A common medical condition that impacts millions of people worldwide is hemorrhoids. These enlarged veins located around the anus can lead to significant discomfort, pain, and even occasional bleeding. Unfortunately, they often make routine activities such as sitting or using the bathroom much more difficult than they should be. While many people are able to manage the symptoms through lifestyle changes or over-the-counter remedies, there are instances where surgery becomes necessary. If you’re preparing for hemorrhoid surgery, it’s natural to be curious about what the procedure entails and what the recovery period might involve. Though it’s not a pleasant subject to discuss, we’ll walk you through the different surgical options and provide an overview of what you can expect before, during, and after the operation.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, is otherwise known as piles, are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. They are a prevalent disorder that affects people of all ages and look like varicose veins. Hemorrhoids are simply classified into two types:
Internal Hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum. They doesn’t cause ache but may cause bleeding during bowel movements. Since they are located deeper in the rectal canal, they often go unnoticed until symptoms like blood in the stool appear.
External hemorrhoids start beneath the skin around the anus. These can cause significant discomfort, itching, swelling, and pain—especially if a blood clot forms (a condition known as thrombosed hemorrhoids). Obesity, low-fiber diets, prolonged sitting, straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, and pregnancy are common causes of hemorrhoids.. These factors increase pressure on the rectal veins, leading to inflammation and swelling.
Fortunately, mild hemorrhoids can often be managed through lifestyle modifications such as eating a fiber-rich diet, drinking plenty of water, avoiding prolonged sitting, and practicing good toilet habits. When these methods are not effective, or if the hemorrhoids are large and painful, medical procedures like rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or laser surgery may be necessary for relief.
Surgical Options
So, what are the available surgical treatments? There are multiple Piles Surgery procedures designed to address hemorrhoids, and the most suitable one depends on the severity of your condition and your general health. Here’s a look at one of the most common options:
Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical Treatment for Severe Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoidectomy is one of the most common and effective surgical procedures for treating severe or recurring hemorrhoids. It is usually recommended when other less intrusive therapies have failed or when there are big, painful, or prolapsed hemorrhoids.
What to Expect:
The procedure is typically performed under general or spinal anesthesia, ensuring the patient remains comfortable and pain-free during the operation.
Procedure:
During the surgery, the surgeon removes the swollen hemorrhoidal tissue. Depending on the technique used, the surgical site may be left open to heal naturally or closed with stitches.
Post-Surgery Experience:
Recovery from a hemorrhoidectomy can involve discomfort. Patients may experience pain, swelling, or minor bleeding during the initial healing period. Doctors often prescribe painkillers, stool softeners, and sometimes antibiotics to prevent infection.
Recovery Guidelines:
Recuperation often takes two to four weeks. Patients should refrain from heavy lifting and other physically demanding activities during this time. A high-fiber diet and plenty of water are essential to keep bowel movements soft and prevent straining. Sitz baths (warm water baths for the buttocks), topical ointments, and over-the-counter pain relief can help reduce pain and promote healing. With proper care, most people experience lasting relief after surgery.
Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy (PPH – Procedure for Prolapsed Hemorrhoids)
This is an alternative to traditional surgery for piles surgery that is less invasive. It uses a stapling device to remove excess tissue and reposition the hemorrhoids back to their normal location. It’s typically used for treating prolapsed internal hemorrhoids.
Preparation:
Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring the procedure is painless and comfortable for the patient, similar to a traditional hemorrhoidectomy.
Procedure:
Instead of cutting out the hemorrhoids, the surgeon uses a circular stapling device to remove a ring of excess tissue from the rectal lining. This effectively pulls the hemorrhoids back into their normal position and cuts off their blood supply, causing them to shrink. As this method avoids direct cutting of hemorrhoidal tissue, it generally leads to less postoperative pain.
Post-Surgery:
Although discomfort is typically less than with conventional surgery, some pain, swelling, or minor bleeding may still be experienced during the healing phase.
Recovery:
Most patients recover more quickly, returning to their regular activities in as little as one to two weeks. While the risk of complications like bleeding, infection, or recurrence is lower than traditional hemorrhoidectomy, they can still occur. Adhering to post-operative care instructions and following a high-fiber diet can help ensure smooth healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.
