National statistics reveal that more than half of the population will develop hemorrhoids, usually after age 30. While some sufferers progress to surgery, millions of Americans wait in pain due to embarrassment, fear of extreme pain and long recovery associated with traditional hemorrhoidectomy and fear that hemorrhoid symptoms are really signs of cancer. Dr. Charles Braswell, a physician at Medical West, is now helping chronic hemorrhoid sufferers get relief.
Patients who require surgery for their hemorrhoids now have a surgical treatment alternative, which offers less pain and a quicker recovery time than traditional hemorrhoidectomy procedures. This breakthrough approach, called the Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids (PPH), was introduced in the United States in October 2001 and is growing in popularity among physicians.
“The development of this alternative procedure for hemorrhoids is groundbreaking,” said Dr. Charles Braswell from Medical West. “For years, physicians and patients have been awaiting a surgical treatment for hemorrhoids that causes less pain and a shorter recovery period than traditional procedures. Now, we have one.”
Recently revealed results from ongoing U.S. clinical trails indicate PPH is an effective treatment for hemorrhoids, and offers a less painful alternative to hemorrhoidectomy. Study results include:
· There was no difference in operating time between PPH and hemorrhoidectomy.
· Patients having only the PPH procedure experienced significantly less overall adverse events (P<.05); significantly less “most intense” postoperative pain on days 1, 3, 5 and 7(p <.025); and required significantly less postoperative pain medication on days 3, 5 and 7 (p<.05)
· Eighteen percent of the PPH patients experienced no pain with their first bowel movement- all patients who had a traditional hemorrhoidectomy usually experienced severe pain with their first bowel movement.
· In addition, patients who received PPH experienced a bowel movement sooner than those who had a traditional hemorrhoidectomy.
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks that accompany PPH. Patients should consult their doctor to see if the procedure is right for them. You can also call Dr. Braswell’s office at 481-9378 for more information.