Piles are common with one in three people in Singapore suffering from them. While mild cases may improve with lifestyle changes, persistent or severe piles sometimes require professional treatment in Singapore, including non-surgical options or piles surgery.
Seeing a colorectal specialist early can make a big difference. You’ll get personalised guidance, relief from symptoms and strategies to prevent flare-ups before the condition worsens.
What Are Piles (Haemorrhoids)?
Haemorrhoids or piles develop when the veins around your anus or lower rectum become swollen due to increased pressure. This pressure may come from straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, obesity, or chronic constipation. They are typically classified into two types:
- Internal haemorrhoids – occur inside the rectum and are usually painless but may bleed.
- External haemorrhoids – appear under the skin around the anus, can be painful, itchy, and sometimes thrombosed (clotted).
When Should You Seek Treatment for Piles in Singapore?
It’s important to consult a colorectal specialist if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent pain or discomfort during or after bowel movements
- Bleeding from the rectum, even if it is minor
- Swelling or lumps around the anus that do not improve with home care
- Recurring symptoms despite lifestyle adjustments
- Sudden or severe pain that may indicate thrombosis or strangulation
Seeing a specialist early gives you access to minimally invasive treatments and can help reduce the risk of complications such as anaemia (due to chronic blood loss) or infection. It is also to differentiate piles from other more serious conditions like cancer.
Don’t wait. Consult Dr Bernard Lim, an experienced colorectal specialist in Singapore, for piles surgery and other treatment options today.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options in Singapore
Mild to moderate piles can be managed without surgery. Non-surgical options focus on reducing symptoms and preventing progression, such as:
Lifestyle Changes
- Increase dietary fibre intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to soften stools.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Avoid straining or sitting on the toilet for long periods.
- Exercise regularly to improve bowel regularity and reduce pressure on anal veins.
- Use warm sitz baths to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling.
Over-the-Counter Creams and Suppositories
These can provide temporary relief from pain, itching, and inflammation caused by piles. When used alongside lifestyle changes, OTC creams or suppositories can help make daily activities more comfortable.
Common options include:
- Soothing creams to reduce itching and irritation
- Anti-inflammatory ointments to decrease swelling
- Suppositories that provide relief inside the rectum
- Pain-relief gels or ointments for temporary discomfort
Prescription Medications
In cases of significant inflammation or thrombosed piles, prescription medications may be necessary, depending on severity and individual factors. These can include:
- Topical steroid creams to reduce inflammation
- Pain-relief medications
- Medications to reduce swelling and improve blood flow
Rubber Band Ligation
A minimally invasive procedure that helps treat internal haemorrhoids, rubber band ligation has minimal downtime and allows you to return to normal activities quickly. Here’s how it works:
- A small elastic band is placed at the base of the haemorrhoid.
- The band cuts off the blood supply, causing the haemorrhoid to shrink.
- The haemorrhoid typically falls off within a few days.
When Is Surgery Recommended for Piles in Singapore?
Surgery is usually considered when certain warning signs appear or when less invasive treatments haven’t worked. These situations include:
- Haemorrhoids are large, prolapsed, or cause significant discomfort.
- Non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief.
- Severe bleeding or thrombosis occurs.
- Piles are recurrent despite previous interventions.
Surgical options are usually effective and can provide long-term relief, though recovery time may be longer compared to non-invasive procedures.
Surgical Options for Piles
These are among the surgical options available in Singapore for piles:
Conventional Haemorrhoidectomy (Ligasure)
This approach is effective for large or severe piles that do not respond to non-surgical treatments, providing long-term relief and lowering the risk of recurrence.
How it works:
- The surgeon carefully removes the swollen haemorrhoidal tissue under general or regional anaesthesia, using diathermy or an energy-device (ligasure): which cuts and seals the wound.
- By excising the problematic veins, the procedure reduces swelling, relieves pain, and effectively prevents the haemorrhoids from prolapsing or recurring.
Risks and Considerations:
- Recovery usually takes longer than with minimally invasive procedures, so patients should plan for some downtime.
- Careful post-operative care is important to manage pain, promote healing, and reduce the risk of complications such as infection or bleeding.
Stapled Haemorrhoidopexy (PPH)
Stapled Haemorrhoidopexy, also known as PPH, is a surgical technique designed to treat prolapsed haemorrhoids. This method addresses prolapse and discomfort while preserving normal tissue.
How it works:
- The colorectal surgeon uses a circular stapling device to lift and reposition prolapsed haemorrhoidal tissue back into the rectum.
- The stapler also removes a small ring of excess tissue, which reduces blood flow to the haemorrhoids, causing them to shrink.
Risks and Considerations:
- As with any surgery, there is a small risk of bleeding, infection, or temporary difficulty with bowel movements.
Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty
Laser haemorrhoidoplasty is a minimally invasive option that uses laser energy to shrink haemorrhoids. This approach preserves surrounding healthy tissue while effectively relieving symptoms. It usually results in less bleeding, reduced pain, and a quicker return to normal activities compared to conventional surgery.
How it works:
- A laser device precisely targets and shrinks the haemorrhoidal tissue.
- The laser seals blood vessels, reducing swelling and causing the haemorrhoids to retract.
Considerations When Choosing a Treatment for Piles in Singapore
Choosing the right treatment depends on several factors:
- Severity and type of haemorrhoids (internal vs external)
- Pain tolerance and recovery expectations
- Risk of recurrence
- Overall health and medical history
- Personal preference
Following post-surgery care instructions from your colorectal specialist for diet, hygiene, and activity will also help you heal well and reduce the risk of complications.
Relief Is Possible with the Right Treatment
With early diagnosis and the right approach, most people experience lasting relief from piles and return to daily activities comfortably. Dr. Bernard Lim, a Senior Consultant General & Colorectal Surgeon at Bernard Lim Specialist Surgery, offers comprehensive piles treatment in Singapore, prioritising minimally invasive and non-invasive treatment first before providing surgery.
Don’t wait—schedule a consultation with us and take the first step towards relief.
