Surgeon-led hemorrhoid care in Seattle, Washington
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoid Symptoms
- Bleeding, especially with bowel movements
- Pain or pressure
- Itching or irritation
- Prolapse or bulging tissue
- Difficulty cleaning the area
- Swelling after bowel movements
- Sudden, severe pain, a sign of a thrombosed hemorrhoid
Hemorrhoids are normal anatomy called fibrovascular cushions in the anus and rectum. They become more Symptomatic with straining, pregnancy and childbirth, and prolonged sitting on the toilet, and they aren't a sign of anything more serious on their own but bleeding should not be ignored.
How hemorrhoids are treated
Most hemorrhoids are treated in the office without surgery. Your specific plan depends on the type, size, and severity of your hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid Banding
Rubber band ligation is the most common treatment for internal hemorrhoids. A small band placed at the base of the hemorrhoid cuts off its blood supply, so it shrinks and falls away within about a week or two. It's a quick in-office procedure that doesn't require anesthesia.
- No anesthesia needed
- Takes just a few minutes
- Resolves internal hemorrhoids in to a few sessions
Other In-Office Options
- Sclerotherapy, an injection that shrinks smaller hemorrhoids
- Infrared coagulation, a laser-based in-office option
- Laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP), a minimally invasive option that shrinks internal hemorrhoids from the inside
Excision of a Thrombosed External Hemorrhoid
A clot in an external hemorrhoid causes sudden, severe pain and needs prompt attention. If you're seen within the first few days, Dr. Kratz can remove the clot in-office under local anesthesia for fast relief. Same-day and next-day appointments are reserved for this.
Hemorrhoidectomy
For advanced or recurring hemorrhoids that don't respond to in-office treatment, surgical removal may be recommended.
Your visit
- A private exam, usually quick and straightforward
- A clear explanation of what type of hemorrhoids you have
- Treatment the same day, in many cases
- Same-day and next-day appointments available for thrombosed or bleeding hemorrhoids
Most in-office procedures take minutes, not hours, and don't require sedation.
What it costs
Hemorrhoid evaluation and treatment can be covered by insurance, depending on your plan. Our billing team reviews your benefits and gives you pricing before your visit.
Performed by Dr. Kratz, in our Seattle office
Common questions
Connected to your care
Hemorrhoids are a common underlying cause of skin tags. If tag removal is also part of your goals, visit our Restoration and Aesthetics section. Persistent itching can also be related.
You don't have to keep living with this.
Call or text for a private consultation and a clear plan.