Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are a common medical condition that affects millions of people globally.

In severe cases, surgery may be required to alleviate the symptoms.

Choosing the right specialist is crucial for effective treatment and a smooth recovery.

With so many healthcare providers in the city, selecting the right piles specialist can be overwhelming.

Do you live in Visakhapatnam (Vizag)? Are you seeking treatment for piles?

This blog by Mykare Health will guide you through the essential factors to consider when choosing a piles specialist in Vizag, ensuring that you receive the best care possible.

What is Piles (Hemorrhoids) ?

Before diving into how to choose the right specialist, it’s essential to understand what piles are and the treatment options available. Piles are swollen blood vessels that form inside or around the rectum and anus. There are two types

• Internal Piles: These occur inside the rectum and are usually not visible. They may cause painless bleeding during bowel movements.

• External Piles: These are located outside the anus and can cause significant discomfort, itching, and pain. In severe cases, external piles may become thrombosed (clotted), leading to intense pain and swelling.

The symptoms of piles can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain, bleeding, and prolapse (when the hemorrhoid protrudes outside the anus).

Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options range from lifestyle changes and medications to surgical interventions like hemorrhoidectomy or minimally invasive procedures like laser surgery.

Why Choosing the Right Piles Specialist Matters ?

Choosing the right piles specialist in Vizag is important because the success of your treatment and recovery depends largely on the expertise and experience of the healthcare provider.

The right specialist will not only offer accurate diagnosis and treatment but also ensure a comfortable and supportive experience throughout the process.

Here are some reasons why selecting the right piles specialist matters

• Accurate Diagnosis: Piles can be confused with other conditions like anal fissures, fistulas, or colorectal cancer. A skilled specialist can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment.

• Expertise in Treatment Options: From conservative treatments like medications and lifestyle changes to advanced surgical procedures, a good specialist will be familiar with a range of treatment options and help you choose the best one for your specific condition.

• Minimising Risks and Complications: Surgery for piles, like any medical procedure, comes with risks. An experienced specialist will ensure that the procedure is performed with the highest safety standards, minimising complications and ensuring a smooth recovery.

• Post Treatment Care: Recovery from piles surgery can take time, and a qualified specialist will provide you with the necessary followup care and support to ensure long term relief from symptoms.

Steps to Choose the Right Piles Specialist in Vizag

Here are the key factors to consider when selecting the best piles specialist in Vizag

1. Check Qualifications and Experience

The first step in choosing the right piles specialist is to ensure that they have the necessary qualifications and experience in treating haemorrhoids.

Look for a specialist who is a trained proctologist, gastroenterologist, or general surgeon with experience in colorectal surgery. These are the medical professionals who are typically well versed in diagnosing and treating piles.

• Proctologist: A proctologist specialises in disorders of the rectum, anus, and colon. They are the most qualified doctors to treat conditions like piles.

• Gastroenterologist: A gastroenterologist focuses on the digestive system and can diagnose and treat piles, especially if they are related to digestive issues.

• General Surgeon: If surgery is required, a general surgeon with experience in colorectal procedures can provide expert care.

In addition to their qualifications, inquire about the specialist’s experience in treating piles. Ask how many procedures they have performed, what their success rates are, and if they have experience with advanced treatments like laser surgery.

2. Look for a Specialist Offering a Range of Treatment Options

Piles can be treated through various methods, depending on their severity. A good piles specialist should offer a range of treatment options and tailor their approach based on your individual condition. Some common treatments for piles include

• Medications: Mild cases of piles can often be treated with over the counter creams, ointments, and medications to reduce swelling and discomfort.

• NonSurgical Treatments: For moderate piles, nonsurgical treatments like rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or infrared coagulation may be recommended.

• Surgical Procedures: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Options include traditional hemorrhoidectomy, stapled hemorrhoidopexy, or minimally invasive procedures like laser surgery.

Make sure the specialist you choose offers the latest treatment options and is skilled in performing both nonsurgical and surgical procedures.

3. Read Patient Reviews and Testimonials

One of the best ways to gauge the expertise and patient care of a piles specialist is by reading reviews and testimonials from previous patients.

Online platforms like Google reviews, Practo, and other healthcare directories can provide insights into the experiences of other patients who have received treatment from the specialist.

Look for feedback on

• The quality of care provided

• The doctor’s communication skills and ability to explain the treatment process

• The success of the treatment

• The cleanliness and facilities of the hospital or clinic

• Overall patient satisfaction

4. Consider the Hospital or Clinic

The quality of the hospital or clinic where the specialist practices is another important factor to consider. Ensure that the facility is well equipped with modern technology and offers a clean and comfortable environment. Some factors to look for in a hospital or clinic include:

• Accreditation: Check if the hospital or clinic is accredited by recognized healthcare bodies like the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) or Joint Commission International (JCI).

• Facilities: The hospital should have modern diagnostic equipment, an advanced surgical setup, and a well trained medical staff.

• PostSurgery Care: A good hospital will offer comprehensive post surgery care, including follow up consultations, pain management, and dietary advice to ensure a smooth recovery.

5. Availability of Minimally Invasive Procedures

Minimally invasive procedures like laser surgery for piles have become increasingly popular due to their benefits, such as reduced pain, faster recovery, and minimal scarring.

If you are a candidate for laser surgery or other minimally invasive treatments, it’s important to choose a specialist who is experienced in performing these procedures.

Ask the specialist about their experience with minimally invasive treatments and the success rates of these procedures.

6. Ensure Transparency in Pricing

Before undergoing treatment for piles, it’s essential to understand the costs involved. Ask the specialist for a detailed breakdown of the treatment costs, including consultation fees, diagnostic tests, surgery charges (if applicable), and postsurgery care.

Make sure there are no hidden charges and that the pricing is transparent.

Additionally, check if the hospital or clinic accepts insurance and whether the procedure is covered under your insurance plan. This can significantly reduce out of pocket expenses.

7. Communication and Comfort Level

Effective communication between the doctor and patient is critical for a successful treatment experience. Choose a specialist who listens to your concerns, explains the diagnosis and treatment options clearly, and answers any questions you may have.

You should feel comfortable discussing your symptoms and treatment preferences with the specialist.

A good doctor patient relationship can help ease anxiety and ensure that you receive the best possible care.