Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgery to remove internal hemorrhoids of third degree and fourth degree, when other approaches fail to treat them, in other words, the pain, itchiness, swelling and bleeding continues. In some cases hemorrhoidectomy is also suggested for external hemroids, which have been failed to be treated with the correct method.

Hemorrhoidectomy is a rather simple operation and can be done under local, spinal or general anesthesia. According to the patients’ condition, the extent of the operation and the patients’ preference, the surgeons will choose the best type of anesthesia for the operation. Local anesthesia is a numbing agent which is injected into the immediate area; spinal anesthesia will numb the patient from the pelvis down and general anesthesia will cause the patient into unconsciousness.

Generally tests are taken before the surgery is carried out, depending on the patients health condition these test include an x-ray of the chest, urine and blood samples and also aspirin to thin the blood. Mostly the doctor will advise that the patient stops eating or drinking from the night before the surgical operation to prevent the possibility of vomiting during or after the surgery is done.

The process for this surgery is a very simple one and while all the necessary groundwork have been made the operation will go on from one hour to one hour and a half. The individual is placed face down on the operation table with the buttocks slightly raised and the legs placed in stirrups, thereby the anus and rectum are exposed. Once the anesthesia has become effective the hemorrhoid will be held tightly to prevent it from bleeding and finally removed.

Once the surgery has finished the patient will be placed in recovery until the anesthesia subsides and the patient can urinate, this is to check that swelling in the tissues does not appear and cause the inability to urinate. If the patient has recovered, he or she can go home the same day, basically, as an outpatient. On rare situations, if there are any issues with the surgery, the patient will have to be kept under observation.

Pain and bleeding after the surgical treatment is to be expected and therefore the doctor is likely to suggest the patient with some medicine. It is also usual to bleed when moving bowels, particularly directly after the surgery and it is sometimes recommended to take some numbing drugs before trying to move bowels. Using antibiotics after the operation will prevent any infections that might occur.

It is advised by doctors to take special care post surgery to prevent any unnecessary pain and discomfort. Trying to soften stools by eating a high fiber diet will ease strain when moving stools, taking stool softeners is also a great idea. Taking baths in warm water will relax muscles and ease pain as well.

Just like any type of surgery there can be risks and difficulties in both early and late stages. In early stages after the surgery the problems can include constipation, hematoma (collection of blood in the surgical area) incontinence, infection and bleeding. In later stages after surgery problems can include rectal prolapse, a narrowing of the anal canal and the reappearance of hemorrhoids. If these symptoms appear, it is best to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

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