Haemorrhoidectomy
This webpage will give you information about a
haemorrhoidectomy. If you have any questions, you should ask your
GP or other relevant health professional.
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are soft fleshy lumps just
inside the back passage (anus). They bleed easily, usually causing
fresh bright-red bleeding when a motion is passed. They do not
usually cause pain but can cause itching. When large, they can pass
through the anus (prolapsed pile), feeling like a lump when you
clean yourself (see figure 1).
Figure 1: Back passage showing a prolapsed haemorrhoid
Haemorrhoids develop gradually, often over a long period of
time. They are associated with constipation, often run in families
and can be made worse by pregnancy.
What are the benefits of surgery?
Surgery will remove the haemorrhoids. You should no longer have
any symptoms.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Haemorrhoids can often be successfully treated by simple
measures such as eating more fibre and drinking more fluid.
If these simple measures are unsuccessful, the haemorrhoids can
usually be treated successfully in a clinic. Local treatments
include ‘banding’ or ‘injecting’ the haemorrhoids.
What does the operation involve?
A haemorrhoidectomy is usually performed under a general
anaesthetic. Your surgeon will remove your haemorrhoids by either
cutting them away or using a staple gun. They will make sure that
the blood vessels that supplied the haemorrhoids have stopped
bleeding.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Blood clots
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Incomplete haemorrhoidectomy
- Difficulty passing urine
- Anal stenosis
- Developing skin tags
- Developing an anal fissure
- Incontinence
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home after two to three days, usually
after passing your first motion. If your haemorrhoids were treated
using a staple gun, you should be able to go home the same day.
You should drink plenty of fluid and increase the amount of
fibre in your diet to avoid constipation.
The wounds often take several weeks to heal completely and you
may need to wear pads until then.
Occasionally haemorrhoids come back.
Summary
Haemorrhoids are a common problem. If non-surgical treatments
fail, surgery is usually recommended.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Jonathan Lund DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.) and Miss Gillian
Tierney DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.)
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2006 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
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The information should not replace advice that
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