Haemorrhoid Treatment in Brisbane
Most haemorrhoids improve with simple measures; persistent or larger ones can be treated with non-surgical procedures or surgical removal (haemorrhoidectomy). Dr Goutham Sivasuthan assesses the cause of your symptoms first — ruling out other conditions — then recommends the least invasive effective treatment, on a known-gap basis with fees confirmed in writing.
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in and around the back passage. They are extremely common and often cause bright-red bleeding, itching, discomfort or a lump. Internal haemorrhoids sit inside the anal canal; external haemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus and can be painful, especially if a clot forms.
Symptoms of haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids are graded by how far they come down. Internal haemorrhoids are graded 1 to 4: grade 1 stay inside the anal canal; grade 2 come down with straining but go back up on their own; grade 3 need to be pushed back in by hand; grade 4 stay down. External haemorrhoids sit under the skin around the anus and can become painful, particularly if a blood clot forms inside one (a thrombosed haemorrhoid).
Common symptoms include bright-red bleeding, itching, a feeling of a lump, mild discomfort or soreness, and mucus. As with any bleeding from the back passage, new or persistent symptoms should be assessed rather than assumed to be haemorrhoids — see "When to see a surgeon" below.
When to see a surgeon
See a doctor if symptoms persist despite simple measures, if there is significant pain or a lump, or if you have any of the warning features above. Dr Goutham’s first priority is to confirm the diagnosis — because several other conditions, including bowel cancer, can cause similar bleeding. Where appropriate this includes a rectal bleeding assessment.
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How haemorrhoids are diagnosed
A diagnosis of haemorrhoids is made from your history and a physical examination, sometimes including a brief proctoscopy to view the anal canal directly. Bleeding, itching, discomfort and a lump can also be caused by other conditions — including anal fissures, polyps and, less commonly, bowel cancer — so the priority is always to confirm what is actually happening before assuming it is haemorrhoids.
Dr Goutham does not treat rectal bleeding as haemorrhoids by default. Where there is any uncertainty, or any of the warning features described above, a full rectal bleeding assessment is arranged first — which may include a colonoscopy to rule out more serious causes. Only once other causes have been excluded is a haemorrhoid-specific treatment plan recommended.
Treatment options
1. Conservative measures
Most haemorrhoids settle with more dietary fibre and fluid, avoiding straining, good toilet habits and topical treatments. These are always the first step.
2. Non-surgical procedures
If symptoms persist, in-rooms or day procedures such as rubber-band ligation can treat internal haemorrhoids with minimal downtime.
3. Haemorrhoidectomy (surgery)
For larger (grade 3–4) or persistent haemorrhoids, surgical removal — a haemorrhoidectomy — offers the most definitive result. It is performed under anaesthetic as a day or short-stay procedure.
Getting ready for haemorrhoid surgery
Good preparation supports a smoother recovery from a haemorrhoidectomy. If you take blood-thinning medication, this will be reviewed beforehand — never stop anticoagulants unless your treating team gives you a clear plan. Keeping your bowels regular and stools soft in the lead-up to surgery, stopping smoking where possible, and following the fasting instructions you are given all help reduce avoidable risk. Dr Goutham's rooms will confirm exactly what applies to you.
What to expect after a haemorrhoidectomy
Some discomfort in the first one to two weeks is normal and is managed with pain relief, stool softeners and simple wound care. Many people return to light activity within one to two weeks. Dr Goutham reviews you afterwards and is available if you have concerns.
Risks of haemorrhoid surgery
Haemorrhoidectomy is a well-established operation, but as with any surgery there are risks. These can include bleeding, infection, temporary difficulty or discomfort passing urine, and pain in the first one to two weeks that is managed with pain relief. Less commonly, narrowing of the anal canal or recurrence of haemorrhoids can occur. Serious complications are rare. Non-surgical options such as rubber-band ligation carry a smaller, different risk profile, which Dr Goutham will also explain. Dr Goutham will discuss the risks relevant to your situation before you decide whether to proceed.
Why choose Dr Goutham for haemorrhoid treatment
- ✓Diagnosis confirmed first — bleeding is never assumed to be haemorrhoids without assessment.
- ✓Least invasive option first — from dietary measures through to banding and surgery, matched to your situation.
- ✓Colonoscopy access — arranged where indicated, at leading Brisbane and Redland facilities.
- ✓Direct surgeon access — before and after treatment.
- ✓Known-gap fees — confirmed in writing before any procedure.
Costs
Dr Goutham operates on a known-gap basis — a small, capped out-of-pocket — for procedures including haemorrhoidectomy, and every fee is confirmed in writing before any procedure. See our fees and known-gap information for more.
Frequently asked questions
What are the treatment options for haemorrhoids?
Most haemorrhoids settle with simple measures — more fibre and fluid, not straining, and topical treatments. If symptoms persist, options include non-surgical procedures such as rubber-band ligation, and, for larger or persistent haemorrhoids, surgical removal (haemorrhoidectomy). Dr Goutham recommends the least invasive option likely to work for you.
When should I see a doctor about rectal bleeding?
Always have new or persistent rectal bleeding assessed — it should never simply be assumed to be haemorrhoids. See a doctor promptly if you are over 45, or have anaemia, weight loss, a change in bowel habit, or a family history of bowel cancer, as a colonoscopy may be needed to rule out other causes.
What is a haemorrhoidectomy?
A haemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of haemorrhoids, usually for larger (grade 3–4) or persistent cases that have not responded to other treatments. It is done under anaesthetic as a day or short-stay procedure.
How long is recovery after haemorrhoid surgery?
Recovery varies. Many people return to light activities within one to two weeks, though full comfort can take a few weeks. Dr Goutham provides pain relief, stool-softening and wound-care advice to make recovery easier.
How much does haemorrhoid treatment cost?
Dr Goutham operates on a known-gap basis — a small, capped out-of-pocket — for procedures including haemorrhoidectomy, and every fee is confirmed in writing before any procedure. Your final cost depends on the type of treatment and your health cover.
Talk to Dr Goutham about haemorrhoid treatment
Australian-trained Specialist Surgeon · Brisbane.
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