What Are Haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are swollen vascular cushions in the anal canal. Internal haemorrhoids sit inside and often cause painless bleeding; external ones sit under the skin and can be painful, especially if a clot forms (thrombosed). They're graded I–IV by how much they prolapse:
- Grade I: Bleed but don't prolapse.
- Grade II: Prolapse on straining, reduce on their own.
- Grade III: Prolapse and need manual reduction.
- Grade IV: Permanently prolapsed.
Important: rectal bleeding should always be assessed to exclude other causes, including colorectal cancer.
Non-Surgical Treatment
- Diet & lifestyle: More fibre and fluids, avoiding straining — first-line for mild piles.
- Topical treatments: Creams and suppositories ease symptoms.
- Rubber band ligation: A clinic procedure that bands the haemorrhoid base — effective for grade I–III, minimal downtime.
- Sclerotherapy / infrared coagulation: Other clinic-based options.
Surgical Options
- Haemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal — most effective for large or grade IV piles, but more post-operative discomfort.
- Stapled haemorrhoidopexy: Repositions tissue with a stapler; less pain than open surgery.
- Other techniques: Such as HAL/THD (artery ligation) in selected cases.
Recovery & Prevention
Banding has minimal downtime; surgery may need 1–2 weeks off with stool softeners and sitz baths for comfort. Long-term prevention centres on a high-fibre diet, adequate fluids, regular exercise and not straining or sitting too long on the toilet.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Browse colorectal surgeons →Rubber band ligation in a clinic typically costs roughly S$300–S$800 per session. Surgery (haemorrhoidectomy or stapled) costs roughly S$3,000–S$8,000+ privately. Subsidised rates apply at public hospitals. Surgical treatment is Medisave-claimable up to limits.
No. Most haemorrhoids improve with diet, fluids and topical treatment, or are managed with simple clinic procedures like rubber band ligation. Surgery is reserved for large, persistent or grade IV piles, or when other treatments fail.
Bleeding from haemorrhoids is common and usually benign, but rectal bleeding should always be assessed by a doctor — it can also be caused by other conditions, including colorectal cancer. Don't assume bleeding is 'just piles' without evaluation.
Yes. Surgical treatment of haemorrhoids is a medically necessary procedure and is Medisave-claimable up to surgical limits, often with Integrated Shield Plan coverage. Confirm with the clinic.
General information only — not medical advice. Always verify a doctor’s SMC registration and discuss your individual circumstances with a qualified specialist.