Injection Treatment for Piles: What Patients Should Know

Piles injection, sclerotherapy, seton & anoplasty — quick answers

What is the name of the piles injection?

The injection used for piles is called sclerotherapy. The most common sclerosant solutions are 5% phenol in almond oil and polidocanol. The piles injection makes the haemorrhoid blood vessels scar, shrink and disappear over 2–4 weeks.

Piles injection treatment — when is it used?

Sclerotherapy is the preferred piles injection treatment for Grade I and Grade II internal haemorrhoids (bleeding piles that do not yet permanently prolapse). It is a 5–10 minute outpatient procedure, no anaesthesia is needed and you go home the same day with no cuts and no stitches.

Sclerotherapy for piles vs surgery

For Grade I–II piles, sclerotherapy gives 75–90% relief without surgery or downtime. For Grade III–IV, large prolapsed or thrombosed piles, surgical options — stapler haemorrhoidectomy, laser haemorrhoidoplasty or open haemorrhoidectomy — are more effective and longer-lasting.

What is a seton — seton placement, seton procedure & seton surgery?

A seton is a thin surgical thread (silk, vessel loop or rubber band) placed through an anal fistula tract. Seton placement keeps the fistula draining, prevents abscess and either gradually cuts through the sphincter muscle (cutting seton) or holds the tract open so a definitive fistula repair (LIFT, fistulotomy, advancement flap) can be staged. The full operation is called seton surgery and is the safest first step for complex, high or multiple anal fistulas where a one-stage cut would risk faecal incontinence.

What is an anoplasty?

Anoplasty is reconstructive surgery of the anus and anal canal. Anoplasty surgery is most commonly done to treat anal stenosis (a tight, scarred anal opening — usually after previous haemorrhoid surgery) and to repair anorectal malformations in children. The surgeon brings healthy skin or mucosa into the anal canal to widen and reshape it, restoring normal bowel function.

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Haemorrhoids (piles) affect millions of people globally. For early-stage piles, injection sclerotherapy is a simple, effective, and well-tolerated non-surgical treatment.

What Is Injection Treatment (Sclerotherapy)?

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution (typically 5% phenol in almond oil, or quinine/urea hydrochloride) directly into the haemorrhoidal tissue. The solution causes the blood vessels to harden, shrink, and eventually scar and disappear.

Who Is It Suitable For?

• Grade I haemorrhoids (bleeding without prolapse)
• Grade II haemorrhoids (prolapses but reduces spontaneously)
• Patients preferring a non-surgical approach
• Not suitable for Grade III/IV, thrombosed haemorrhoids, or skin tags

The Procedure

1. No anaesthesia required (the injection is into the insensitive mucosa above the dentate line)
2. Done as an outpatient procedure (no hospitalisation)
3. Takes 5–10 minutes
4. Up to 3 haemorrhoids can be treated at one session

What to Expect After Treatment

• Mild discomfort or a dull ache for 1–2 days
• Small amount of discharge or spotting
• Return to normal activity the same day
• Multiple sessions (usually 2–3) may be needed for complete resolution

Success Rate

Sclerotherapy is effective in 75–90% of Grade I–II cases. Recurrence is possible, especially if lifestyle factors are not addressed.

Lifestyle Changes to Complement Treatment

• High-fibre diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
• Drink 2–3 litres of water daily
• Avoid straining during bowel movements
• Regular exercise
• Avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet

Iswarya Hospital's Colorectal and Gastroenterology team offers the full range of piles treatments — from injection to laser and surgical options.