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Hemorrhoids can be very painful; however, they are not a life threatening, especially since there are a number of ways to treat them. While a fiber rich diet and an active lifestyle prevent hemorrhoids from forming, surgical treatments may be necessary to treat hemorrhoids that cannot be treated by other means. One of the standard surgical procedures to remove hemorrhoids is a hemorrhoidectomy.

Hemorrhoidectomy is a procedure in which the hemorrhoid tissue is completely or partially removed. There are two types of hemorrhoidectomy procedures that are currently performed: one is a hemorrhoidectomy and the other is stapled hemorrhoidectomy. Below are the basic differences between the two procedures.

Hemorrhoidectomy

• Operation time - 43 minutes
• Greater postoperative pain
• Complications in 20% patients
• Rate of recurrence of hemorrhoids - 5%

Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy

• Operation time - 30 minutes
• Reduced postoperative pain
• Complications in 15 % patients
• Rate of recurrence of hemorrhoids - 5%

These statistics are based on research carried out in the Department for Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich in Switzerland.

Hemorrhoidectomy Procedure

The procedure for hemorrhoidectomy varies for the normal and the stapled kind. The differences in the procedures are outlined below.

Hemorrhoidectomy

• General anesthesia is administered.
• Incisions are made in the tissues surrounding the hemorrhoid.
• The vein that causes the bleeding is tied to prevent further bleeding.
• Hemorrhoid is removed.

Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy

• General anesthesia is administered.
• Most of the hemorrhoid tissue is lifted using a special tool and the remaining is stapled back in place.

Post Hemorrhoidectomy Care

After a hemorrhoidectomy, a local anesthetic is administered that lasts for 6 to 12 hours. Once this painkiller wears off, most patients are free to care for themselves at home. Usually some amount of pain and bleeding is to be expected.

• Painkillers - For postoperative pain
• Antibiotics - For possible infections
• Stool Softness - To help smoothen bowel movements
• Topical Numbing Ointments - To relieve pain

Things you can do to help manage postoperative pain

• Ice packs
• Warm water soaks (sitz baths)
• Eating bland food
• Adequate rest

If you are experiencing severe complications, it is necessary to check with your doctor immediately. If not, a routine checkup will usually be set up by your doctor about 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.

Hemorrhoidectomy Recovery Time

Recovery time from hemorrhoidectomy surgery depends on the type of hemorrhoidectomy procedure performed. Below are the recovery time details for the two types of hemorrhoidectomies.

Hemorrhoidectomy

• Return to work - 20.7 days
• Length of hospital stay -2.1 days

Stapled hemorrhoidectomy

• Return to work - 6.7 days
• Length of hospital stay - 2.4 days
• This data is also based on research carried out in the Department for Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich in Switzerland.

Hemorrhoidectomy Complications

The rate of complications in both types of hemorrhoidectomy is 15%. Listed below are some of the common complications associated with a hemorrhoidectomy and the percentage of people they affect.

Immediate Complications - Within the first week of surgery

• Pain - 5%
• Bleeding - 4.2%
• Thrombosis (blood clot) - 2.3%
• Urinary retention - 1.5%
• Anastomotic dehiscence (opening of wound) - 0.5%
• Fissure - 0.2%
• Perineal intramural hematoma (bruising) - 0.1%
• Submucosal abscess (pus) - 0.1%

This information is based on an analysis of 1107 patients who had undergone a hemorrhoidectomy from twelve Italian coloproctological centers.

References

1. B. Ravo, A. Amato, V. Bianco, P. Boccasanta, C. Bottini, A. Carriero, G. Milito, G. Dodi, D. Mascagni and S. Orsini, et al (2002), Techniques in Coloproctology Volume 6, Number 2, Springer Milan.
2. Hetzer, F. H. Demartines, N. Handschin, A. E. Clavien, P.-A.2002, Stapled vs Excision Hemorrhoidectomy: Long-term Results of a Prospective Randomized Trial, American Medical Association, USA.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.