Treatment for Third-Degree Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are inflamed, swollen veins in the rectum that are classified according to four stages. Third-degree hemorrhoids protrude and require manual reduction. There are several ways to treat them, including medications and invasive and noninvasive surgical procedures.

Definition

• Third-degree hemorrhoids come out during a bowel movement. The only way for them to return to the rectum is to manually reinsert them.

Ineffective Treatment

• Third-degree hemorrhoids are not effectively treated with oral medications such as stool softeners, creams or warm baths. According to the Mayo Clinic, over-the-counter anti-itch creams may help relieve the discomfort.

Minimally-Invasive Treatment

• According to the Shreyas Ano-Rectal Hospital and Research Centre, third-degree hemorrhoids can be treated with band-ligation (cutting off circulation), cryosurgery and electrocauterization (freezing/burning them), and infrared photo coagulation (cutting off circulation with infrared rays).

Surgical Treatment

• According to the Mayo Clinic, a hemorrhoidectomy, which involves surgical removal of the affected tissue, may be performed on third-degree hemorrhoids. A variation known as a stapling hemorrhoidectomy involves cutting off the blood flow to the affected area.

Complications

• Invasive surgery can cause a variety of complications, including urinary tract infections and problems with emptying the bladder. Stapling can cause a rectal prolapse, while other procedures typically cause only minimal amounts of pain and discomfort. You should discuss with your doctor the best possible option for your condition.