Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding. While many people may find the topic embarrassing and avoid seeking medical attention, delaying treatment can lead to severe complications that may require more invasive procedures. Here’s why you should not delay your piles surgery:
What are the reasons you should not delay your piles surgery?
Leading laparoscopic surgeon and piles specialist in Delhi NCR Dr Amita Jain shares the reasons:
Progression of Symptoms
Piles often start with mild symptoms such as itching, discomfort, and slight bleeding. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen over time. As the condition progresses, the veins may become more swollen, leading to increased pain, more frequent bleeding, and difficulty in passing stool. Delaying surgery can result in the progression of these symptoms, making the condition more challenging to manage and treat.
Risk of Complications
Delaying surgery increases the risk of developing complications. One of the most common complications is the formation of a thrombosed hemorrhoid, where a blood clot forms inside the hemorrhoid, causing severe pain and inflammation. This condition often requires immediate surgical intervention. Additionally, chronic piles can lead to anemia due to continuous blood loss, further affecting your overall health and well-being.
Reduced Effectiveness of Non-Surgical Treatments
In the early stages of piles, non-surgical treatments such as dietary changes, medications, and lifestyle modifications can be effective in managing the condition. However, as the piles progress, these treatments may become less effective, leaving surgery as the only viable option. By delaying surgery, you might miss the window of opportunity where non-surgical treatments could have provided relief, making surgery more necessary.
Impact on Quality of Life
Living with untreated piles can significantly impact your quality of life. The constant pain, discomfort, and worry about potential bleeding can affect your daily activities, work, and social interactions. Additionally, the fear of worsening symptoms can lead to anxiety and stress. Undergoing surgery sooner rather than later can help alleviate these issues, allowing you to return to normal, pain-free life more quickly.
Surgery Is Safe and Effective
Modern surgical techniques for piles, such as laser surgery, stapled hemorrhoidopexy, and hemorrhoidectomy, are safe and minimally invasive. These procedures offer a high success rate with a shorter recovery time and fewer complications compared to traditional methods. Delaying surgery might result in a more complicated procedure being necessary later, increasing the risks associated with surgery.
Avoiding Long-Term Consequences
Ignoring or delaying piles surgery can lead to long-term consequences, including the development of chronic hemorrhoids, which are more difficult to treat. Chronic hemorrhoids can cause ongoing pain, bleeding, and discomfort, significantly affecting your overall health. Timely surgery can prevent these long-term issues and provide a permanent solution to your condition.
Piles may seem like a minor issue, but delaying surgery can lead to serious complications and a decline in your quality of life. By addressing the problem early through surgical intervention, you can avoid the progression of symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and ensure a quicker recovery. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, consult a healthcare professional to discuss the best treatment options for you. Remember, timely action can save you from unnecessary pain and complications in the future.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi