Grade 3 Piles – Medicines, Surgical Treatment & Recovery

Grade 3 piles is also known as internal hemorrhoids which might prolapse but do not go back inside the anus until the patient pushes them back in.

Grade 3 hemorrhoids symptoms can be managed with lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, home remedies etc but surgical intervention is required for permanent relief. Hemorrhoidectomy is the most commonly performed surgical procedure to treat grade 3 piles. 

Can Grade 3 Piles be Treated with Conservative Methods?

Grade 3 piles is an advanced stage where conservative methods, lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, etc can only manage grade 3 piles symptoms but not cure the condition. Surgical intervention is the only option to get rid of grade 3 hemorrhoids. 

Let’s first discuss what are the methods to manage grade 3 piles symptoms. 

Dietary Changes

• You should add fiber-rich foods to your diet such as fruits, green vegetables, whole grains and soften stools and prevent constipation. 
• Stay hydrated throughout the day. Drink plenty of water and juices to ensure healthy bowel movements and prevent straining during passing stools. 
• Reduce consumption of spicy and greasy foods that might irritate the piles.
• Reduce intake of caffeine and alcohol as they can dehydrate the body, potentially exacerbating the condition.
• Add low-fat dairy products to your diet, such as yogurt, buttermilk, toned milk, etc. Among them, buttermilk is especially beneficial for improving digestion and preventing constipation. 

Lifestyle Changes

• Engage in light exercises like walking or yoga to improve digestion and promote bowel regularity.
• Don’t delay the urge to go to the bathroom. Use a squatting position while on the toilet to make passing stool easier.
• If needed, you can take over-the-counter fiber supplements as advised by a doctor.
• Clean the anal area gently with mild soap and water, steering clear of abrasive soaps or wipes.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the rectal area.
• Certain products, like medicated wipes or pads, can soothe the area and provide relief from grade 3 piles symptoms.

Other Conservative Methods

• There are creams and ointments available at drugstores that can help relieve itching, pain, and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. These products typically contain ingredients like hydrocortisone or witch hazel.
• If constipation is a concern, your doctor might recommend a stool softener to make bowel movements easier.
• These are warm water baths specifically for the buttocks and hips. They can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

While these methods can be effective for managing grade 3 hemorrhoid symptoms, it is important to consult an experienced proctologist for proper diagnosis and treatment on time. 

What is the Surgical Treatments of Grade 3 Piles?

Before proceeding with any procedure, the doctor will thoroughly evaluate the condition and suggest the appropriate treatment. These tests include;

• Physical examination: During the consultation, the doctor will evaluate the condition and might ask you about your grade 3 hemorrhoids symptoms, medical history, family history of piles etc. 
• Digital rectal exam: In this procedure, the doctor will insert a lubricated gloved finger into your anus to check the abnormal growth into the anus. 
• Anoscopy: The doctor uses a small tool called anoscope to find out the size of the piles.
• Sigmoidoscopy: In this test, the doctor will check the lower part of the intestine. 
• Colonoscopy: This comprehensive test allows the doctor to examine the entire large intestine. It aids in determining whether bleeding is due to piles or another underlying issue and guides the doctor on the best treatment approach.

After the examination, the doctor will recommend the most suitable treatment option based on the severity of the condition and the individual’s overall health. 

Open hemorrhoidectomy: Open hemorrhoidectomy is an invasive procedure that is performed under the influence of general anesthesia. This procedure involves making an incision to excise the piles and suture the wound to heal. This procedure takes longer recovery time as compared to other less invasive procedures.

Here are the steps of open hemorrhoidectomy:

1. First, you will lie on the bed on your back. 
2. Then, the doctor will administer general anesthesia so that you won’t feel pain and discomfort during the procedure. 
3. Once you are sedated, he/she will make an incision around the anal area to excess piles.
4. Then, the doctor will cut off the piles and suture the wound. 
5. After the procedure, you will be shifted to the recovery room to monitor the condition until the anesthesia wears off. 
6. Over time, the surgical site will heal and you will feel better.

It might cost you around INR 30,000 to INR 60,000 in India. 

Laser hemorrhoidectomy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed under local anesthesia. Laser piles removal surgery offers more precise treatment, leaving the surrounding tissue untouched. This method ensures a faster recovery than more invasive procedures. 

Steps involved in the procedure are mentioned below:

1. First, the surgeon will administer local anesthesia to numb the surgical site so you won’t feel pain and discomfort during the procedure. 
2. Then, the surgeon will use a laser heat to cut or remove piles. Laser heat directly hit the piles and leaves the healthy surrounding tissues untouched. 
3. Then, you will be moved to the recovery room to monitor the condition for a few hours. 
4. Then the surgical site will heal over time and you will start feeling better eventually. 

The cost of laser hemorrhoidectomy is INR 40,000 to INR 60,000 in India.

Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy: In this procedure, the doctor uses a special stapling instrument to push back the piles inside the rectum and then cut off the blood supply so the lumps can shrink.

Here a’re the steps mentioned so you understand the procedure easily.

1. You will be administered under general anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
2. The doctor uses a stapling device to lift the piles back into their normal place. Then, they use the stapler to cut off the blood supply to the piles.
3. Without blood, the piles get smaller and eventually fall off.

