Haemorrhoids are the enlargement and prolapse of the vascular cushions in the anal canal. The most common symptom is painless, bright red bleeding. Treatment follows the grade of prolapse: a high-fibre diet and office procedures for grades 1-2, laser or Doppler-guided methods for grades 2-3, and conventional surgery for grade 4. Because the laser method involves no incision or sutures, recovery takes 3-7 days.
Haemorrhoids are the enlargement and prolapse of the vascular cushions in the anal canal. These cushions are in fact present in everyone from birth and help with continence; the disease occurs when they enlarge and start to cause symptoms. Around a third of the population experiences haemorrhoid symptoms at some point, yet because of the private nature of the subject most people delay seeing a doctor. This article addresses the questions most often raised by patients seeking haemorrhoid treatment in Mersin.
What Causes Haemorrhoids?
Rather than a single cause, it is the accumulation of factors that raise intra-abdominal pressure and strain the vessels in the anal region:
- Constipation and straining on the toilet: the most common and decisive factor
- Sitting on the toilet for long periods: minutes spent on a phone are a genuine risk factor here
- A low-fibre diet and inadequate water intake
- Sedentary living, or work requiring long periods of standing
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Excess weight and heavy lifting
- Family predisposition
Symptoms
The most common symptom is painless, bright red bleeding. Blood is usually seen on the stool, on the toilet paper, or as drops in the pan. Other symptoms include:
- A palpable swelling or prolapse at the anus
- Itching, burning or a sensation of moisture
- A feeling of incomplete emptying
- Pain (internal haemorrhoids are usually painless; severe pain should raise the possibility of thrombosis, anal fissure or abscess)
Warning: Not every episode of rectal bleeding is caused by haemorrhoids. Colonic polyps and cancers can bleed in a similar way. If you are over 45, if your bowel habit has changed, or if you have unintended weight loss or anaemia, see a doctor. Dismissing bleeding as "definitely just piles" can mean missing the chance of an early diagnosis.
Grades of Haemorrhoids
Internal haemorrhoids are classified into four grades according to prolapse, and the treatment plan largely follows this grading:
- Grade 1: No prolapse, bleeding only.
- Grade 2: Prolapse on straining, reduces spontaneously.
- Grade 3: Prolapse requiring manual reduction.
- Grade 4: Permanently prolapsed and cannot be reduced.
Treatment Options
Lifestyle and medical treatment
Most grade 1 and 2 haemorrhoids can be controlled without surgery. A daily fibre intake of 25-30 g, plenty of water, less time on the toilet, warm sitz baths and medication that strengthens the vein wall form the basic approach. Creams and suppositories relieve symptoms but do not eliminate the disease.
Office procedures
Rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy and infrared coagulation can be performed in an outpatient setting without anaesthesia. They are particularly effective in grade 1-2 and selected grade 3 haemorrhoids.
Laser haemorrhoidoplasty
This works by shrinking the haemorrhoidal tissue from within using laser energy. Because no incision or suture is required, post-operative pain is markedly less than with the conventional method and the return to daily life is faster. It is generally preferred in grade 2 and 3 haemorrhoids.
Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation
The arteries feeding the haemorrhoids are located one by one with Doppler ultrasound and tied off. As tissue is not cut, pain is minimal; in patients with prolapse it can be combined with a suture lift.
Conventional haemorrhoidectomy
This remains the gold standard for grade 4 haemorrhoids, for those with a significant external component, and where other methods have failed. It has the lowest recurrence rate, but recovery is more painful.
Recovery After Surgery
With laser and Doppler-guided methods, patients are usually discharged the same or the following day and return to work within three to seven days. After conventional haemorrhoidectomy, full recovery can take two to four weeks. In both cases stool softeners, warm sitz baths and painkillers are used regularly so that the first bowel movement is comfortable. Heavy lifting and prolonged sitting should be avoided in the first weeks.
Preventing Recurrence
Haemorrhoid surgery removes the vascular cushions but does not treat constipation. For a lasting result the following are essential:
- At least 25-30 g of fibre a day (vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, pulses)
- 2 to 2.5 litres of water a day
- No more than three to five minutes on the toilet, and leave the phone outside
- Never postpone the urge to go
- Regular walking and weight control
Laser and Minimally Invasive Approaches in Proctology
Anal region conditions are among the main areas of interest listed on Op. Dr. Ersan Semerci's professional profiles. In the treatment of haemorrhoids, anal fissure, anal fistula and perianal abscess he applies both open surgery and minimally invasive laser and Doppler-guided techniques.
- Haemorrhoidal disease and anorectal surgery are among his registered services
- Experience in laser proctology and suture-free haemorrhoid surgery
- Nutrition in Colorectal Disease Course, Mersin (2018)
- Colorectal Cancer Screening and Post-Screening Diagnosis Training, Turkish Ministry of Health, Antalya (2019)
Patient reviews frequently highlight the detailed briefing given before and after haemorrhoid and fissure treatment. Because symptoms in this region are difficult for patients to raise, particular care is taken to create a comfortable atmosphere during consultations.
Op. Dr. Ersan Semerci has practised in Mersin since 2010 and currently works at Medicalpark Mersin Hospital. Consultations and operations in Proctology are carried out at this hospital. Patients travelling from Mersin and neighbouring provinces can book via WhatsApp.
Book on WhatsAppDo haemorrhoids go away on their own?
Early-stage haemorrhoids caused by a temporary strain such as pregnancy may regress once the cause is removed. However, once prolapse has begun a structural change has occurred and complete spontaneous resolution should not be expected.
Is laser haemorrhoid surgery painful?
Because no incision or suture is made, post-operative pain is markedly less than with conventional haemorrhoidectomy. Some discomfort may still be felt during bowel movements in the first days, and this is easily managed with painkillers and stool softeners.
Can haemorrhoids turn into cancer?
No, haemorrhoidal disease is a benign vascular condition and does not become cancer. However, because haemorrhoids and colorectal cancer can produce similar symptoms, any bleeding must be assessed by a doctor.
When can I open my bowels after surgery?
The first bowel movement usually occurs within one to two days and is not a cause for concern. Taking the prescribed medication regularly to keep the stool soft makes this first experience considerably easier.
Do haemorrhoids come back after surgery?
Recurrence rates vary by method and are lowest with conventional surgery. The decisive factor, however, is whether constipation and toilet habits have been corrected. If these habits do not change, the likelihood of recurrence increases with any method.
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Answers to the most common questions about appointments, the hospital, treatment scope and surgical experience are in the FAQ section on the home page.
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For Haemorrhoids and related symptoms you can book an appointment at Medicalpark Mersin Hospital. Mezitli / Mersin, Turkey, weekdays 09:00-17:00.
WhatsApp: +90 542 236 05 33Disclaimer. This article is provided for general information only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment recommendation, and it is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis and treatment by a physician. The content is not tailored to any individual and is not intended as advertising. Do not start, change or stop any treatment on the basis of the information here. Consult your own doctor about any decision concerning your health and see a healthcare provider about your symptoms. The site owner accepts no liability for any consequences arising from use of this content. Last updated: 2026-08-07.