Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure done to remove hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins found inside or outside of the anus that are caused by increased pressure such as straining when constipated or during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids cause bleeding, clots, itching and pain.

This procedure is done to relieve the patient of bleeding, itching and painful hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoidectomy is appropriate for patients who have very large internal hemorrhoids; internal hemorrhoids that still cause symptoms after non-surgical treatment; large external hemorrhoids that cause significant discomfort and make it difficult to keep the anal area clean; and lastly, having both internal and external hemorrhoids.

During your consultation, you will be advised by your doctor to undergo blood and urine tests a couple of days before the procedure. You will also be reminded not to eat or drink 12 hours before the procedure. Other instructions in preparation of the Hemorrhoidectomy will be discussed by the doctor at this time.

Before the procedure, the patient will be given general anesthesia to prevent feeling any pain during the Hemorrhoidectomy. The doctor will then make an incision around the hemorrhoid. The swollen vein inside the hemorrhoid is tied to prevent any bleeding, and then the hemorrhoid is removed. The surgical area can either be sewn closed or kept open. Medicated gauze is used to cover the wound. Surgery can be performed with a scalpel, cautery pencil or laser.

The patient is expected to feel pain after the Hemorrhoidectomy and some pain medication would be prescribed for this. To avoid the risk of excessive bleeding, the patient is advised not to take any aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen for the next ten days after the procedure. In the first bowel movement after the procedure, expect some bleeding. That is normal.

The patient can opt for pain medication, ice packs applied on the anal area, and warm water baths to relieve any pain and discomfort. The use of antibiotics might also be suggested by the doctor to relieve pain and prevent infection.

To avoid recurrence of hemorrhoids, it is recommended that the patient should take stool softeners or fiber-containing foods that can help with bowel movement. A week after the procedure, the patient should return for a follow-up exam and then again two weeks after the first checkup.

Hemorrhoidectomy runs the risk of bleeding, pain and an inability to urinate after the procedure. Other minor risks after a Hemorrhoidectomy are hematoma, recurrence of hemorrhoids, loss of control for bowel and bladder, infections, stool trapped in the anal canal, narrowing of the anal canal, and abnormal passage between the anus and another area.

Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the tissues found at the opening of the anus causing bleeding, itching or pain. Clots may also be a result of this condition and your bowel might treat it like stool and push it out.

Hemorrhoids is caused by straining due to frequent constipation or childbirth.

Before the procedure, the patient will be given general anesthesia to prevent feeling any pain during the Hemorrhoidectomy. The patient will be put in a position exposing the rectal area, and the doctor will then make an incision around the hemorrhoid. The swollen vein inside the hemorrhoid is then tied to prevent any bleeding, and that is when the hemorrhoid is removed. The surgical area can be sewn closed or kept open. Medicated gauze is then used to cover the wound.

The doctor will advise you on what to do during recovery, how to minimize any pain felt, and suggest that you take fiber in your meals for less chances of straining leading to a recurrence of hemorrhoids.

There will be pain felt after the procedure but it can be minimized. Patients are advised to not do any heavy lifting for the first 10 days. Full recovery may vary with patients and can go from two weeks to two months.