Hemorrhoidectomy in Udupi: Procedure And Aftercare

Overview

Hemorrhoids or piles are common medical conditions that are swollen veins inside your rectum (the part of the large intestine closest to the anus) or outside your anus (opening of your bowel). Pain, anal itching, and rectal bleeding are some of the common symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. Medical treatment consisting of painkillers, lifestyle changes, and a healthy diet can help relieve the symptoms; however, when these conservative methods fail and the hemorrhoids are large, they require surgical intervention.

Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes large and severely infected hemorrhoids. It is an outpatient procedure (does not require hospitalization) performed under general anesthesia (numbing solution). This article will explain hemorrhoidectomy in detail to help you understand the procedure better. 

What Is Hemorrhoidectomy?

"Hemorrhoids" means "swollen veins near the anus," and "ectomy" means "complete removal". Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove painful, large, severely infected hemorrhoids to help relieve symptoms like pain, discomfort, bleeding, discharge, and itching caused by hemorrhoids. Surgical hemorrhoidectomy is the best treatment option for hemorrhoids, with a 90 to 95% success rate.

When Is Hemorrhoidectomy Recommended?

Hemorrhoidectomy is a safe and effective procedure recommended for the following reasons:

• It is a treatment option performed as a last resort when conservative methods like medications and diet fail.
• It is particularly useful for large internal hemorrhoids that can cause complications like mucus discharge or fecal leakage.
• Hemorrhoidectomy also helps to reduce symptoms of pruritus (severe itching) caused due to the prolapse of the internal hemorrhoids through the anal cavity.

How To Prepare For A Hemorrhoidectomy?

You will need to consult a Proctologist (a doctor specializing in diseases of the anus and rectum) or a Colorectal surgeon (a doctor specializing in the diseases of the anus, rectum, and colon) if you experience any of the symptoms of hemorrhoids. 

• A detailed medical history will be recorded, and routine blood and urine tests will be conducted to determine your overall health and rule out diseases like diabetes (increased blood sugar levels/, hypertension (high blood pressure), etc. 
• Your Proctologist will digitally examine your rectum or lower part of the large intestine through special devices like an anoscope, proctoscope or sigmoidoscope. These are short, straight, rigid, tube-like instruments with a small light source at the tip, which help to check for internal hemorrhoids.
• A stool guaiac or guaiac decal occult test will be conducted to detect blood in the stool.
• A chest X-ray and ECG (electrocardiogram) will be performed to rule out any heart or lung diseases.
• Your proctologist will advise you to stop certain medications, like blood thinners, 2 weeks before the procedure to avoid bleeding during and after the procedure.
• You will be asked to fast for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure so that the food does not get aspirated into your lungs when given general anesthesia.
• A saline enema will be given on the morning of your surgery to cleanse your rectum and intestines. This will enable your surgeon a clear view of the surgical site.

What Happens During A Hemorrhoidectomy?

After the hemorrhoidectomy, you will be shifted to the recovery room for observation.

• You may remain in the recovery room till the effect of anesthesia wears off.
• Intravenous fluids will be continued until you are able to take fluids orally.
• Oral fluids will be delayed for 3 to 4 hours since GA can cause nausea. 
• Your vitals (blood pressure, blood sugar, pulse, and heart rate) will be monitored continuously.
• Once you regain full sensation in your lower body and can walk, you will be discharged from the outpatient department.
• You can expect mild pain and discomfort for the initial few days after surgery, which can be managed through painkillers.
• Your surgeon will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections.
• A mild anesthetic ointment will be prescribed to use before and after bowel movements for the initial few days. This enables easy passing of stools.
• A special doughnut cushion can be used if sitting upright is painful.
• Soaking in a sitz bath will be advised to relieve pain, swelling, and muscle spasms.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects during your recovery period.
• You will be prescribed stool softeners to prevent constipation.
• Complete recovery may take around 6 weeks to 2 months.

Are There Any Complications Associated With Hemorrhoidectomy?

Hemorrhoidectomy is a safe and successful procedure for removing hemorrhoids; there could be a few possible complications associated with the surgery:

• Thrombosis-when blood clots form and block the veins or arteries.
• Development of an anal fistula-an abnormal connection between internal hemorrhoid and external skin surface around the anus
• Excessive bleeding or fluid discharge from the rectum.
• Difficulty in passing urine or stool.
• Intense pain during bowel movements.
• Narrowing of the anus (stenosis).
• Hemorrhoid recurrence.

Why Choose Medfin?

Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty task of finding the best hospital, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest cost. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health and recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!