It might cost between the range of INR 40,000 to INR 80,000 in India.

What is the Recovery Timeline for Grade 3 Piles Surgery?

The recovery period after grade 3 hemorrhoids surgery may vary for each individual based on the type of surgery performed and the overall health conditions of the patient. 

Open surgery: You may take up to 2-4 weeks after the open piles surgery to recover completely. After open hemorrhoidectomy, you may feel mild pain, discomfort and complications in normal activities like sitting and walking etc. 

Laser surgery: Laser surgery offers faster recovery as compared to open surgery. You may take up to 1-2 weeks after the procedure to recover completely. But you can return to your normal activities within 2-3 days after the procedure. 

Stapled Surgery: Complete recovery after stapled surgery may take up to 2 weeks. You can return to your normal activities within a few days after the procedure. 

This is a recovery timeline estimate after each procedure. It may vary depending on various factors such as post-operative care, the patient’s overall health etc. It is important to your doctor post-operative instructions to ensure a safe recovery. 

Here, we’ve mentioned some general tips to ensure a safe recovery piles removal surgery regardless of the type of procedure. 

The key to recovering fast after 3rd stage piles surgery is to ease bowel movements and prevent straining. To ensure a healthy digestive system 

• Eat fiber rich foods such as green vegetables, fruits, whole wheat etc. 
• Drink plenty of water to ensure healthy bowel movements and prevent constipation. 
• Avoid spicy and junk food, it can irritate the anal area. 
• Avoid caffeine-based beverages and alcohol, it can lead to dehydration and lead to complications. 
• Take sitz bath frequently for 5-10 minutes a day. 
• Adhere to your prescribed medication regimen. Avoid starting or stopping any medication without consulting your doctor.
• Keep your anal area clean and dry to prevent infection. After bowel movements, clean the anal area with water and pat dry with a cotton towel. 

What are the Benefits of Grade 3 Piles Surgery?

There are various benefits of undergoing surgery to treat grade 3 piles. 

• Relief of pain and discomfort: Surgery is the safe and effective option to treat grade 3 hemorrhoids when medicines and conservative methods stop providing relief to the pain and discomfort. 
• Reduced Bleeding: Surgery can effectively manage bleeding associated with grade 3 hemorrhoids and ease the discomfort during bowel movements. 
• Improve the quality of life: Surgery can enhance a patient’s overall quality of life by alleviating the painful symptoms of grade 3 hemorrhoids. Post-surgery, patients can engage in daily activities without pain or discomfort.
• Provides long-term solution: While medications and conservative methods may temporarily alleviate symptoms, surgery offers a more lasting solution and reduces the chances of piles recurrence.
• Provides faster relief: Compared to conservative treatments, which might take longer to produce noticeable improvement, surgery can offer faster relief.
• Prevention of Complications: Addressing grade 3 hemorrhoids surgically can prevent the condition from progressing to more severe stages, potentially avoiding complications like thrombosed hemorrhoids or prolapse.
• Tailored Approach: Surgical options can be tailored to the patient’s specific condition, ensuring a personalized and effective treatment plan.
• Improved Hygiene: Surgery can help in maintaining better hygiene, as the grade 3 piles symptoms like itching, irritation, and discharge can be alleviated.
• Relief from Lifestyle Restrictions: Surgery can allow patients to resume a normal lifestyle, including exercise and diet, without the limitations imposed by grade 3 hemorrhoid symptoms.

It is important to note that the type of surgery should be determined by an experienced proctologist based on the severity of the condition and the individual’s overall health. 

What Happens If Grade 3 Piles Left Untreated?

Untreated grade 3 hemorrhoids can lead to various complications and get worse over time. Common complications include;

• Extreme pain and discomfort: Untreated grade 3 piles can lead to extreme pain and discomfort which can become even more uncomfortable over time. 
• Bleeding: Untreated grade 3 hemorrhoids can lead to excessive bleeding during bowel movements, which can cause anemia due to excessive blood loss. 
• Thrombosis: Thrombosis is a condition when blood clots develop in to the swollen veins. This can cause extreme pain and hinder normal activities like sitting and walking. 
• Prolapse: Grade 3 piles can prolapse or protrude outside the anus and make the condition even more worse, which can be uncomfortable and make daily tasks more difficult.
• Chronic Pain: Grade 3 hemorrhoids can cause chronic pain if left untreated, which will lower your quality of life in general.
• Infection: The inflamed and swollen tissues may be vulnerable to infection, which could worsen the discomfort and necessitate medical attention.
• Strangulation: Prolapsed grade 3 hemorrhoids may get stuck outside the anus and lose blood flow, causing tissue damage and excruciating pain.
• Anaemia: Anaemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and other health problems due to chronic bleeding brought on by untreated grade 3 piles.
• Negative psychological impact: Constant discomfort, pain, and irritation can have a negative effect on your psychological health, resulting in stress, anxiety, and lower levels of happiness in general. 

Conclusion

It’s essential to know that grade 3 hemorrhoids are treatable. If you suspect you have grade 3 hemorrhoids, consult a proctologist. They can diagnose and recommend the right treatment, helping prevent further complications. Addressing it early can significantly improve your well-being.