Prolapsed hemorrhoids are hemorrhoids that are not in their natural position and actually extend outside of the anal canal. There are four different stages of hemorrhoids and three of them have prolapsed hemorrhoids. They include the first stage in which the hemorrhoid is not prolapsed. The second stage has prolapsed hemorrhoids but the hemorrhoids go back naturally when the bowel movement is complete. The third stage is when the prolapsed hemorrhoids have to be moved back into place manually and the fourth stage is when the prolapsed hemorrhoids remove outside of the canal.
Causes of prolapsed hemorrhoids and in fact any hemorrhoids are currently unknown. The enlargement of the hemorrhoids is due to inflammation in the blood vessels but it is unknown why the blood vessels become inflamed. Doctors have found links between lifestyle and stress as lifestyle changes can decrease the occurrence of hemorrhoids. Many times hemorrhoids are though to arise from putting undue stress on your muscles when going to the bathroom though pregnancy and other issues can also lead to hemorrhoids.
Many times a prolapsed hemorrhoid will need to be treated, generally prolapsed hemorrhoids that are in stage three or four. There are several surgical procedures that can be used. It is best to treat your hemorrhoids as soon as possible as you can avoid surgery. There are many non-operative procedures to deal with stage one and stage two hemorrhoids. Many times hemorrhoids will go away naturally but if your hemorrhoids are prolapsed then you will need treatment.
Dilation and sphinctectomy were once used to treat prolapsed hemorrhoids. These two procedures are no longer used as the nature of hemorrhoids is clearer and in many cases the patients lost their sphincter function and could not control their bowel movements. Dilation works by stretching the sphincter and anal canal to relieve the pressure associated with hemorrhoids. A sphinctectomy involves cutting the sphincter to relieve the pressure. It should be noted that neither of these two methods actually treats the hemorrhoids.
Doppler ligation and rubber band ligation are very popular though rubber band ligation is much less expensive and just as effective as Doppler ligation. Doppler ligation allows that doctor to determine which blood vessel is inflamed and then ties it off to stop blood circulation. The hemorrhoid then shrinks naturally. Rubber band ligation works in the same principal except a rubber band is used to cut of circulation of all the vessels in the effected area. These two types of procedures are quite simple and not overly invasive.
It is possible to have the hemorrhoid completely removed by having a hemorrhoidectomy. This can provide immediate relief and also reduce the chance of having the hemorrhoid come back though it can take a while to heal. You will need to be on pain and antibiotics to stave off infections and reduce pain.
One of the newest techniques is the stapled hemorrhoidectomy. This is quickly being the most popular form of treatment for prolapsed hemorrhoids. Basically the hemorrhoid supporting tissue that has been stretched is stapled and decreases. This causes the hemorrhoid cushions to return back to their original position.
There are many preventative measures you can take to avoid hemorrhoids. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding stress, eating high fiber foods, exercising regularly and having the correct posture can all help to decrease your chance of having hemorrhoids. There are also many treatments that can relieve your hemorrhoids if they are in the first and second stage