When a patient suffers from hemorrhoids, the hemorrhoid will typically resolve on its own with at-home treatment and care. But what if they don’t? Depending on diagnosis and the patient’s situation, hemorrhoid surgery may be required.
When Is Hemorrhoid Surgery Necessary?
Hemorrhoid surgery is needed when the patient’s case is severe and the hemorrhoid does not resolve on its own.
For example, if a hemorrhoid has risen to a Grade IV, which means an irreducible prolapse, surgery is required. Additionally, if a hemorrhoid is still causing the patient problems after non-surgical treatment options like rubber band ligation, surgery may be necessary.
What Are The Options?
There are several surgical options available to treat hemorrhoids, though they should be reserved for hemorrhoids (like Grade III and IV) that do not respond to other methods of treatment:
- Hemorrhoidectomy: This surgery removes hemorrhoids by making incisions around the tissue and tying off the swollen vein to prevent bleeding, and the hemorrhoid removed. The surgical area can be closed or left open, covered by medicated gauze.
- Hemorrhoidopexy: Also known as “stapling”, this surgery is used to treat prolapsed hemorrhoids by stapling the prolapsed tissue to the rectal wall. The hemorrhoid is not removed; rather, its blood supply is cut off causing it to wither away.
These options can typically be performed as an outpatient procedure with the patient being sent home after the surgery is complete.
However, patients should be kept for observation after a hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoidopexy to ensure that their vital signs are stable after coming out of anesthesia.
Post-Surgery Care
After surgery is complete and patients have come out of anesthesia, educate them and their loved ones about post-surgical care and what they should expect.
Patients who receive hemorrhoid surgery like a hemorrhoidectomy should expect symptoms to last for a few weeks after treatment.
For aftercare, patients should eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, avoid heavy lifting, and not strain when they use the toilet. If needed, they can use a stool softener.
Stress that patients need to contact you if they experience:
- Bleeding
- Fever
- Painful urination or bowel movements
If patients experience bleeding that does not stop, have severe pain in their stomach or anus or cannot urinate, they should immediately seek emergency care.
