About

Hemorrhoid Surgery or Hemorrhoidectomy Procedure

Hemorrhoid self-treatment involves improving bowel habits, increasing fiber consumption, drinking more water, and exercising regularly. If you have tried all of these and none seem to work, then you may have to consider alternative treatments.



This article is about the most intrusive treatment available for hemorrhoids - the removal of hemorrhoids through surgery also referred to as a hemorrhoidectomy. Many other hemorrhoid surgery treatments are discussed elsewhere on our site, including rubber band ligation, cryosurgery, and sclerotherapy as well as infrared and BICAP coagulation, which you may find through the appropriate links.

The Last Alternative: Hemorrhoids Surgery

Only a very small percentage of hemorrhoids cases - less than one percent - actually require surgery. Most can be treated by using a number of other available methods.

Hemorrhoids are rated on a scale of one to four with four being the most severe type. Having grade four hemorrhoids - and sometimes grade three if no other treatment has worked - makes you a candidate for a hemorrhoidectomy. A hemorrhoidectomy is also recommended for internal and external hemorrhoids that are unusually large, painful and that cause severe itching.

What Happens During Hemorrhoids Surgery?

Blood and urine tests are conducted before or on the day of surgery to ensure that you are in good health. A laxative may be required the evening before. You are not to eat or drink anything - including water - for between eight and twelve hours prior to surgery. The hospital or outpatient center requests that you arrive early to do paperwork and get prepared for the procedure.

A spinal anesthesia is used to numb you from the waist down, including the area around the rectum. A general anesthesia may also be used to put you to sleep so that you are not aware of what is going on around you. Both methods help your body to relax as it will be subjected to an intrusive procedure.

Next, the area around your anus and rectum is prepared for hemorrhoid surgery. A doctor may choose to use a scalpel (a sharp, thin knife), a laser, or a cautery pencil (a tool that uses electricity) to perform the hemorrhoids surgery. The procedure consists of the doctor cutting off the hemorrhoids and stitching the area that has been cut. A small cotton pad may be placed on the anus to absorb any drainage at and around the incision area.

Recovering from Hemorrhoid Surgery

Hospital recovery time can take anywhere from three to ten days followed by one to four weeks of rest at home. Recovery time is based on the severity of surgery and your body’s ability to heal itself.

 When Not to Have Hemorrhoid Surgery

Surgery is not recommended for small internal hemorrhoids. However, it may be necessary if these small ones are located alongside large internal hemorrhoids or you also have external ones.

 Hemorrhoid Surgery with Lasers

Many in the medical profession claim that lasers are less painful method and have a faster healing time. However, none of these claims have any real evidence to back them up. It is a fact that laser treatments are more expensive than traditional hemorrhoid surgery methods. Lasers also take longer because you must return for additional treatments and there is also the possibility of deep tissue damage.

 Alternatives to Hemorrhoids Surgery

A number of alternatives to hemorrhoids surgery have been developed by major pharmaceutical manufacturers. Consisting of herbal and botanical products, these all natural treatments, including Venapro and Avatrol as well as ZENMED Ziro Cream, have been shown to effectively cure hemorrhoids. Best of all, these treatments can be sent to and used in the privacy of your own home at a very low cost compared to surgery.

Read our Venapro Review or Get More Information on Venapro


 Additional Information on Hemorrhoid Surgery

Do you want to read more about what to expect after hemorrhoid surgery as well as how well it works as a treatment? Click on hemorrhoidectomy pros and cons to continue to an additional article on hemorrhoid surgery.