Question 1

What is the best hemorrhoid cream?

Accepted Answer

While hemorrhoids may not be cured with topical treatment, symptomatic relief from pain and itching can be obtained with over-the-counter creams such as Preparation H and Lidocaine, or prescriptions medications like Nifedipine cream. We also recommend CBD topical relief cream (available in our online CBD store or in-office).

Question 2

What does a hemorrhoid look like?

Accepted Answer

A hemorrhoid can appear as a sudden onset painful lump that may be red, angry, and inflamed. Hemorrhoids can cause discomfort, swelling, rectal pain, anal discharge, and itching or irritation of the anus. These signs of hemorrhoids should not be ignored.

Question 3

What is rubber band ligation (RBL) for hemorrhoids?

Accepted Answer

ColoWell America’s gold standard RUBBER BAND LIGATION - a quick, non-surgical, in-office procedure with little to no pain or complications. Rubber band ligation is preferred for hemorrhoids because of its effectiveness and affordability compared to other more invasive interventions and non-beneficial over-the-counter remedies. How the treatment works: The treatment targets the blood vessel which feeds the hemorrhoid ligating the blood vessel and cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. The blood flow to the hemorrhoid is interrupted and it begins to shrink. Since the hemorrhoid has lost its connection with the feeding vessel, it continues to shrink and fall off during the 3-7 days following treatment. Affordable, no time off necessary. No hospital visits. No need for special prep before procedure. Performed in office in minutes.

Question 4

What are surgery options for hemorrhoids?

Accepted Answer

We use rubber band ligation (RBL) as our standard for hemorrhoid surgery. The doctor places a small rubber band at the base of the hemorrhoid, which in result stops the blood supply and causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off.  A hemorrhoidectomy is another choice for hemorrhoid surgery. The procedure removes the hemorrhoid, blood clot and blood vessels. You may get partial anesthesia during this procedure and a hemorrhoidectomy is only performed for the most severe hemorrhoid cases.

Question 5

What is a thrombosed hemorrhoid?

Accepted Answer

Thrombosed hemorrhoids are blood clots in a hemorrhoid. This can result in itching around your anus, bleeding when you have a bowel movement, and swelling or lumps around the anus.

Question 6

Will I heal completely from hemorrhoid treatment?

Accepted Answer

Many patients ask us if hemorrhoids go away on their own. The answer lies in the lifestyle choices you make following treatment. Make FIBER a daily part of your diet. Ground flax seed is an excellent source of fiber. Choose a plant-based diet to avoid constipation. Be sure to drink four to six glasses of water throughout the day. Avoid strenuous activities.

Question 7

What is the medical treatment for anal fissure?

Accepted Answer

To treat anal fissure you can receive a botulinum toxin injection from your doctor. There are also topical solutions such as nifedipine cream, hydrocortisone cream or CBD cream that can be applied to the fissure area for relief of pain symptoms. We recommend taking other measures, like changing your diet to incorporate ground flax seed powder and eating high fiber foods. Relief for anal fissure can additionally be aided by using a squatty potty stool while using the bathroom and trying methods like soaking in a sitz bath to help with symptoms.

Question 8

What are options for anal fistula treatment?

Accepted Answer

To treat anal fistula you can undergo a fistulotomy surgery by your doctor.  There is also the option to have a ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedure to close the fistula opening and remove the infected material. Other treatments for fistula are a mucosal advancement flap (MAF) repair surgery and a less invasive option of a seton placement to help clear the fistula infection.

Question 9

What causes blood in stool?

Accepted Answer

Blood in the stool can be caused by bright red bleeding coming from hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulae or cancer of the rectum and anus. Bleeding can also come from diverticular problems in the colon, colon cancer and colonic polyps etc. Colitis or gastroenteritis can also cause bleeding that needs to be checked. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding can come from the stomach or small bowel also. Mostly bleeding from these sources is dark brown or black. These symptoms should not be ignored and patients should seek medical help soon.

Question 10

What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Accepted Answer

GERD or Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common name for a variety of problems that present with symptoms of indigestion including acid brash and heart burn, upper abdominal pain and bloating, atypical chest pain or vomiting and nausea. Some patients report a reflux of undigested food also. It may be caused by increased acid production, mechanical valve problem between the stomach and esophagus (food pipe), or bile acid issues. A specialist can diagnose and treat this disease.

Question 11

Which insurances do you accept?

Accepted Answer

ColoWell America carries the following insurances, Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Medicare, Freedom Health, and Optimum HealthCare, Wellcare Health Plans, Staywell, Sunshine Health, Ambetter, Molina, Humana, Wellmed, Avmed, Devoted, Solis, Ultimate Health Plans - more insurance policies are available, please call us for more information (813) 278-6430. We also offer affordable Self-Pay rates.

Board Certified Colorectal Surgeon • Experts in Hemorrhoid Care • Non-Surgical Treatments

Common Questions Answered

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HOURS:
MONDAY-FRIDAY
10:00am-5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday Closed

CONTACT:
Phone: (813) 278-6430
Fax: (855) 832-3509
info@colowellamerica.com

Common Questions Answered

LIVE PODCAST!

CLICK TO LISTEN

HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday & Sunday Closed

CONTACT: Phone: (813) 278-6430 Fax: (855) 832-3509 info@colowellamerica.com

HOURS:
MONDAY-FRIDAY
10:00am-5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday Closed

CONTACT:
Phone: (813) 278-6430
Fax: (855) 832-3509
info@colowellamerica.com