In most cases of piles, surgery is not required: Dr Harsh Kumar Aggarwal

Chandigarh, August 28, 2024: Dr Harsh Kumar Aggarwal, a distinguished name in the field of general surgery and founder of Tarini’s Healthcare, a Centre of Excellence in Sec 40 C, Chandigarh feels that in most cases of piles, surgery is not required. He added that even if surgery is needed most patients are discharged within four hours after surgery. He also said that diagnosis of piles has become easier with video proctoscopy revolutionising the same.

Dr Harsh  who also was a Chief Surgeon at Cheema Medical Complex, Mohali, said, “In my 25 years of practice, I have treated over 2,00,000 patients, with only 10 per cent requiring surgery. Most pile patients can be managed effectively with non-surgical approaches, which are both less invasive and highly effective.” Dr Aggarwal, has been at the forefront of advanced treatments for piles and circumcision for over two decades.

With an impressive track record of more than 18,000 successful surgeries for piles and over 5,000 circumcision procedures, Dr Harsh  has established himself as a leading expert in his field. His expertise extends across all modern forms of treatment for piles, including Doppler, Laser, Stapler, Harmonic, Infrared Coagulation, Sclerotherapy, and Banding.

Dr Harsh said that contrary to popular belief, surgery is not always necessary for treating piles. With proper diet and lifestyle modifications, most patients can avoid the need for surgical intervention, said Dr Harsh , who is committed to patient-centered care, focusing on the least invasive and most effective treatment.

Dr Harsh  said that uncomplicated piles typically present as painless bleeding during bowel movements. In more advanced cases, patients may experience a mass protruding from the rectum, pain, and itching. Bleeding is the most common symptom. Piles are located about 6 cm above the anus. So a proctoscopic examination is necessary for diagnosis. A proctoscope is a hollow tube attached to a camera, allowing the doctor to see the piles. Dr Aggarwal said: “Video proctoscopy provides a recorded visual of the condition and has revolutionised diagnosis of piles.”

Dr Harsh  added, “Unfortunately, many patients feel embarrassed to seek proper medical help and instead rely on over-the-counter medications, leading to prolonged suffering and delays in appropriate treatment.”

When asked about surgical options for piles, he said that there are several surgical options available. In the past, conventional piles surgery was painful. However, we now have painless methods like Doppler-guided surgery, stapler procedures, and laser treatments, he added.

In reply to a question, he said: “There is no single best treatment for piles. The most suitable method varies depending on the patient’s age, bleeding, associated medical conditions, anaesthesia risk, and whether the patient has had previous piles surgery. A combination of the newer procedures, which are painless and cost-effective, often works best.”

Dr Harsh  further said that surgery is considered when medical therapy fails, bleeding persists, or anaemia develops, requiring blood transfusions. However, most cases can be managed with medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications, he said.

According to Dr Harsh , most patients are discharged within four hours after surgery and can resume daily activities immediately without assistance. They can return to work after about a week, with all symptoms typically resolving completely within three weeks.

In addition to his work with piles, Dr Harsh Kumar Aggarwal has also performed over 5,000 circumcision procedures, including the latest stapler circumcisions, which offer reduced recovery times and enhanced precision.