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. Dr. Pei performs hemorrhoidectomy in the office under local anesthesia. Recovery from this procedure will take 2-3 weeks.
Indications
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
Risks
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
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
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.
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.
How long will it take?
About 1-2 hours
Post-procedure care
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.
Contact us
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.