News Releases

Less Painful Treatment for Hemorrhoids Now Available at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital

PPH Shown to Reduce Pain and Recovery Time

Houston, Texas, August 25, 2003 -- National statistics say more than half the population will develop hemorrhoids, usually after age 30. That translates to roughly one million people in Houston who are potential hemorrhoid sufferers. 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. Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital is now helping chronic hemorrhoid sufferers get relief.

Patients who require surgery for their hemorrhoids now have a surgical treatment alternative that 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.

Drs. Harish Khera and Michael Kleinman are offering a patient lecture on this procedure at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, 7600 Beechnut, Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. in Admiral Rooms One and Two on the Concourse Level. They say that the development of this alternative procedure for hemorrhoids is groundbreaking. 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, and they say that alternative is now available.

Using a stapling device, the PPH procedure essentially “lifts up” or repositions the mucosa, or anal canal tissue, and reduces blood flow to the internal hemorrhoids. These internal hemorrhoids then typically shrink within four to six weeks after the procedure. The PPH approach results in less pain than traditional surgery because it is performed above the “pain” line, or dentate line, inside the anal canal. The advantage is that this method affects few nerve endings, while traditional procedures are performed below the dentate line, affecting many sensitive nerve endings.

Hemorrhoids are natural tissue found in the anal canal, and hemorrhoidal disease results when this tissue enlarges and descends downward into the anal canal. The condition can result from several factors, including constipation with prolonged straining, diet and pregnancy. Symptoms include aching after a bowel movement; anal or rectal itching; bright red blood on toilet tissue or in toilet bowl; and appearance of anal tissue pads or sensitive lumps. When any of these symptoms is present, it is important to see a doctor to make sure the cause of the discomfort is hemorrhoids and not some other problem.

Those interested in more information on this lecture or the PPH procedure can call 713-222-CARE (2273).

For more information, contact Media Relations.