Injection Treatment for Piles Effective Treatment Option

Piles, medically termed hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the anal canal causing discomfort, bleeding, itching, and pain. While mild piles might be managed with home remedies, more persistent or symptomatic cases often require medical treatment. Among minimally invasive options, sclerotherapy has emerged as a safe, fast, and effective treatment. Particularly for small to medium internal piles, sclerotherapy offers relief with minimal downtime. This comprehensive blog covers what sclerotherapy is, how it works, the procedure details, benefits, risks, and aftercare—in a style perfectly suited for Indian patients and healthcare providers.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

• A low-risk, non-surgical treatment involving injection of a sclerosing solution into piles.
• The solution irritates and scars the hemorrhoidal veins, causing them to shrink and eventually be absorbed by the body.
• It blocks blood flow to the swollen veins, reducing size and bleeding.
• Common sclerosing agents include polidocanol, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, and phenol-based solutions.

How Does Sclerotherapy Work?

• The procedure targets internal hemorrhoids, usually Grade 1 or Grade 2 (small to medium sized).
• Injection into the base of the hemorrhoid promotes vein closure and tissue fibrosis.
• Scar tissue formation keeps veins from filling again, reducing symptoms.
• Multiple sessions may be required depending on the severity and recurrence.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?

• Patients with bleeding and discomfort from internal hemorrhoids that have not prolapsed extensively.
• Those seeking a minimally invasive outpatient procedure without general anesthesia.
• Elderly patients or those unfit for surgery.
• Patients who prefer a quick recovery with less pain and downtime.
• Not suitable for large external piles or prolapsed grade 3 or 4 piles without additional treatment.

Sclerotherapy Procedure: What to Expect

1. Preparation:

• You will lie comfortably on an examination table, most often on your side with knees bent.
• The anal area is cleaned and sterilized to minimize infection risk.

1. Injection:

• Using a fine needle or endoscopic guidance, the doctor injects a small amount of sclerosant into the hemorrhoid tissue above the dentate line (pain-sensitive area).
• The injection produces mild pressure or brief discomfort but no anesthesia is usually required.

1. Post-Injection:

• The injection induces vein closure; over days to weeks, the hemorrhoid shrinks.
• You may rest for some minutes to allow initial effect and then go home same day.

1. Follow-Up:

• Multiple sessions spaced weeks apart may be necessary for complete symptom control.
• Doctor checks symptom improvement and determines need for repeat injections.

Benefits of Sclerotherapy

• Minimally invasive with no surgical incisions or hospital stay.
• Quick outpatient procedure taking less than 30 minutes.
• Low pain and discomfort compared to surgical options.
• Rapid return to routine activities.
• Effective at reducing bleeding, prolapse, and pain in early hemorrhoids.
• Cost-effective choice for many Indian patients.

Risks and Considerations

• Temporary mild pain, swelling, or bleeding after injection.
• Rare complications include infection, ulceration, or allergic reaction to the sclerosant.
• Not a permanent cure for advanced piles—severe cases may require surgery.
• Risk of recurrence requiring repeat injections or alternative therapies.

How Long Does Sclerotherapy Relief Last?

• Most patients experience symptom relief lasting several months to years.
• Some may require repeat sessions to maintain results.
• Follow your doctor’s advice for monitoring and lifestyle modifications to reduce recurrence.

Aftercare and Lifestyle Tips

• Avoid straining during bowel movements; maintain soft stools with fiber and fluids.
• Use warm sitz baths to soothe discomfort.
• Avoid heavy lifting and prolonged standing early after treatment.
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fiber and avoid constipation triggers.
• Monitor for symptoms of recurrence and seek early medical advice.

Comparison with Other Treatments

Treatment	Invasiveness	Recovery Time	Effectiveness for Early Piles	Suitable For	Typical Risks
Sclerotherapy	Minimally invasive	Hours to a day	High	Grade I & II internal piles	Mild pain, bleeding, rare infection
Rubber Band Ligation (RBL)	Minimally invasive	1-2 days	High	Grade I-III internal piles	Painful, bleeding, recurrence
Hemorrhoidectomy (Surgery)	Invasive	Weeks	Very high	Severe/prolapsed piles	Pain, infection, longer recovery

FAQs

• Is sclerotherapy painful?
  It may cause brief discomfort or pressure during injection but is generally well-tolerated without the need for anesthesia.
• How soon can I return to normal activities?
  Most patients resume daily activities the same day or next day but should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous work for a few days.
• Can sclerotherapy permanently cure piles?
  Sclerotherapy effectively controls symptoms in early hemorrhoids but may not prevent recurrence; advanced cases or recurrences sometimes require surgery.