Fissures, fistulas and hemorrhoids are common proctological conditions which affect men women of any age, frequently people come late & the elements are often advanced due to wrong and late diagnose & late treatment. They cause immense discomfort and pain. Patients frequently avoid going to doctors due to privacy issues and make it worse, They are discreat entities. They are eminently treatable by very rewarding surgeries with modern treatment hospitalization is one day and recovery time is few days before patient goes to work .with the help of advanced and expert surgeries in patients of fistulas and with advent of laser treatment in hemorrhoids the treatment has become very effective and durable. Dr. Arindam Ghosh senior gastro consultant in Dubai, Sharjah ,UAE is an expert in perianal reconstruction & high fistula repair.
Common Hemorrhoids FAQs
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your lower rectum and anus, similar to varicose veins. They can be internal or external and often cause discomfort, itching, or bleeding.
What causes them to develop?
Increased pressure in the lower rectum is the primary cause. This often results from straining during bowel movements, sitting for long periods on the toilet, chronic diarrhea or constipation, pregnancy, or a low-fiber diet.
How are they treated at home?
Most mild cases improve with high-fiber foods, increased water intake, and stool softeners. Warm sitz baths for 10 to 15 minutes a day and over-the-counter topical creams can also relieve swelling and pain. But in case the pain & discomfort persist one must consult a Doctor
When should I see a doctor?
You should seek medical advice if you experience rectal bleeding, as this can signal more serious conditions. Consult a professional if symptoms do not improve after a week of home care or if the pain becomes severe.
Can they be prevented?
Maintaining soft stools is key to prevention. Focus on a diet rich in fiber, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and avoid lingering on the toilet or straining.
few of his expert videos are incorporated in this website and doctors who are intersted can view his surgeries on you tube.
He has successfully treated hundreds of high fistulas ,rectovaginal fistulas,perineal tear during labour & complication of hemorroid surgery leading to incontinance.
He is an expert in sphincter repair.
Proctology
Expert piles, fissure and fistula treatment in Dubai and Sharjah
Pain on passing stool, bleeding, a lump that will not settle, these are the symptoms people put off for months, often unsure whether it is piles, a fissure or a fistula. Dr Arindam Ghosh is a consultant gastrointestinal and colorectal surgeon who treats all three with discreet, minimally invasive care, drawing on 25+ years of practice and 12,000+ GI procedures across Dubai and Sharjah.
25+
Years of surgical practice
12,000+
GI procedures performed
FACS
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
3
Hospitals in Dubai and Sharjah
Piles, fissure or fistula? What the three conditions actually are
Hemorrhoids (piles)
Swollen blood vessels and cushions of tissue inside or around the anus. They can itch, prolapse and bleed bright red during a bowel movement, and may or may not be painful depending on whether they are internal or external.
Anal fissure
A small tear in the lining of the anal canal, usually from a hard or forceful stool. It causes sharp, knife-like pain during and after passing stool, often with a streak of bright blood and a lingering spasm.
Anal fistula
A small abnormal tunnel that forms between the inside of the anal canal and the skin, usually after an abscess. It tends to leak pus or fluid, stays damp, and keeps coming back until the whole tract is properly treated.
Many people assume any bleeding "down there" is piles. It often is, but a fissure and a fistula are treated very differently, so an accurate diagnosis matters before anything else. If you want a deeper read on one condition first, this guide explains the causes, risks and relief options for piles in detail.
