Hemorrhoid FAQ

With a complicated subject like hemorrhoidal disease (HD), there are inevitably going to be many questions that need to be answered. The following is a list of the frequently asked questions concerning many different areas of hemorrhoid disease treatment. To schedule a free consultation to learn more about your specific situation, please call (727) 724-4279 or send an online message today.


What are hemorrhoids and who gets them?

Hemorrhoids are swelling in the rectum or anal area that may protrude through the anus on straining. They usually contain enlarged veins and occur in patients of all ages. Young men and women who are active in sports and strenuous exercising and in many cases of pregnant women and individuals whose occupation involves sitting for long periods of time. Hemorrhoid cushions are actually a normal part of the anatomy and a problem only, as the appendix , if they cause symptoms.


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Are there different kinds of hemorrhoids?

Yes. “Internal” hemorrhoids develop inside the anus above the dentate line. The most common symptoms are bleeding during bowel movements or protrusion through the anus upon straining. “External” hemorrhoids develop around the anus below the dentate line and often cause difficulty in cleaning after a movement irritation and itching. They can be very painful if a blood clot develops within them. They can be felt as a firm lump or lumps around the anus.


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What is the process involved if I am thinking about working with the Hemorrhoid Treatment Center of Florida?

We have an easy, three-step process for those interested in learning about possible solutions. First, call us to arrange a risk-free consultation with one of our physicians. Second, come in for a comprehension evaluation with an experienced hemorrhoid doctor and discuss the best treatment options for your personal situation. Third, work with us to schedule a good time for the procedure itself, which is performed  by an experienced physician.


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What procedures do you specialize in?

We focus on the HET prpcedure that has largely replaced the Ultroid treatment and banding for internal hemorrhoids, but also specialize in the latest forms of open surgery (hemorrhoidectomy) for external hemorrhoids, advice about the stapled (PPH), along with other methods of treatment.


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Does the HET prpcedure hurt?

Since it is only used for the internal hemorrhoid, that is above the dentate line where there are no pain fibers, it is painless. The discomfort ,if any, is related to the pressure of the instrument itself that is slightly wider that the standard anoscope used in the intitial examination.


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I have heard about the pain that lasts for several weeks after a hemorrhoid operation, is that the case with the HET procedure?

NO. There is no pain after the procedure and you can literally ride a bicycle home. Remember that we are talking about internal hemorrhoids.


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What about pain after excision of external hemorrhoids?

There is discomfort after the local anesthesia wears off for the excision of the external hemorrhoids but it is not severe and lasts only 3-4 days. The patient is given instructions for home care and pain medication as needed.


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How do I know what kind of hemorrhoids I have?

That requires a full office evaluation including a complete history and physical examination, which includes performing anoscopy.


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What if my problem isn’t caused by hemorrhoids?

Dr. Shapiro is a board certified surgeon equipped to diagnose and treat all varieties of anorectal diseases, so he will be able to effectively help you find concrete solutions to your medical problem.


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Where is your office located and what is your contact number?

The Hemorrhoid Treatment Center of Florida is located at:
561 South Duncan Avenue
Clearwater, FL, 33756
Phone: (727) 724-4279


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What cities and areas in Florida do you cater to?

We proudly help all Florida residents who are looking for solutions to their hemorrhoid problems. But the majority of our clients come from the greaterTampa Bay area of Central Florida, including the cities of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Largo, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Palm Harbor, Plant City, Brandon, Town ‘n’ Country, St. Pete Beach, Vero Beach, Gulfport, Safety Harbor, Indian Rocks Beach, Gibsonton, Apollo Beach, Dunedin, Ruskin, Dade City, Zephyrhills, Riverview, Lake Magdalene, Keystone, Lutz, Egypt Lake-Leto and Wesley Chapel.


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What is your medical experience?

David H. Shapiro, M.D. has over 40 years of medical experience after graduating from the Tufts University College of Medicine in Boston. After completing his surgical training at the Yale New Haven Hospital, he served two years in the Army and then moved to Florida where he began working in private practice. In addition to this real world experience, he also spent many years teaching at the University of South Florida as Associate Professor of Surgery. With all of this medical knowledge, he has gone back to private practice with the academic rank of Clinical Professor of Surgery, continues to teach medical students and is the primary doctor at the Hemorrhoid Treatment Center of Florida.

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