Hemorrhoids Specialist

Karen Zaghiyan, MD, FACS, FASCRS Our Services Hemorrhoids

Karen Zaghiyan, MD, FACS, FASCRS

Colorectal Surgeon located in Los Angeles, CA

Hemorrhoids are a common problem, causing pain and discomfort to around 75% of the population at some point in their lives. Karen Zaghiyan, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is a double board-certified colorectal surgeon who provides both conservative in-office solutions and advanced surgical techniques for issues such as hemorrhoids at her practice in Los Angeles, California. If you have hemorrhoids that are disrupting your daily life, call Karen Zaghiyan MD or schedule an appointment online today.

Hemorrhoids

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, develop when blood vessels in your anus and rectum start to bulge out and down, becoming swollen and irritated. They can be painful, especially when you’re sitting down or trying to move your bowels, and can cause rectal bleeding.

Hemorrhoids are generally caused by:

  • Straining when trying to pass stools
  • Sitting on the toilet for a long time
  • Chronic diarrhea or constipation
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Low-fiber diet
  • Unhealthy, inactive lifestyle

Hemorrhoids are an extremely common problem, but fortunately, Dr. Zaghiyan is an expert in using both conservative and surgical treatment methods.


What nonsurgical treatments are there for hemorrhoids?

Dr. Zaghiyan uses three main approaches to the nonsurgical treatment of hemorrhoids. These all involve shrinking the hemorrhoid to prevent blood flowing through the affected vein. This forces your body to circulate blood via another route, making the hemorrhoid shrink and resolve.

Sclerotherapy

Dr. Zaghiyan uses a solution of 5% phenol and olive oil that she injects into your hemorrhoids. Surprising to most patients, this procedure generally involves little to no pain due to the absence of nerve endings inside the rectum where the injection is performed.

Infrared coagulation (IRC)

IRC uses heat to create scarring and shrink your hemorrhoids. Similar to sclerotherapy, there is little pain associated with this procedure. 

Rubber band ligation 

Dr. Zaghiyan uses an anoscope to place a small rubber band around your hemorrhoids, cutting off their blood supply. Both the hemorrhoids and the rubber band fall off after a few days.


What surgical treatments are available for hemorrhoids?

Dr. Zaghiyan provides several minimally invasive surgical options for hemorrhoids, including:

Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD)

THD is a minimally invasive outpatient treatment for hemorrhoids that causes less pain and discomfort than traditional hemorrhoid surgery. Dr. Zaghiyan carries out THD using Doppler guidance, a form of X-ray that gives her a clear view of the blood vessels feeding your hemorrhoids, enabling her to tie them off. 

At the same time, Dr. Zaghiyan performs a mucopexy to restore the hemorrhoidal tissue back into its normal anatomical position in the anal canal.

Procedure for prolapsing hemorrhoids (PPH)

For a PPH, or stapled hemorrhoidopexy, Dr. Zaghiyan uses a special surgical stapler to remove a circular sleeve of tissue from your rectum. She then pulls the remaining hemorrhoidal tissue back up into the anal canal.

Hemorrhoidectomy

Hemorrhoidectomy is the standard surgical approach to treating hemorrhoids, in which Dr. Zaghiyan removes the internal and external hemorrhoids in their entirety. 

Hemorrhoidectomy is an option for patients who have tried conservative approaches without success, or for patients with severe symptoms who have both internal and external hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoidectomy usually requires around one to two weeks downtime from work and strenuous activity.

To discuss your hemorrhoid treatment option and arrange a consultation, call Karen Zaghiyan MD or book an appointment online today.