What is a Hemorrhoidectomy?

June 19, 2024

At Sushruta Anorectal Institute, we specialize in non-surgical treatments for piles, providing effective and minimally invasive solutions to help you find relief. However, we believe in empowering our patients with comprehensive knowledge about all available treatment options. In this blog, we will discuss hemorrhoidectomy – a surgical procedure for severe cases of hemorrhoids – to give you a better understanding of when it might be necessary and what it involves. While our focus remains on non-surgical ayurvedic treatments, it’s important to be aware of all possible interventions.

What is a Hemorrhoidectomy?

A hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure designed to remove severe or persistent hemorrhoids. It’s typically recommended when less invasive treatments fail to provide relief, or when the hemorrhoids are particularly large and causing significant discomfort or complications such as bleeding or thrombosis (clotting).

Why is Hemorrhoidectomy Needed?

Hemorrhoidectomy is considered in situations where:

There is significant bleeding.
Hemorrhoids have become thrombosed.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids cannot be pushed back in.
Persistent pain and discomfort do not respond to other treatments.
Complications such as anemia due to chronic blood loss arise.

Types of Hemorrhoidectomy

There are several types of hemorrhoidectomy procedures:

Traditional Hemorrhoidectomy: Involves making an incision around the hemorrhoid and removing it.
Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: Also known as Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids (PPH), involves removing a circular section of hemorrhoid tissue and stapling the remaining tissue back in place.
Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (HAL): This minimally invasive procedure uses Doppler ultrasound to locate and tie off the blood vessels supplying the hemorrhoid.

Preparing for a Hemorrhoidectomy

Preparation involves several steps:

Medical Evaluation: Includes a thorough medical history and physical examination.
Medication Review: Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.
Dietary Restrictions: You may be advised to stop eating and drinking a few hours before surgery.
Bowel Preparation: In some cases, bowel preparation may be required.

The Hemorrhoidectomy Procedure

Performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia, the steps are:

Anesthesia Administration: To ensure a pain-free experience.
Positioning: Proper positioning for access to the hemorrhoids.
Incision and Removal: The surgeon makes an incision, removes the hemorrhoid, and controls bleeding.
Completion: The area is cleaned, and a dressing is applied.

Recovery After Hemorrhoidectomy

Recovery can vary, but general guidelines include:

Pain Management: Managed with prescribed painkillers, sitz baths, and ice packs.
Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities for several weeks.
Dietary Changes: A high-fiber diet and adequate hydration are crucial.
Hygiene and Care: Keeping the surgical area clean is essential.
Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups to monitor healing.

Potential Risks and Complications

Risks include:

Pain: Significant discomfort is common.
Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal, but excessive bleeding requires medical attention.
Infection: Proper wound care is essential to prevent infection.
Urinary Retention: Difficulty urinating due to swelling or pain.
Stenosis: Narrowing of the anal canal, though rare.
Recurrence: Hemorrhoids can recur if underlying causes are not addressed.

Long-Term Outlook

The long-term outlook is generally positive, with most patients experiencing significant relief from symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a high-fiber diet, regular exercise, and proper hydration, is crucial to prevent recurrence. Avoiding straining during bowel movements and managing any underlying conditions that may contribute to hemorrhoids is also important.

Non-Surgical Alternatives

At our clinic, we specialize in non-surgical treatments for hemorrhoids, which are effective for many patients and include:

Dietary and Lifestyle Changes: High-fiber diet, increased water intake, and regular exercise.
Topical Treatments: Creams and ointments to reduce symptoms.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: Rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, and infrared coagulation.

Our non-surgical approaches aim to provide relief with minimal discomfort and downtime. If you’re struggling with hemorrhoids, we encourage you to consult with our experienced piles doctors to explore these less invasive options.

Conclusion

Hemorrhoidectomy is a valuable surgical option for treating severe or persistent hemorrhoids when other treatments have failed. Understanding this procedure, its benefits, and its risks can help you make an informed decision about your treatment.

At our clinic, we prioritize non-surgical treatments, offering effective and compassionate care tailored to your needs. Our goal is to provide relief and improve your quality of life with the least amount of discomfort. If you’re dealing with hemorrhoids, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our non-surgical options can help you.

What is a Hemorrhoidectomy?