In several cases of hemorrhoids that are not very serious or complicated, treatment with proper diet, good hygiene, and medication is possible. However, in more severe cases, these cures are not enough, as there might be intense pain and bleeding. That is when patients look at the option of hemorrhoid surgery.
Surgical Treatment Options
There are quite a few surgical options available for patients suffering from hemorrhoids. The more popular among them are Hemorrhoidectomy and PPH.
Hemorrhoidectomy
Hemorrhoidectomy is the surgery done to remove hemorrhoids. In this procedure, incisions are made around the anus so that the hemorrhoids can be cut away. People undergoing this surgery for hemorrhoids may be given local or general anesthesia.
In local anesthesia, only the area under surgery is numb, while the patient is conscious through the entire procedure, whereas in general anesthesia the patient is asleep during the surgery. In most cases, Hemorrhoidectomy is an outpatient procedure, and patients are not required to stay too long in the hospital. Many can even go back on the same day.
While hemroid surgery provides a lot of relief from pain, bleeding, swelling, and itching, the area that has undergone surgery might be painful for a few days. The anal area is extremely sensitive and the incision and subsequent stitching that has to be done can make it tender.
PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids)
PPH is a minimally invasive procedure used for the treatment of hemorrhoids and prolapse. Prolapse is a condition where the hemorrhoids slip out of the anal canal. In the PPH procedure, the hemorrhoids are repositioned with the help of a device that resembles a stapler. Once they have been repositioned, the blood supply is cut off, causing these hemorrhoids to shrivel and dry up.
PPH can remove hemorrhoids that are positioned higher up in the anus. Since there are fewer nerve endings in this part of the anus, the patient experiences less pain. This procedure has a lot of benefits. It is less painful, and after the hemorrhoid surgery, recovery is faster. There is also less itching and bleeding.
Other Options
There are other options that are minimally invasive. Some of them are:
Laser Treatment - A laser beam is directed at the hemorrhoidal tissue to burn it away.
Rubber Band Ligation: This procedure aims at killing the hemorrhoids by stopping the flow of blood to the swollen area. This is done by placing a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid.
Sclerotherapy: By injecting a chemical solution around the blood vessels that carries blood to the hemorrhoid, it can be shrunk and destroyed.
Minimally invasive procedures are known to have fewer complications. However, Hemorrhoidectomy is preferred over them as it promises to deliver long-term results. Consulting a medical specialist will help you see what procedure is best for you.
Risks in Surgical Options
Even though hemorrhoid surgery is considered to be safe, like every surgical procedure, there are bound to be some risks. In this procedure, some of the risks involved are bleeding, infection and reaction to anesthesia the anesthesia administered during the procedure.
Moreover, patients might be incapable of urinating properly, and there could also be some damage to the anal sphincter, which can lead to fecal incontinence (involuntary release of gas and feces, due to the inability to control bowel movements).
Post-Surgical Pain – How to Treat It?
After a hemorrhoid surgical procedure, most patients complain of pain, especially when passing stool or urine. There are several over-the-counter pain medication that you can use such as Tylenol and/or ibuprofen. Consult your doctor before taking any new medication and avoid self prescribing medication.
Warm baths and taking stool softeners can also reduce pain greatly. You need to give yourself about two to three weeks to recover from Hemorrhoidectomy. In rare cases, you might need up to six weeks for full recovery.
You might ask how effective hemorrhoid surgery is. In a majority of cases it shows satisfactory results, but you also need to follow some post surgery care to enjoy the full benefits of the procedure. Unless you start eating a high-fiber diet and following good hygiene practice, new hemorrhoids might be back to torture you again.
When to Consult the Doctor
Incase you experience the following symptoms, you need to get in touch with the doctor immediately:
Excessive bleeding
Inability to pass urine or have bowel movements
High Fever
Preventing the Reoccurrence of Hemorrhoids
If you follow the precautions mentioned below, you can keep hemorrhoids from recurring:
Keep your stools soft so that they can pass with ease. You can do so by having a high fiber, high fluid diet.
Stool softeners are available in the market and they help you pass softer stool, thereby reducing the strain on the anal canal.
There are also fiber supplements available over the counter. Before you add these supplements to your diet, be sure to consult your doctor.
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