact the doctor?
To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 517-332-1200. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours please call our answering service at 517-483-9124 and the doctor on call will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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