Hemorrhoids vs fissure vs fistula: a side by side comparison
| Hemorrhoids (piles) | Anal fissure | Anal fistula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Swollen vessels and tissue cushions in the anal canal | A tear in the lining of the anal canal | An abnormal tunnel from the anal canal to the skin |
| Common causes | Straining, constipation, pregnancy, prolonged sitting | Hard stools, forceful straining, sometimes diarrhoea | A previous anal abscess or infection that did not fully heal |
| Main symptoms | Itching, a lump, a feeling of fullness, prolapse | Sharp pain on passing stool, then a lasting ache | A persistent damp opening near the anus, recurring swelling |
| Pain level | Mild to moderate, often worse if external or thrombosed | Severe and sharp during and after a bowel movement | Dull and recurrent, sharper when an abscess builds up |
| Bleeding | Bright red, usually on the paper or in the bowl | Small amount of bright red blood with the tear | Usually little blood, more often pus or fluid |
| Discharge | Mucus discharge in some cases | Uncommon | Typical: ongoing pus or fluid from the opening |
| Treatment options | Diet, banding, sclerotherapy, laser, stapler, hemorrhoidectomy | Diet, sitz baths, ointments, Botox, sphincterotomy | Fistulotomy, seton, LIFT, laser, complex repair |
| Recovery time | A few days for office procedures, longer after open surgery | Often improves within a week or two of treatment | Varies with complexity, from days to a few weeks |
This is a guide, not a diagnosis. The same symptom, bleeding for example, can point to any of the three, which is exactly why an in-person examination comes first.
Symptoms you should not ignore
Anal pain during bowel movements
A classic sign of a fissure, but also seen with thrombosed piles.
Bleeding while passing stool
Bright red blood should always be checked, even when painless.
Persistent itching
Ongoing irritation that does not settle with hygiene changes.
A lump around the anus
A new swelling, whether tender or painless, deserves a look.
Pus discharge or a recurring abscess
A damp opening or swelling that returns points toward a fistula.
Difficulty sitting or constipation pain
When discomfort changes how you sit or pass stool, get assessed.
Causes
Why these conditions develop
Most piles, fissures and fistulas share the same everyday triggers. Pressure and strain on the anal area, repeated over time, is the common thread.
- Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements
- A low-fibre diet that leaves stools hard and difficult to pass
- Pregnancy and the added pelvic pressure it brings
- Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle with long hours sitting
- A previous anal abscess or infection, the usual root of a fistula
- Chronic diarrhoea that irritates the anal lining
Treatment options for each condition
Treatment is matched to the condition, its severity and how it is affecting your daily life. Many cases respond to conservative care, and surgery, when it is needed, is increasingly minimally invasive.
For hemorrhoids (piles)
01
Conservative care
Fibre, fluids, stool softeners and topical medication for mild, early piles.
02
Office procedures
Rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy for internal piles, done without admission.
03
Surgical and laser options
Stapler surgery (PPH), laser hemorrhoidectomy and conventional hemorrhoidectomy for advanced disease.
For anal fissure
- Diet modification and warm sitz baths to break the pain and spasm cycle
- Topical medicines that relax the muscle and let the tear heal
- Botox injection for fissures that resist medical treatment
- Lateral internal sphincterotomy for chronic fissures that keep returning
For anal fistula
- Fistulotomy or fistulectomy for straightforward, low tracts
- Seton placement to drain and protect the muscle in higher tracts
- LIFT procedure and laser fistula treatment as sphincter-preserving options
- Complex and redo repair for recurrent or branching fistulas
Discreet
Not sure which treatment fits your case? A single consultation can tell you exactly what is going on.
When should you see a specialist?
Mild symptoms often settle with simple measures. Book a proper assessment when you notice any of the following.
- Symptoms that last more than one to two weeks
- Recurrent bleeding, even if it is painless
- Severe pain that interferes with sitting or sleep
- Persistent discharge or a damp opening near the anus
- Repeated abscess formation in the same area
- Home remedies that have stopped helping
Red flags that need urgent attention
Seek immediate care if you have
- Heavy rectal bleeding
- Fever together with anal swelling
- Severe, worsening pain
- Pus discharge from a swelling
- An inability to pass stool
Your treatment journey, step by step
Knowing what happens, and in what order, takes a lot of the worry out of seeing a proctologist. Here is the path most patients follow.
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Step 1
Symptoms
You notice pain, bleeding, a lump or discharge that will not settle.
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Step 2
Consultation
A private discussion of your history and symptoms, with no rush.
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Step 3
Diagnosis
A gentle examination, with anoscopy or imaging only where it adds clarity.
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Step 4
Treatment plan
Your options explained clearly, from conservative care to surgery.
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Step 5
Procedure
Carried out using the least invasive approach suitable for your case.
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Step 6
Recovery
Guidance on diet, hygiene and pain relief while you heal.
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Step 7
Follow-up
A review to confirm healing and reduce the chance of recurrence.
