Hemorrhoidectomy

What Is a Hemorrhoidectomy?

Hemorrhoids (aka piles) are loose tissues along the lowest part of the bowel which can push out of the anus causing pain, bleeding, swelling, or discharge.  Simply put, hemorrhoidectomy is surgical removal of piles.  

A hemorrhoidectomy is normally performed under general anesthesia.  Routine pre-operative checks include recording the patient’s weight, blood pressure, and medical history.  During the operation, the ring muscle, which holds the anal passage shut, is stretched, and the piles are cut off.   

For the first 24 hours after the operation, patients might feel disoriented due to the effects of anesthesia.  Patients usually experience discomfort, but not severe pain in the anal region.  Medications and injections help control this.  By the second day, patients feel much better.  Recovery progresses with the patient being able to walk around without any pain by the end of the first week.  The first bowel movement after a hemorrhoidectomy can be painful, and there might be blood in the stools for a few days.  Both conditions improve gradually.  Due to the discomfort after a hemorrhoidectomy, patients might find it difficult to pass urine.  In cases where this problem persists for more than six hours, doctors should be informed to prevent the bladder from seizing up.