Piles FAQs
How are piles diagnosed?
With external piles, a visual examination may be sufficient. However, with internal piles, a digital rectal exam may be required, where the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the anus to feel for the presence of piles. A scope may also be arranged to identify piles that are located deep within the anal canal.
Can piles turn cancerous?
As they are merely swollen blood vessels, piles do not turn cancerous.
How can I tell if it’s piles or something more serious?
People tend to be alarmed because the symptoms of piles can tally with that of rectal cancer—bleeding, pain and mucous discharge. The only way you can tell for sure is to visit a colorectal doctor who can examine your condition in detail and diagnose you properly.
Is the main treatment of piles, surgical removal?
No. Contrary to popular belief, we actually need piles to maintain faecal continence, and the complete removal of piles will possibly render the person incontinent. The main goal of piles treatment is directed at symptomatic relief.
Do I have to be hospitalised for piles surgery?
Patients are usually discharged within the same day.
How can I prevent piles from developing?
The key is to reduce excessive strain on the blood vessels in the anus and rectum. This can be done by reducing constipation and straining, losing weight if you’re overweight and exercising regularly.
Our Surgeons
Dr Dennis Koh
Medical Director & Senior Consultant Surgeon
B Med Sci (Nottingham), MBBS (Nottingham),
MMed (Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS
Dr Dennis Koh is an MOH-accredited and experienced colorectal surgeon who specialises in piles treatment and is currently the Medical Director at Colorectal Practice.
Dr Koh strives to provide a customized treatment plan for each patient, which allows for better outcomes. He also honed his skills in proctology abroad in Geneva, bringing a more diverse touch to his practice.
Dr Sharon Koh Zhiling
Senior Consultant Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Surgery),
FRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS
Dr Sharon Koh is an experienced colorectal surgeon and the former Director of Endoscopy at Alexandra Health.
Dr Koh completed her fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in the US after being awarded the Academic Medicine Development Award by the National University Hospital.
Dr Pauleon Tan Enjiu
Senior Consultant Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Surgery),
FRCS (Edinburgh), FACS
Dr Pauleon Tan has served in public hospitals for over 15 years and is experienced in minimally invasive surgery and endoscopy.
Dr Tan undertook advanced colorectal surgical training at Japan’s Saitama International Medical Center after being awarded the Ministry of Health – Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) Award.