Hemorrhoids – symptoms, grades and treatment
Hemorrhoids are dilated vessels in the anal canal and one of the most common reasons for bright red blood on defecation, itching and a lump at the anus. We grade the hemorrhoids (1–4), rule out other causes of [blood in the stool](/en/blog/bloedning-fra-endetarmen) and choose the gentlest effective treatment – from lifestyle and [McGivney rubber-band ligation](/en/blog/mcgivney-elastik) to [surgical removal](/en/blog/kirurgisk-behandling-haemorider).
Hemorrhoids - Treatment and Surgery
At Kirurgen.dk, hemorrhoid operations are performed. Before an operation, you always receive a thorough examination to ensure you get the best treatment.
At our clinic in Charlottenlund, Kirurgen.dk performs treatment and operations for hemorrhoids.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids occur when the mucous membrane inside the rectum detaches from the intestinal wall. When the connection between the mucous membrane and the intestine breaks, a part of the mucous membrane and the underlying blood vessels prolapse. This can cause bleeding, stinging, and pain. However, there are good options for removing hemorrhoids, and Kirurgen.dk will safely guide you through the operation.
How a hemorrhoid operation is performed
Hemorrhoids can be removed by operation, either by removing the excess tissue or by ensuring that it can reattach to the intestinal wall. The most suitable method depends on the severity of the hemorrhoid case. Therefore, Kirurgen.dk always conducts a thorough examination before any potential hemorrhoid operation.
Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?
For milder cases of hemorrhoids, it is often possible to perform treatment that does not involve surgical operation of the hemorrhoids. At Kirurgen.dk, for these cases, we use the McGivney method for treating hemorrhoids with small rubber bands. This hemorrhoid treatment takes a few minutes and is virtually painless.
FAQ
Can hemorrhoids go away on their own? Smaller hemorrhoids (grade 1 and 2) can often be alleviated with a high-fiber diet and ointments, but they rarely disappear completely without treatment once they have started causing symptoms. For persistent discomfort, the Mc-Givney method (rubber band ligation) is recommended.
References: Lohsiriwat, V. (2012). Hemorrhoids: From basic pathophysiology to clinical management.
Is hemorrhoid treatment with rubber bands painful? The application of the rubber band itself takes place in an area without sensory nerves, so it is usually painless. You may feel a pressure sensation for a couple of days afterward, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
References: Brown, S. R. (2017). Haemorrhoids: an update on management.
Can hemorrhoids develop into cancer? No, hemorrhoids are dilated blood vessels and can never become cancerous. However, since the symptoms (bleeding) resemble those of colon cancer, it is crucial to be examined to rule out other causes.
References: Mottth, T., et al. (2018). Hemorrhoids: Diagnosis and Treatment Options.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor. 2920 Charlottenlund
APPOINTMENT BOOKING
We are available by phone Monday-Thursday from 09-12
FOR REFERRING DOCTORS
Ydernummer 215430
How to book
Online booking is not available. Call the clinic or ask your GP for a referral.
With a referral from your GP, treatment is free under the Danish public health insurance.
Call the clinic
+45 39 64 01 25
Phone hours
Phone hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–12:00
Address
Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor · 2920 Charlottenlund
Frequently asked questions
What are haemorrhoids?+
Haemorrhoids are dilated vessels in the lining of the anal canal. Internal haemorrhoids sit above the dentate line and tend to bleed painlessly; external haemorrhoids sit below it and cause more soreness and itching. The condition is very common — around half of all adults are affected at some point.
How do I know if I have haemorrhoids?+
The classic signs are bright red blood on the paper or in the toilet after a bowel movement, itching at the anus, and a soft lump that may prolapse and can be pushed back. The diagnosis is made by a short clinical examination by the specialist, who also rules out other causes of bleeding.
What do grades 1–4 mean?+
Haemorrhoids are graded by how much they prolapse. Grade 1 bleeds but does not prolapse. Grade 2 prolapses on defecation and reduces by itself. Grade 3 must be pushed back manually. Grade 4 is permanently prolapsed. The grade decides whether [McGivney rubber-band ligation](/en/blog/mcgivney-elastik) is enough or whether [surgical removal](/en/blog/kirurgisk-behandling-haemorider) is needed.
What can I do myself?+
Start with a high-fibre diet (vegetables, whole grains, prunes), 2–3 litres of fluid a day, and daily exercise. Avoid sitting on the toilet for long and straining hard. Local creams with lidocaine or hydrocortisone can ease symptoms short-term. If bleeding or lumps persist beyond 2–3 weeks, get examined.
What is McGivney rubber-band ligation?+
In the [McGivney method](/en/blog/mcgivney-elastik) a small rubber band is placed around the haemorrhoid above the dentate line, where there are no sensory nerves. The tissue loses its blood supply and falls off within 5–10 days. The procedure takes a few minutes, is almost painless and is first-line treatment for grade 1–3 haemorrhoids.
When is surgery needed?+
[Surgical removal](/en/blog/kirurgisk-behandling-haemorider) (usually Milligan-Morgan) is considered for grade 3–4 haemorrhoids, repeated bleeding despite rubber-band ligation, or large external haemorrhoids with thrombosis. The procedure is done under anaesthesia, with typically 2–4 weeks of soreness.
Can haemorrhoids turn into cancer?+
No. Haemorrhoids are dilated blood vessels and never become cancer. However, [blood in the stool](/en/blog/bloedning-fra-endetarmen) may also be caused by polyps, diverticula, an anal fissure or [colorectal cancer](/en/patientvejledning/tarmkraeft). Any new rectal bleeding, especially after age 40, should be assessed by a specialist.
When should I seek urgent help?+
See a doctor the same day if there is heavy bleeding that does not stop, severe pain with a hard bluish lump (thrombosis), or fever and increasing redness. Mild bleeding and itching can wait for a planned specialist appointment.