Hemorrhoids Treatment

Hemorrhoids or varicosities are swollen vascular tissues in the rectal area and may be internal or external. The truth is hemorrhoids are burning and painful on bowel movement, and they can bleed. They are extremely unpleasant. And whether it’s the internal or external kind, surgery is the most effective treatment to get rid of them. We might cringe on the concept of an operation so, to allay our fears, here are the facts on hemorrhoids surgery.

The type of hemorrhoids surgery undergone depends on the kind and severity of the varicosities and the patient’s overall condition. Surgery is necessary for those who experience severe bleeding, intolerable pain and “pruritus” or burning and itching. Hemorrhoids surgery should not be performed during the first trimester of pregnancy or on patients with blood conditions (hemophilia, aplastic anemia, or acute leukemia) or gastric cancer.

The hemorrhoids surgery is called a hemorrhoidectomy. External hemorrhoids protrude from the rectum and are treated with this operation. This is performed on an out-patient basis, meaning a patient can return home after the procedure. For a patient who smokes, smoking should be stopped at least two weeks before, or else suffer delayed wound healing and complications on the operating table. On the day of the surgery, the patient is prepared by administering an enema or laxative a few hours before to clear the bowel. The rectal area is shaved. The anus and surrounding skin are cleaned.

The kind of anesthesia used will either be local or general and the anesthesiologist will administer the appropriate kind. A local anesthesia numbs the operated area and there’ll be some discomfort felt during the procedure. A general anesthesia puts the patient to sleep throughout the operation, though there are more risks compared to the local kind. The hemorrhoids surgery will then proceed to clamping and placing a band around the hemorrhoids and cutting them off. Gauze will be inserted to control the bleeding.

In the case of internal hemorrhoids, an overnight stay in the hospital is required to undergo the treatment. Sclerotherapy, cryotherapy, or laser therapy can be used to treat these varicosities.

Postoperatively or after surgery, the patient should watch out for a fever, prolonged rectal bleeding, or swelling. The doctor should be informed when these are observed. The site should be kept clean to prevent infection. Refrain from using stool softeners immediately after hemorrhoids surgery because stools should be firm to act as a dilator, so that the anus can open up and won’t be constricted from the scar tissue.

Hemorrhoids surgery is the most effective treatment to remove the swollen vascular tissues. A patient can go home after the procedure or can stay overnight in the hospital. This procedure relieves the pains and irritations from hemorrhoids. As with any operation there are risks and hemorrhoids may recur if the cause is not eliminated. Follow postoperative care and instructions. Increase the fiber and fluid intake in the diet. Don’t sit (or read!) on the toilet for long periods of time. Remember to practice good anal hygiene and regular bowel habits to wipe out hemorrhoids for good.

Tags: doctor, hemorrhoids surgery, anus, hemroids treatment, sitz bath