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Hemorrhoidectomy What is a hemorrhoidectomy?
Hemorrhoids are veins in the tissues at the
opening of the anus that become enlarged. They can cause pain, bleeding, and/or
itching. If you have hemorrhoids, you may have clots forming in the hemorrhoid
tissue. Your bowel may treat the clots like stool and try to push them out of
your body.
A hemorrhoidectomy is a procedure in which the
doctor removes hemorrhoid tissue to remove clots and promote healing.
When is it used?
Hemorrhoidectomy is one method of treating
hemorrhoids. Examples of alternatives to this procedure are:
You should ask your doctor about these choices.
How do I prepare for this procedure?
Plan for your care and recovery after the
operation. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your
day-to-day duties.
Follow instructions provided by your doctor. Eat a
light meal, such as soup or salad, the night before the procedure. Do not eat or
drink anything after midnight and the morning before the procedure. Do not even
drink coffee, tea, or water.
What happens during the procedure?
You are given either spinal or general anesthesia.
The spinal anesthetic will make you feel temporarily numb from the chest down so
that you have no pain during the procedure. The general anesthetic relaxes your
muscles, makes you feel as if you are in a deep sleep, and prevents you from
feeling pain.
The doctor will put an anoscope (tubelike
instrument for examining the lower rectum and anal canal) into your anus and
expose the affected hemorrhoids. The doctor will cut the inflamed parts of the
hemorrhoids and remove them.
The doctor may also try to trim the lining of the
rectum by removing some extra tissue. He or she will check for any bleeding. The
doctor may sew the wounds closed or leave them open to heal.
What happens after the procedure?
You may go home that day or may stay in the
hospital 1 to 3 days, depending how fast you recover. You will need to take sitz
baths, use stool softeners, and apply ointments to the area. Avoid all heavy
lifting for 2 to 3 weeks. You may return to work in a few days or weeks,
depending on the type of work. You may have trouble passing urine and
controlling gas and bowel movements for a few days after this operation.
Ask your doctor what other steps you should take
and when you should come back for a checkup.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
You will be relieved of the itching, painful, and
bleeding hemorrhoids.
What are the risks associated with this
procedure?
You should ask your doctor how these risks apply
to you.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor immediately if:
Call the doctor during office hours if:
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