After treatment
Recovery and what to expect
The two questions almost everyone asks are "will it hurt" and "when can I get back to work". The honest answer depends on the procedure, but minimally invasive options have changed both for the better.
- Hospital stay: many office and laser procedures are day cases, so you go home the same day
- Recovery timeline: minimally invasive treatments often mean only mild discomfort for a few days
- Diet after surgery: a high-fibre diet and good hydration keep stools soft while you heal
- Return to work: light, desk-based work is often possible within a few days; open surgery may need longer
- Recurrence risk: lower when the underlying cause, usually constipation and straining, is addressed alongside treatment
Why patients choose Dr Arindam Ghosh
Depth of experience
25+ years and 12,000+ GI procedures, with a high-volume colorectal track record.
Complex fistula expertise
Experience with recurrent fistulas, rectovaginal fistulas and reconstruction.
Sphincter-preserving focus
Techniques chosen to protect bowel control wherever the anatomy allows.
Minimally invasive options
Laser and keyhole approaches that aim for less pain and faster recovery.
As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a colorectal surgeon across Dubai and Sharjah, Dr Ghosh sees the anorectum as part of the whole digestive system, which matters when symptoms could point to something beyond piles. For higher-acuity cases, that same experience extends to advanced robotic and minimally invasive GI surgery.
Consultations are available at Emirates Hospital Jumeirah, Emirates Speciality Hospital DHCC and NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah. Major UAE insurers including DAMAN, BUPA Arabia, AXA Gulf and Oman Insurance are accepted, and international patients receive medical visa and travel support. Treatment cost depends on the condition and procedure, so a clear quote is shared after your assessment rather than guessed in advance.
Book your consultation
Piles, fissures and fistulas rarely improve by waiting, and an early assessment often means a simpler treatment. The quickest way to start is to get in touch to arrange a consultation, or reach the clinic directly below.
Frequently asked questions
Is it piles or a fissure, and how can I tell the difference?
The clearest clue is the pain. A fissure causes sharp, knife-like pain during and after a bowel movement, usually with a small streak of bright blood. Piles more often itch, prolapse or cause a feeling of fullness, and bleed without that sharp tearing pain. Because the two overlap and a fistula can mimic both, a brief in-person examination is the only reliable way to be sure.
Is hemorrhoid or fissure surgery painful, and how long is recovery?
Minimally invasive and laser procedures are often day cases with only mild discomfort for a few days, and many patients return to light work quickly. Open surgery such as a conventional hemorrhoidectomy involves more soreness and a longer recovery. Your exact timeline depends on the procedure chosen, which is discussed before you decide.
Can piles or a fissure heal without surgery?
Often, yes. Many early piles and acute fissures settle with a high-fibre diet, more fluids, stool softeners, sitz baths and topical medication. Surgery is reserved for cases that are advanced, recurrent or not responding to these measures. The aim is always the least invasive option that resolves the problem.
What is the best treatment for an anal fistula?
There is no single best option, because it depends on how the tract runs and how much muscle it involves. Simple, low fistulas may be treated with fistulotomy, while higher or recurrent ones may need a seton, a LIFT procedure, laser treatment or staged repair. The priority is clearing the fistula while protecting the sphincter muscle.
Will treatment affect my bowel control?
Protecting continence is a central concern in anorectal surgery, especially with fistulas that involve the sphincter muscle. Sphincter-preserving techniques are chosen wherever the anatomy allows, and the risks specific to your case are explained before any procedure so you can make an informed choice.
Does insurance cover proctology treatment in Dubai?
Many proctology consultations and procedures are covered, depending on your policy. Major UAE insurers including DAMAN, BUPA Arabia, AXA Gulf and Oman Insurance are accepted, and the clinic can help check your cover before treatment. Self-pay patients receive a clear quote after assessment.
When should I see a specialist for bleeding or anal pain?
Book an assessment if symptoms last more than one to two weeks, if bleeding is recurrent even when painless, or if pain, discharge or abscesses keep returning. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, fever with anal swelling, severe pain or an inability to pass stool. Early evaluation also rules out more serious causes of bleeding.
We bring the years, global experience, and stamina to guide our clients through new and often disruptive realities.
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