HEMORRHOID REMOVAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of hemorrhoids (varicose veins that occur inside or on the outside of the anus).

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Dilated veins around the anus or just inside the rectum.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Relief of excessive itching, pain or bleeding.
• Relief of a painful thrombosed hemorrhoid (hemorrhoid containing a blood clot).

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Adults over 60.
• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Poor nutrition.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Chronic illness.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Proctologist, colon-rectal surgeon or general surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED--Doctor's office, outpatient surgical facility or hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood studies.
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA

• Local anesthesia by injection.
• Spinal anesthesia by injection.
• General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• The dilated veins from around the anus and inside the rectum are cut free and removed, with care taken not to damage the sphincter muscle. Sometimes anal muscles must be dilated vigorously to expose the hemorrhoids.
• The surgical area may be sewn closed or left open, and medicated gauze is used to cover it.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Severe pain, especially with bowel movements.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--2-3 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Curable in most patients, no matter what age. Allow about 3 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• Warm baths every 4 hours or so relieve pain and help keep the rectal area clean. Sit in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes as often as it feels good.
• Avoid heavy lifting. If not possible, learn proper body mechanics to reduce strain contributing to recurrence.
• Don't strain with bowel movements or urination.

MEDICATION---

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Pain relievers. Don't take prescription pain medication longer than 4 to 7 days. Use only as much as you need. > Stool softeners or laxatives to prevent constipation. > Analgesic ointment to relieve pain. > Vitamins to encourage healing.

ACTIVITY

• Resume driving 1 week after returning home.
• Resume sexual relations as soon as you wish.

DIET---No special diet. Increase dietary fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation. Straining during bowel movements can cause hemorrhoids to recur.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increase in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.