Guide To Getting A Hemorrhoidectomy

Preparing For Surgery

There are several things an individual affected by hemorrhoids may need to do to prepare for their hemorrhoidectomy. The physician performing the hemorrhoidectomy should be aware of all medications the patient takes regularly. Blood-thinning medications usually need to be stopped for a short period before the surgical procedure. The physician leading the hemorrhoidectomy provides instructions on what type of laxative to take and when to take it before the hemorrhoidectomy. A patient must follow the guidelines provided about when they should stop drinking and eating before surgery. If the affected individual has medications that need to be taken that day, they should only be taken with a small sip of water.

These procedures are put into place to ensure the patient's safety when they go under anesthesia for their hemorrhoidectomy. No perfumes, lotions, or deodorants should be applied the night before and the day of the hemorrhoidectomy. Before the hemorrhoidectomy, all nail polish, piercings, and jewelry should be removed. The individual undergoing the procedure will require a ride home, as medications used during and after the procedure will render them unable to drive safely.

How The Procedure Works

During the hemorrhoidectomy, the patient will receive spinal or general anesthesia to ensure they do not feel any pain through the process. The surgeon sanitizes the area and makes small incisions around the affected hemorrhoid. A specialized type of thread is utilized to tie off hemorrhoid to prevent excessive bleeding. A laser, scalpel, or cautery pencil is then used to remove the tied off hemorrhoid. The site of the hemorrhoid removal can be sutured closed but may be left open in some cases. A hemorrhoidectomy may be done with the use of a circular stapling device. This method keeps the surgeon from having to make incisions and allows then to staple the patient's hemorrhoid back into its original place.

A hemorrhoidectomy may be done with the assistance of a scope located on a specialized probe to help identify the hemorrhoidal blood vessels. This method ensures the hemorrhoid is removed without removing unaffected tissues that surround it. Most hemorrhoidectomies are performed in an outpatient surgery center and do not require an overnight stay.