A hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids, which are enlarged veins in the tissues of the anal area. Hemorrhoids can cause bleeding, pain and prolapse (a protrusion of the rectum from the anus). Hemorrhoidectomy is usually reserved for treating large or severe hemorrhoids or those that have not responded to less aggressive treatments.
Function
A hemorrhoidectomy is performed to remove excess hemorrhoidal tissue in order to correct swelling, itching, bleeding and prolapse. According to the Mayo Clinic, hemorrhoidectomy is the most complete and effective treatment for hemorrhoids that have progressed to this stage. However, it also has a higher incidence of complications than other methods of treatment.
Procedure
A hemorrhoidectomy is usually performed with either a regional or general anesthesia. The doctor uses a scalpel, a cautery pencil (an instrument that uses electricity) or a laser to make an incision in the tissue and remove the hemorrhoids. The doctor may stitch the wounds closed or leave them open to heal, depending on the location and size of the hemorrhoids. Patients usually go home the day of the surgery, but some are hospitalized for one or two days.
Considerations
There is a type of hemorrhoidectomy in which an incision is not made. The procedure is called stapled hemorrhoidectomy, and it uses staples to block the blood flow to hemorrhoidal tissue. This procedure generally is less painful than conventional hemorrhoidectomy, and the recovery period is shorter. However, stapled hemorrhoidectomy has a higher incidence of recurrence and prolapse.
After the Surgery
Your doctor will prescribe appropriate medication to control pain during the first few weeks after surgery. Stronger pain medications sometimes cause constipation. You may need to use stool softeners and eat a high fiber diet. Sitz baths are usually recommended to help relieve pain and discomfort. Some people return to work in a few days and others in a few weeks, depending on the amount of pain and swelling and the type of work involved.
Risks
Patients can expect to have considerable pain for two to six weeks after a hemorrhoidectomy, especially if bowel movements are not soft. The pain may be severe enough the first couple of weeks to require narcotic medication. There is risk of bleeding and infection, and remaining hemorrhoids may become inflamed. Patients may have difficulty urinating right after the surgery because of pain in the anal area. There is a chance the hemorrhoids could recur. According to information from The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, the rate of recurrence following hemorrhoidectomy is 5 percent.
Tags: anal area, hemorrhoidal tissue, higher incidence, remove hemorrhoids, stapled hemorrhoidectomy