Hemorrhoid Treatment & Fistula Surgery
Hemorrhoidal disease
When internal or external hemorrhoids cause persistent bleeding, prolapse, thrombosis, or pain that does not respond to fiber, hydration, and topical care, surgical treatment offers lasting relief.
Fistula surgery
An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel between the inside of the anus and the nearby skin, often left behind after an abscess. It can cause drainage, irritation and repeated infections. According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), surgery is almost always needed to cure an anal fistula.
- Fistulotomy: for a straightforward fistula that involves little of the sphincter (the muscle that controls bowel movements), the tunnel is opened so it heals from the inside out.
- Sphincter-sparing options: when a fistula crosses more of the sphincter muscle, other procedures that do not divide the muscle may be used, and more than one operation is sometimes needed.
Dr. Brown will examine the fistula and recommend the option that best protects bowel control. Source: ASCRS, Abscess and Fistula Expanded Information.
Dr. Brown performs these procedures at Murdock Surgery Center and AdventHealth Port Charlotte.
Now Offering HemWell™ (Hemwellectomy) · Non-Thermal, Minimal-Pain Hemorrhoid Relief
Suffering from Bleeding, Itching, or Prolapsing Hemorrhoids? Ask About HemWell™
We now offer HemWell™ (Hemwellectomy)—an FDA-cleared, non-thermal, minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatment that gently shrinks internal hemorrhoids (Grades I through IV) from the inside without cutting, burning, stitches, or lengthy recovery.
- Done Right During Your Colonoscopy: Takes ~10–15 minutes while you are already comfortably asleep—no extra prep and no extra trip
- Minimal Pain & Little Downtime: Uses gentle, pacemaker-level microcurrent energy that preserves the sensitive rectal lining so most patients return to normal activity the same or next day
- Over 90% Effective in 1 Session: Treats all 4 grades (I–IV) and multiple hemorrhoids at once · Covered by Medicare & most major insurers (CPT 46945 / 46946)
Why Patients Choose HemWell™
| FDA-Cleared | All Grades I, II, III & IV |
|---|---|
| Comfort | Minimal Pain (no cutting or burning) |
| Recovery | Same Day / 1–2 Days |
| Sessions | Usually Just 1 (during colonoscopy) |
| Insurance | Medicare & Most Plans (CPT 46945/46946) |
We care for patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood and across Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.
Frequently asked questions
Should rectal bleeding always be checked?
Yes. Hemorrhoids are a common cause of bright red bleeding, but bleeding can also come from other conditions, including colorectal cancer. Your surgeon may recommend a colonoscopy to find the cause.
Do hemorrhoids always need a procedure?
No. Many improve with more fiber and water, not straining, and limiting time on the toilet. A procedure is considered when symptoms continue or keep coming back.
What treatment options are there?
Options range from fiber and over-the-counter care to office or outpatient procedures such as banding, and surgical removal (hemorrhoidectomy) for larger or more severe hemorrhoids. Your surgeon will recommend what fits your symptoms.
Can hemorrhoids come back after treatment?
They can. Keeping stools soft with fiber and fluids and avoiding straining helps prevent new hemorrhoids.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brown
Call Charlotte Harbor Surgical in Port Charlotte. Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 noon.