Hemorrhoid Surgery
Hemorrhoid Surgery also known as hemorrhoidectomy is a procedure to remove Hemorrhoids. A surgical method is followed to remove the unwanted tissue in and around the anal canal. The procedure is performed in a hospital and the patient may have to stay overnight. In some cases the patient is treated as an outpatient. The recovery is the same as any other surgeries and can be very painful in the beginning.
Hemorrhoid Surgery is used as treatment to remove both external and internal Hemorrhoids as well as those that occur both internally and externally at the same time. It is not advised for moderate Hemorrhoids. Generally the physician recommends a surgery only when other options like home remedies are tried and found to be ineffective.
Recovery from the surgery generally takes between two to three weeks. The chances of recurrence of Hemorrhoid are low with hemorrhoidectomy than with other methods.
Before the surgery the patient may be placed on a low residue diet. This helps to keep the colon clean for surgery. Stool softeners and enema may be used to prepare the bowels. The rectal area will be cleaned so that surgery can be performed effectively.
The patient is administered anesthesia before Hemorrhoid Surgery is performed. In most of the cases a general or spinal anesthesia is used. General anesthesia will result in the patient losing consciousness with the help of an injection or inhaling medicinal gas. Spinal anesthesia causes the patient to lose sensation of pain by injection a medicine in the area around the spinal cord. The patient will remain conscious though don’t feel pain or sensations during the procedure.
During the surgery, an anoscope is used to examine the Hemorrhoid and the surrounding areas. Once the base of the hemorrhoid is visible the blood supply is arrested with a surgical stitch and hemorrhoidal tissues are removed. The removal of the tissues may be done with a scalpel, scissor or laser.
Like in any other surgery, pain and discomfort is felt after the surgery. However medicines are given to ensure that pain is minimal. The patient is very closely observed and his rectal area is monitored for bleeding. Ointments are applied in the rectal area to help relieve pain.
To ease defecation the patient is prescribed to take Laxatives and stool softeners. The fluid intake is increased along with the medications to ensure that the patient urinates between eight to twelve hours after the surgery. The patient is advised not to exert too much of pressure during bowel movement.
Generally the patient is discharged on the same day or may have to remain overnight. To reduce rectal swelling, the patient has to sleep changing positions often. Usually a special pad is provided to the patient to ease the discomfort while sitting.
If the patient suffers from increased pus drainage, constipation, rectal bleeding, fever or any other uneasiness, please contact the physician immediately.
Even though, Hemorrhoid surgery is the most effective treatment for Hemorrhoids, the most common complications that can occur are urinary retention and urinary infection.