What Are Piles?
Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are swollen blood vessels inside the rectum or around the anus.
They develop when increased pressure causes the veins in the lower rectum or around the anus to become enlarged and swollen.
Although piles themselves do not become cancer, they can cause symptoms similar to other colorectal conditions. That's why it's important to have persistent symptoms properly assessed.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Bright red blood during or after bowel movements
- A lump around the anus
- Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting
- Itching or irritation around the anus
- Swelling near the anus
- Mucus discharge after passing stool
- A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
Some people experience only occasional bleeding, while others may develop severe pain if a blood clot forms inside an external pile.
What Do Piles Feel Like?
Besides feeling a lump around the anus and bleeding during bowel movements, other symptoms you should watch out for include:
- Pain and itch around the anus
- Presence of mucus on one’s underwear or toilet paper
- Sensation of incomplete emptying of bowels after passing motion
- Piles may prolapse (come out of) the anus during bowel movements, and may or may not retract on their own
What Can I Expect During My Consultation?
During your consultation, our colorectal surgeons will take the time to understand your symptoms and determine what is causing them.
Your assessment may include:
- A discussion about your symptoms and medical history
- A physical examination
- A digital rectal examination, if appropriate
- An anoscopy or proctoscopy to examine the anal canal
- A colonoscopy if further investigation is recommended, particularly if you have rectal bleeding or other risk factors
Our colorectal surgeons will only recommend the assessments that are appropriate based on your symptoms and medical history
Our Colorectal Surgeon
Dr Eugene Yeo
Senior Consultant Colorectal Surgeon in Singapore
Dr Eugene Yeo is a Senior Consultant Colorectal & General Surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of piles conditions in Singapore. He previously served at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), Department of Colorectal Surgery, and completed advanced fellowship training at Yonsei Severance Hospital, South Korea, a high-volume centre for robotic surgery.
Dr Ng Kheng Hong
Senior Consultant Colorectal & General Surgeon
Dr Ng Kheng Hong is a Senior Consultant Colorectal & General Surgeon at Gleneagles Medical Centre with extensive experience in colorectal care, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery. He previously served as Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery at the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), where he contributed to the advancement of surgical techniques and patient care.
Dr Toh Ee Lin
Senior Consultant General & Colorectal Surgeon
Dr Toh Ee-Lin is a Senior Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Novena with more than 16 years of clinical experience. She provides assessment and treatment for benign and cancer related colorectal conditions, with experience in minimally invasive colorectal surgery and complex pelvic tumour surgery.
Clinic Locations
TEN Surgery Group
(Mount Elizabeth)
3 Mount Elizabeth,
Suite #04-03 Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
Operating Hours
Monday – Friday*: 08:30 – 12:00 | 14:00 - 17:00
Saturday*: 8:30 – 12:00
Sunday & Public Holiday*: Closed
TEN Surgery Group
(Gleneagles)
6 Napier Rd, Suite #03-13
Gleneagles Medical Centre, Singapore 258499
Operating Hours
Monday – Friday*: 08:30 – 12:00 | 14:00 – 17:00
Saturday*: 8:30 – 12:00
Sunday & Public Holiday*: Closed
TEN Surgery Group
(Mount Elizabeth Novena)
38 Irrawaddy Rd, #07-23
Singapore 329563
Operating Hours
Monday – Friday*: 08:30 – 12:30 | 14:00 – 17:00
Saturday*: 8:30 – 12:30
Sunday & Public Holiday*: Closed