This is a non-surgical approach that is especially effective for treating mild to moderate cases of internal hemorrhoids. The procedure involves using infrared light to coagulate the blood vessels feeding the hemorrhoid, causing the tissue to shrink and eventually fall off.
Procedure:
Infrared Coagulation (IRC) is a non-surgical procedure used to treat small internal hemorrhoids. A specialized infrared device delivers heat to the hemorrhoidal tissue, causing the blood vessels to shrink and cutting off the blood supply. This leads to the hemorrhoid shrinking and eventually falling off.
Post-Procedure:
Since IRC is minimally invasive, it doesn’t typically require anesthesia. After the operation, most patients are able to immediately resume their normal activities.
Effectiveness:
IRC is most effective for small to medium-sized internal hemorrhoids. For best results, multiple sessions may be needed to fully resolve symptoms.
Recovery:
Recovery from IRC is usually quick and involves minimal discomfort. Patients may experience mild pain or a feeling of fullness in the rectal area. To aid healing, doctors recommend warm sitz baths, a high-fiber diet, adequate hydration, and stool softeners to avoid constipation. Following these aftercare instructions helps ensure better results and reduces the risk of recurrence.
Rubber Band Ligation:
A widely used treatment for internal hemorrhoids, this Piles Surgery involves placing a small rubber band at the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. Deprived of blood, the hemorrhoid eventually shrinks and detaches.
What to Expect:
Procedure:
Rubber band ligation is a common non-surgical treatment for internal hemorrhoids. A tiny rubber band is securely wrapped around the hemorrhoid’s base by the physician using a specialized tool during the treatment. Because its blood supply is cut off, the hemorrhoid shrinks and eventually falls off in a matter of days.
Post-Procedure:
The procedure is quick and typically performed in a doctor’s office without the need for anesthesia. Some patients may experience mild discomfort, slight bleeding, or a feeling of fullness in the rectal area after the procedure.
Recovery:
Most individuals can return to normal activities within one to two days. Minor bleeding or discomfort, however, could persist for a few days. Patients are usually advised to eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water to ease bowel movements and aid recovery. Any discomfort can be managed with the use of over-the-counter painkillers and Sitz baths.
What Can You Generally Expect During Recovery?
Recovering from piles surgery requires proper care and attention to ensure healing and minimize discomfort. Here are key aspects to focus on during the recovery period:
Pain Management:
Pain or discomfort around the surgical site is common after piles surgery. This can usually be controlled with prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter options such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Taking medications as directed helps ease discomfort and supports smoother healing.
Dietary Adjustments:
A diet rich in fiber is essential for healing. Fiber softens stools, making them easier to pass and reducing strain on the surgical area. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plenty of water in your daily routine. Your doctor may also recommend stool softeners to further ease bowel movements.
Follow-Up Visits:
Attending all follow-up appointments is important for monitoring your recovery. These visits allow your doctor to check the surgical site, address any concerns, and ensure there are no complications.
Physical Activity:
Rest is essential during the initial days post-surgery. Avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise, or any activity that puts pressure on the anal area. Gentle walking is usually encouraged to promote blood circulation and prevent stiffness.
Possible Complications:
While complications are rare, risks such as infection, bleeding, delayed healing, or recurrence of hemorrhoids can occur. Closely following post-operative instructions, maintaining hygiene, and contacting your doctor if you notice unusual symptoms can help prevent or manage complications early.
By following these guidelines and staying in close communication with your healthcare provider, you can recover more comfortably and reduce the chances of recurrence
In Conclusion
If conservative treatments haven’t provided relief, Piles Surgery could be the next best step. Though the idea of surgery may seem daunting, advancements in procedures like hemorrhoidectomy, stapled hemorrhoidopexy, and infrared coagulation have made the experience safer and more manageable. With proper care, most patients recover well and achieve lasting relief from their hemorrhoid symptoms.
Always consult a qualified healthcare provider like Laserqure to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual condition. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after the procedure can help you feel more prepared and confident as you work toward better health and improved quality of life.
