What To Expect With The Hemorrhoidectomy Procedure And Recovery
Hemorrhoids can make your life miserable if they are large and painful. There are different home remedies and medical treatments you can try for hemorrhoids, and they're successful sometimes. Other times, the treatments don't help, and you may need surgery to remove the hemorrhoids and stop your pain. Here's a look at the hemorrhoidectomy surgical procedure and recovery period.
Types Of Hemorrhoidectomy Surgeries
A hemorrhoidectomy is the removal of the hemorrhoid. It works on both internal and external types, and the surgery can be done in two ways. One method cuts out the hemorrhoids, and the other staples them in place. The procedure that uses staples is called a stapled hemorrhoidectomy.
This surgery can be done as an outpatient procedure, but you might also need to spend the night in the hospital depending on what your doctor determines is best. You'll receive anesthesia that might be local with sedation, spinal, or general. You won't feel pain, and you'll sleep throughout the surgery.
Procedure For Cutting Out Hemorrhoids
When your doctor chooses the method that surgically removes your hemorrhoids, the removal might be done with a laser, scalpel, or an electric scalpel. The procedure involves making an incision, cutting out the hemorrhoid, and then closing the wound with stitches if they're necessary. Because of the incision and possible need for stitches, you may experience pain, itching, and discomfort for several days after the surgery.
Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy Procedure
The stapled procedure is done differently, and since there is no incision, you may experience less pain after the procedure and have a quicker recovery. This surgery involves positioning the hemorrhoid in an area that has a low supply of nerves and then stapling it in place. The staple cuts off blood supply so the hemorrhoid shrivels away. Only certain types of hemorrhoids can be treated with this type of surgery.
Recovery From A Hemorrhoidectomy
It can take a few weeks to recover from a hemorrhoidectomy. During that time, you might need pain medications, and you might need to use ice packs or sit in warm water to ease your discomfort. You should avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activity until you've healed. You may also need to eat from a list of approved foods and take supplements that keep your stools soft while you're healing.
Once you've recovered, you'll want to change your lifestyle and include more fiber and exercise so you can prevent the constipation that causes hemorrhoids, or else new problems may develop. Other changes your doctor may recommend is to avoid sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods and to not strain when you move your bowels as both these actions can contribute to the formation of hemorrhoids.