Haemorrhoidectomy

What is Haemorrhoidectomy?

Haemorrhoids can be internal or external, and a haemorrhoidectomy is a surgery to remove them.

Surgery is typically not the first line of treatment. When all else fails, haemorrhoidectomy is a safe and effective procedure that not only makes haemorrhoids easier to live with but also eliminates them completely.

When is Haemorrhoidectomy Indicated?

Excisional or Open haemorrhoidectomy is a common surgical procedure. Patients with persistent significantly prolapsed or symptomatic haemorrhoids who have failed conservative or less invasive treatment are candidates for this procedure (grade 3 and 4).

Who is suitable for a Haemorrhoidectomy?

Most people with haemorrhoids don't need to have their haemorrhoids removed. Any sort of surgery has dangers associated with it, both from the procedure and from general anaesthesia. As a result, your doctor will most likely propose nonsurgical treatments first.

If you have haemorrhoids, surgical removal may be an option if:

You've tried less invasive way such as dietary/lifestyle changes or banding but they haven't worked.
Your haemorrhoids are extremely painful and inconvenient.
Strangulated internal haemorrhoids
A clot has caused external haemorrhoids to swell.
Internal and external haemorrhoids are present in your body.
Other anorectal diseases necessitate surgery.

Other considerations are your age, overall health, and how well you can be expected to react to surgery.

Haemorrhoidectomy procedure steps

The procedure is performed

after appropriate diagnostic assessments, pre surgery checks and preparations are complete.
takes place in a hospital setting and is usually performed as a day case

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia.

Local anaesthetic is then injected to block nerves supplied the sensation to the anal region in order to reduced post-operative discomfort.

A thorough examination is then performed of the anal canal identifying the haemorrhoidal tissue.

The haemorrhoids are excised using a cauterising device called a diathermy or a sealing device , taking great care to ensure surrounding structures are not damaged. Once excised the area is checked to ensure no ongoing bleeding.

The wound site is not stitched closed as this increases risk of infection post-operatively.

Dressings are applied and the patient goes to recovery for monitoring

Haemorrhoidectomy Surgery Recovery

Patients having undergone haemorrhoidectomy can be discharged home later that day.

Patients will be provided with scripts for medication to take home with them. Medications include;

Strong pain killers to provide symptom relief following the procedure
Gentle laxatives to ensure bowel motions are soft and avoiding straining
Antibiotics to reduced the risk of post operative bleeding and infection

Discomfort can typically last for upto 2 weeks following the operation. Patients often find warm salt water baths soothing and sitting on softer surfaces or lying on their side.

A post operative appointment will be scheduled to follow up and check on healing.