Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City received about 900 hemorrhoid patients in the first three months of the year, of which 50% were office workers, doubling the same period last year.
On April 17, master and doctor Nguyen Van Hau, Center for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Endoscopic Surgery, said the above information, adding that many patients come to the doctor when their symptoms get worse. Hemorrhoids are not a malignant disease but greatly affect health and quality of life by causing itching and pain in the anus, especially during defecation. Hemorrhoids account for about 35-50% of colorectal diseases.
People who work in the office sit a lot, more than 8-9 hours a day, 5-6 days a week, and are susceptible to hemorrhoids. Sitting too much affects blood circulation, causing blood to become clogged, making it difficult to circulate to the anus and rectum, increasing pressure on the veins in this area. This is a favorable condition for hemorrhoids to form and thrive. People with prolapsed hemorrhoids sit too much, making the disease worse and causing more pain.
Most office workers work mentally. Stress and stress at work reduce bowel movements and cause constipation, increasing damage and pressure on the veins in the anus, forming hemorrhoids or progressing the disease. heavy. Another factor that causes hemorrhoids to increase in office workers is due to unscientific eating habits, regularly eating fast food, high in fat but low in fiber, and not drinking enough water. Foods rich in fat and protein can increase the risk of constipation and make hemorrhoids more likely.
Dr. Hau said that usually patients do not detect hemorrhoids when the disease is mild or are afraid to get examined, until the hemorrhoids grow large, have symptoms of burning pain or bleeding, then they go for examination and treatment, accounting for about 90%.
Like Ms. Huong, 25 years old, an accountant, came to Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for examination due to burning pain in the anal area, bloody stools, and anal prolapse after each defecation.
Doctor Hau diagnosed Ms. Huong with mixed hemorrhoids in the third stage (severe stage), with excess skin in the anus. The patient must have endoscopic hemorrhoid sclerotherapy for the internal hemorrhoids, and at the same time electrocautery and minor surgery for the external hemorrhoids and excess skin.
Similarly, Ms. Lien, 38 years old, director’s secretary, suffered from itching, pain, discomfort, swelling in the anal area, and frequent bleeding. The patient was diagnosed with stage three mixed hemorrhoids, accompanied by anal fissures. Doctor Hau injects hemorrhoid sclerotherapy into the external hemorrhoids, and at the same time performs partial internal sphincterectomy to treat chronic anal fissures.
Two patients received endoscopic hemorrhoid sclerotherapy injections into the internal and external hemorrhoids, helping to fix the hemorrhoidal suspensory ligament with the rectal sphincter, eliminating blood vessels that feed the hemorrhoids to shrink the hemorrhoids immediately after injection. Endoscopic hemorrhoid sclerotherapy injection method helps doctors observe details at the base of hemorrhoids, mucosa and rectum, and the top line of hemorrhoids, to inject accurately in a single time.
After treatment, they had no hemorrhoids and bleeding, the wound healed well, and they were discharged from the hospital after one day.
Doctor Van Hau during a hemorrhoidectomy surgery. Image: Tam Anh General Hospital
In addition to office workers, hemorrhoids are often found in people who sit a lot such as long-distance drivers, people who are sedentary, drink a lot of alcohol, are obese, pregnant women, have constipation or chronic diarrhea. The habit of sitting on the toilet for a long time, straining a lot when defecating, and a diet lacking green vegetables also increase the likelihood of getting the disease.
Depending on the type of hemorrhoids, extent and cause, the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment method. In case of mild illness, you only need to take medication and adjust your diet and living habits. Severely ill patients need intervention with surgical procedures such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, laser ablation, infrared photocoagulation (HCPT)…
Hemorrhoids that are not treated promptly can lead to many complications such as necrosis of hemorrhoids causing blood infection, which is life-threatening.
Doctor Hau recommends that people with office jobs should practice the habit of standing up or walking around a few times after 30-60 minutes of continuous sitting; Drink plenty of water (2-2.5 liters of water per day). Relaxing stretches promote blood circulation throughout the body. Stress control; Practice defecating at a certain time. Limit stimulants and spicy foods; Eat lots of green vegetables and fruits, maintain a suitable exercise regimen.
People experiencing symptoms of itching, discomfort, bleeding and pain should see a doctor and receive timely treatment if any, to avoid complications and reduce costs.