Inside the rectum
Internal haemorrhoids may cause bright-red bleeding and can prolapse through the anus. Their severity and symptoms help determine whether conservative management, banding or another treatment is appropriate.
Haemorrhoid Treatment · Mosta, Malta
Haemorrhoid Treatment
Assessment and treatment for haemorrhoids (piles), including rubber band ligation and laser haemorrhoid treatment. The appropriate approach depends on whether the haemorrhoids are internal or external, their severity, symptoms and examination findings.
Consultation€50
Band Ligation€500
Laser Treatment€1,000
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in or around the anus and lower rectum. They may be internal or external and can cause symptoms including bleeding, itching, discomfort, pain or prolapse. Similar symptoms can have other causes, so persistent or unexplained rectal bleeding should be medically assessed rather than assumed to be haemorrhoids.
Around the anus
External haemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus and may cause discomfort, swelling or pain. Assessment is important because treatment differs from that used for internal haemorrhoids.
Pressure & straining
Constipation, repeated straining, pregnancy, prolonged sitting, increasing age and other factors that increase pressure in the lower rectal veins can contribute to haemorrhoids.
Two treatment pathways
St Mary's currently offers rubber band ligation and laser haemorrhoid treatment. Neither option is automatically the right choice for every patient; examination determines which approach is appropriate.
Rubber Band Ligation
A small rubber band is placed around the base of an appropriate internal haemorrhoid. This cuts off its blood supply, causing the treated tissue to shrink and eventually separate.
- Non-surgical outpatient approach
- Used for selected internal haemorrhoids
- Pressure or discomfort can occur afterwards
- More than one session may sometimes be required
Laser Haemorrhoid Treatment
Laser energy is used to treat haemorrhoidal tissue and its blood supply. Suitability depends on the haemorrhoid pattern, severity and the clinician's examination rather than size alone.
- Minimally invasive treatment option
- Procedure plan is individualised
- Recovery varies between patients
- Risks and alternatives are discussed beforehand
Your treatment pathway
Assessment comes first.
Symptoms such as rectal bleeding should not be self-diagnosed. Consultation allows the clinician to review your symptoms and bowel habits, perform an appropriate examination and decide whether haemorrhoid treatment or further investigation is needed.
Discuss symptoms
Tell the doctor about bleeding, pain, itching, prolapse, bowel habits, medication and how long symptoms have been present.
Clinical examination
The doctor assesses whether haemorrhoids explain the symptoms and whether they are internal, external or mixed.
Select an approach
Management may include bowel-habit measures, band ligation, laser treatment or another pathway depending on the findings.
Aftercare & review
Follow the procedure-specific instructions and contact the clinic if symptoms after treatment are more severe than expected.
When should haemorrhoids be assessed?
Many mild haemorrhoid symptoms settle with conservative measures, but persistent symptoms deserve assessment. Bleeding in particular should not automatically be attributed to piles.
Persistent rectal bleeding
Blood during or after bowel movements can occur with haemorrhoids, but it has other possible causes. New, recurrent or unexplained bleeding should be discussed with a clinician.
Pain, discomfort or prolapse
Assessment is reasonable when discomfort persists, haemorrhoids protrude from the anus, symptoms recur or they interfere with daily activities.
Changes alongside symptoms
Tell the doctor about changes in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, abdominal symptoms or other new concerns so these can be considered as part of the assessment.
Seek prompt medical advice for heavy or persistent bleeding, severe or rapidly worsening pain, dizziness/fainting, fever, or other significant symptoms. These may require assessment beyond routine haemorrhoid care.
Haemorrhoid treatment prices
Current prices published by St Mary's Clinic. Your consultation is used to confirm the diagnosis and which treatment, if any, is suitable.
Band Ligation
Consultation€50
Treatment€500
Laser Haemorrhoid Treatment
Consultation€50
Treatment€1,000
Recovery & reducing recurrence
Recovery depends on the procedure and the individual. Keeping stools soft and avoiding repeated straining are important parts of haemorrhoid management before and after treatment.
Some discomfort is possible
Banding can cause temporary pressure, discomfort or minor bleeding. Laser treatment can also cause postoperative discomfort, bleeding or swelling. Follow the specific advice given after your procedure.
Avoid constipation & straining
Adequate fibre, appropriate hydration and regular movement can support softer stools and reduce repeated straining. Your clinician can advise if additional bowel-management measures are needed.
Recurrence is still possible
Treatment can improve haemorrhoid symptoms, but it cannot guarantee that haemorrhoids will never recur. Ongoing bowel habits and individual risk factors remain relevant.
Our Internal Medicine Specialist
Dr Frank Farrugia
MD, MRCP, M.Sc Health Sciences · Internal Medicine Specialist
Dr Frank Farrugia is the Internal Medicine Specialist currently listed by St Mary's Clinic for its haemorrhoid service. Consultation is used to assess symptoms, confirm the appropriate pathway and discuss treatment options.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about haemorrhoids and the treatments offered at St Mary's Clinic.
Are haemorrhoids the only cause of rectal bleeding?
No. Haemorrhoids are a common cause, but rectal bleeding can occur for other reasons. New, persistent or unexplained bleeding should be assessed rather than self-diagnosed.
Which treatment is better: banding or laser?
There is no single best treatment for everyone. Rubber band ligation is used for appropriate internal haemorrhoids, while laser treatment may be considered for selected cases. Examination determines which approach fits your findings.
Does rubber band ligation hurt?
Patients may experience pressure or discomfort after banding. Significant pain should be reported because correct band placement is important and severe symptoms require assessment.
How quickly can I return to normal activities?
This depends on the treatment and how you recover. The clinic's current page describes relatively short recovery periods, but activity should be guided by the procedure-specific instructions you receive rather than a guaranteed timetable.
Can haemorrhoids come back after treatment?
Yes. Treatment addresses the current haemorrhoids, but recurrence remains possible. Avoiding constipation and repeated straining can help reduce contributing pressure.
Will I need a colonoscopy?
Not every patient with haemorrhoids needs a colonoscopy. If your symptoms, age, risk factors or clinical findings suggest that further bowel investigation is appropriate, your doctor can discuss this with you.
Arrange a haemorrhoid consultation
St Mary's Medical Clinic · 9/11 Triq il-Barrieri, Mosta MST 3250, Malta · Consultation €50