Hemorrhoid Surgery Overview

Hemorrhoids or piles are varicose veins inside or just outside anus. The cause of hemorrhoids is not known exactly but causes are thought to include family history, pregnancy or if you are involved in an occupation involving standing for long hours.

Constipation can also be a cause. It creates pressure inside the abdomen that makes bowel movement strenuous again causing hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids that are large enough are usually visible outside the anus and these can be very painful and itchy.

Treatment for Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are often treated using surgery which is commonly known as hemorrhoidectomy. Hemorrhoids can be quite painful and they can also involve serious complications such as, strangulated hemorrhoids. Before the hemorrhoid surgery, you should discuss with your physician the risk factors associated with having surgery. Also your doctor needs to know your medical history, your potential allergic reaction to any drug so that the anaesthesia can be chosen accordingly. It's also important to ensure your diet involves food items that can help to avoid constipation.

Hemorrhoid Surgery Procedure

Hemorrhoid surgery can be performed using general anaesthesia, local anaesthesia or spinal block. Various surgery procedures include Sclerotherapy, Ligation, Laser surgery, Cryosurgery and Hemorrhoidectomy.

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical in the blood vessels servicing the hemorrhoids. This chemical causes a spasm in the vessels and they seal shut. Hemorrhoids shrivel due to lack of nutrients and oxygen.

Ligation involves using a tight rubberband which cuts off blood supply to the hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids shrivel due to lack of nutrients and oxygen.

In Laser surgery, hemorrhoids are burnt using a targeted laser beam.

Hemorrhoidectomy is the most common form of hemorrhoid surgery. It is done using general anaesthesia and a special device is inserted into the anus by the surgeon to see the hemorrhoids. Laser, scalpel or staple gun may be used to remove the hemorrhoids. Anus and rectum membrane lining are then sewn to the muscle so that a recurrence of hemorrhoids is diminished.

After the hemorrhoid surgery

After the surgery, you are made to lie down on your back using a support with a floatation pillow under your buttocks. To relieve the pain, icepacks are used on the anal area. For recovery from hemorrhoid surgery, you need to follow a strict diet and avoid having constipation by eating lots of fruits and vegetables so that your body gets enough fibre. Use of over the counter laxatives is also recommended if you need help to move your bowels. Drinking plenty of water is also necessary.

Alternatives to hemorrhoid surgery

Some of the easier, less painful alternatives to consider instead of undergoing hemorrhoid surgery might be:

• changing dietary habits (see article on the H Miracle system),
• using homeopathic remedies, such as Venapro,
• using creams for pain relief, and/or
• using stool softening medications to avoid constipation.