Hemorrhoid surgery is the removal of swollen veins around the anus.
See also: Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoid surgery is often done in an outpatient clinic or your doctor's office, with little or no anesthesia.
Hemorrhoids can be surgically removed using a special stapler or sutures (stiches). After the hemorrhoid is removed, you may have stitches that dissolve on their own and gauze packing to reduce bleeding.
Other treatments may include:
Smaller hemorrhoids may not need surgery.
Most small hemorrhoids can be managed with lifestyle changes and diet.
Your doctor may recommend hemorrhoid surgery if lifestyle and diet changes and medicines have not worked.
Risks for any surgery are:
Risks for any anesthesia are:
Risks for hemorrhoid surgery are:
Always tell your doctor or nurse:
Several days before surgery, you may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), warfarin (Coumadin), and any other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot.
On the day of the surgery:
You may have a lot of pain after surgery as the area tightens and relaxes. You may be given medications to relieve pain.
Gradually return to your normal activities. Avoid lifting, pulling, or strenuous activity until your bottom has healed. This includes straining during bowel movements or urination. To avoid straining, you will need to use stool softeners. Eat more fiber to ease bowel movements. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
Soaking in a warm bath (sitz bath) can help relieve pain. Sit in 3 to 4 inches of warm water a few times a day.
You should have a complete recovery in about 2 weeks.
Most people do very well after hemorrhoid surgery. You will still need to take steps to help prevent the hemorrhoids from coming back. Eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding constipation may help.
Hemorrhoidectomy
Sneider EB, Maykel JA. Diagnosis and management of symptomatic hemorrhoids. Surg Clin North Am. 2010 Feb;90(1):17-32, Table of Contents.
Nelson H, Cima RR. Anus. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 51.
Updated by: Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
MedlinePlus Topics
Images
Read More
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.