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What is a Hemorrhoidectomy?

By Shannon Kietzman
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 17,789
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Hemorrhoids occur when the blood vessels in the outer part of the anus swell. Typically, these vessels swell due to straining during a bowel movement, from pregnancy and hormonal changes, or from trauma to the area. In some people, hemorrhoids become so problematic that they must be removed in a procedure called a hemorrhoidectomy. Generally, a doctor opts to perform a hemorrhoidectomy when the hemorrhoids are extremely large, when the patient has both internal and external hemorrhoids, or when the patient has difficulty staying sanitary because of the hemorrhoids.

During a hemorrhoidectomy, the patient is given a local anesthetic that lasts about twelve hours. This also helps prevent the patient from feeling pain after the hemorrhoidectomy is complete. During the surgery, the swollen vessel is cut with a scalpel. The surgeon then ties off both ends of the hemorrhoid in order to prevent bleeding while the hemorrhoid is removed.

After the hemorrhoid is removed, the incision is sewn or cauterized shut. Medicated gauze is then placed over the remaining wound. Typically, patients are sent home the same day, provided they are capable of urinating following the surgery. The ability to urinate is a concern because swelling after the surgery can block the urinary tract.

Healing time following a hemorrhoidectomy is generally two to three weeks. During this time, the patient must eat a high fiber diet and drink plenty of fluids in order to keep the stool soft. Some bleeding may also occur following surgery. Therefore, blood in the stool is considered normal.

Pain is a very common issue after a hemorrhoidectomy. Hemorrhoidectomy patients should alternate warm sitz baths with ice packs to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain. Antibiotics are also often prescribed as a precautionary measure against infection.

There are few risks following a hemorrhoidectomy. Typically, the harshest side effect is pain and some difficulty with urination. In rare cases, the anal passage narrows after a hemorrhoidectomy and makes it more difficult to pass stool. In this case, stool can become trapped in the anal cavity and create an infection. Bleeding can also occur from the incision site. If these issues occur, the patient should contact his or her doctor.

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Discussion Comments
By anon312734 — On Jan 08, 2013

I feel relieved that others are still having some bleeding over four weeks post-op. I ache a little after a BM and bleed just a little. I thought something was wrong. I will continue to drink water and try not to do heavy lifting of my twins. Healing does take time.

By Leyden — On Nov 19, 2012

I have internal and external hemorrhoids and bleed even just when I urinate. I am looking for the best procedure to take care of my problem. I don't know anything about having the laser repair done and am really in need of information of what to do. I do not want to be awake when the process is done and I don't want local anesthesia. I have a real problem with needles and putting them in tender areas. Can anyone offer some insight before I see my surgeon tomorrow?

By anon80838 — On Apr 28, 2010

I just had my hemorrhoidectomy procedure a week ago. The painful thing was just during the procedure: putting in the IV, fleet enema, the anesthesia oh so painful. But i was unconscious then.

After my hemorrhoidectomy, I was feeling better. there's a bit pain during bm but i think we should take a large amount of fiber and drink plenty of liquids.

i could say my doctor is just so great, but of course it's all in your prayers. Thank God!

By anon65045 — On Feb 10, 2010

i had my surgery 10 weeks ago and still bleeding after bowel movements. This stinks.

By anon47716 — On Oct 06, 2009

Has the bleeding stopped yet, portofino?

By Portofino561 — On Jun 22, 2009

I had this surgery 9 weeks ago, and I am still bleeding! I am not in any pain, but considering I was bleeding *before* the surgery,(which is why I opted to have it done) so bad that they had to give me a blood transfusion before they would operate. I worry constantly about the possibility that I will end up in the hospital again, because I am losing blood. The doctor says I should expect to bleed, but for how long? The bleeding is not as severe as it was before the surgery, but when on earth is it going to stop for good??

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