Hemorrhoids or piles refer to swollen veins in and around the anus and in the lower rectum. Piles can be classified into: Internal piles and External piles. Internal piles as the name suggests evolve inside the rectum and are not visible from the inside. On the other hand, external piles develop on the outside of the anal opening and are quite visible.
Hemorrhoidectomy or piles surgery is a surgical procedure conducted by healthcare experts to remove hemorrhoids. Surgery is important to treat hemorrhoids since it can cause several bothersome symptoms like itching, pain, bleeding, and lumps around the anus.
Lifestyle modification ways like avoiding straining during bowel movements and some non-surgical ways like rubber band ligation can also help relieve piles symptoms. However, surgery is important if you are bleeding a lot, experiencing intense pain, or have hemorrhoids that have become hard.
There are various types of hemorrhoidectomy. However, the 3 main types of surgery include the following:
The procedure for hemorrhoidectomy begins by giving the patient anesthesia ( general or regional anesthesia). Once the anesthesia is administered, the surgeon will create incisions around the hemorrhoids and excise the hemorrhoidal bundle using a scalpel, scissor, or even a laser.
Once the excision is completed, the surgeon will then close the incisions using an absorbable suture (closed hemorrhoidectomy) or leave them open (open hemorrhoidectomy). The surgeon may also use other techniques for removing the hemorrhoidal tissues like stapling or cauterization.
After the completion of the procedure, the patient is monitored until the anesthesia wears off. Patients are also advised post-operative tips to follow, like keeping the surgical site clean and dry, taking prescriptions as advised, and avoiding strenuous activities like heavy lifting, swimming, contact sports, etc.
Some of the advantages of hemorrhoidectomy include:
Here are some effective steps to follow before your procedure:
The journey of recovery after hemorrhoidectomy can vary from person to person. However, here are some common tips to follow to enhance your recovery period:
It is generally suggested to consult your healthcare provider after a few weeks of surgery or sooner if he/she recommends it. However, you should immediately consult your doctor if you experience unexpected symptoms, like fever, excessive pain and bleeding, difficulty peeing or pooping, etc.
Hemorrhoids don't usually grow back after hemorrhoidectomy. However, it is essential to manage your bowel habits after surgery to avoid excess straining and constipation. Straining and constipation can lead to the recurrence of piles as these apply pressure on the surgical area and the tissues surrounding the anal region.
Laser surgery for piles or laser hemorrhoidectomy is an advanced procedure that uses a focused beam of light to treat hemorrhoids. It is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces pain and shortens the recovery duration than conventional techniques.
Complications after a hemorrhoidectomy are very rare. However, like any surgical procedure, there can be certain potential complications like infection, urinary retention, and bleeding. The patient needs to follow postoperative care guidelines as provided by his/her healthcare provider to help minimize the risk of complications.