(Hemorrhoid Removal)
Definition
Definition
A hemorrhoidectomy is an operation to remove hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in or around the anus and rectum. Hemorrhoids can cause discomfort, pain, or bleeding. Recovery from this procedure will take 2-3 weeks.
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Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
Hemorrhoidectomy is used to treat painful, swollen hemorrhoids. The procedure is most often done for the following reasons:
- Hemorrhoid symptoms do not get better with other therapies
- Severely bleeding hemorrhoids
- Hemorrhoid containing a blood clot
- Hemorrhoids that protrude through the anus
Possible Complications
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Constipation
- Recurrence of hemorrhoids
- Narrowing of the anal canal
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Adverse reaction to local anesthetic
Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Chronic disease such as diabetes or obesity
Other factors that may increase your risk of complications include:
- Prior anal surgery
- Bleeding disorders
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Your doctor may do the following:
- Physical exam
- Rectal exam
- Anoscopy—the visual examination of the inside of the anus using an anoscope to help keep the sphincter open
- Sigmoidoscopy—the use of a specialized endoscope to examine the inside of the anus, rectum, and lower intestine
Leading up to the procedure:
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
- Your doctor will order a laxative for you. It will cleanse your colon and rectum.
- Arrange for someone to take you home after the surgery.
- Talk to your doctor about your medications, even non-prescription medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.
Anesthesia
Your surgery will be done using either:
- Spinal anesthesia—You will be numb from the mid-abdomen down.
- General anesthesia—You will be asleep.
Discuss these options with your doctor before the day of your surgery.
Description of the Procedure
An anoscope will be inserted into your anus. The hemorrhoids will be viewed through the scope.
An incision will be made around each hemorrhoid. The swollen vein inside the hemorrhoid will be tied off so that it does not bleed. The hemorrhoid will then be removed. The wounds will either be stitched closed or left open to heal.
There are other variations of this procedure. Ask your doctor to describe which procedure will be used.
Immediately After Procedure
You will be monitored in a recovery area for a few hours.
How Long Will It Take?
About 1-2 hours
How Much Will It Hurt?
You should not feel pain during the procedure. After the procedure, you might have pain in the area. Ask your doctor about medication to help with the pain.
Post-procedure Care
During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:
- Washing their hands
- Wearing gloves or masks
- Keeping your incisions covered
There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:
- Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same
- Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks
- Not allowing others to touch your incisions
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions, which may include:
- Do not strain, bear down, or hold your breath during a bowel movement.
- Do not sit on the toilet for long periods of time.
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Passing large amounts of blood
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given
- Constipation or trouble urinating
- An aching feeling develops in the area between the rectum and the genitals
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
RESOURCES:
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons http://www.fascrs.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca
References:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated September 8, 2014. Accessed May 28, 2014.
Hemorrhoids. American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at:
http://www.gastro.org/info_for_patients/2013/6/6/hemorrhoids
Accessed May 28, 2015.
6/2/2011 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.e8.
Last Updated: 5/28/2015