Hemorrhoid Surgery: Recovery and Aftercare

In most cases, hemorrhoids can be easily treated at home using home remedies. However, sometimes when it is painful and bleeding heavily, it is best to go for surgery.

Once you have it removed, you will feel better each day. You can expect anal and rectal pain for about 2 to 3 weeks as the anus relaxes and tightens and depending on the type of treatment and the severity of hemorrhoids. Each person recovers at different pace.

Minor bleeding is normal especially after the first bowel movement after surgery. Probably your doctor will provide you with painkillers to relieve the pain.

Why is Hemorrhoid Surgery Done?

Surgery for hemorrhoids is done when:

1. Internal hemorrhoid is very large.
2. There are symptoms even after non-surgical treatment.
3. If you have both internal and external hemorrhoids.
4. If you had other treatments for hemorrhoids that were not successful.

Things You Can Expect After Surgery

You will be under anesthesia after the surgery and would last 8 to 10 hours to provide relief.

Usually patients can go home the same day as your surgery, once they have urinated. Make sure to have someone else drive you back home.

Care After Surgery

Diet

1. After 2-3 days of surgery, add high-fibre foods in your diet. It would help ease your bowel movements and minimize the chances to get hemorrhoids again.
2. Have a bland diet including bananas, plain rice, applesauce, dry toast.
3. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
4. Use stool softener or mild lexatives so you don’t have to strain.
5. You are also advised to take plenty of fruits and vegetables. This will help ease the pain after surgery and the bowel movement.
6. Follow your consultant’s instructions about regular diet after surgery.

Medications

1. If your doctor has advised to take antibiotics, you have to take the complete course. Don’t stop them just because you feel better.
2. Over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or other medications for pain may be prescribed by your doctor.
3. Stool softener are also recommended so as to prevent straining with bowel movements.
4. You may experience itching after surgery. To reduce it, you can take sitz bath 2-3 times a day.
5. You can also use numbing medicines before and after bowel movements to reduce pain.
6. You need to follow-up with your doctor after 2-3 weeks of surgery to check for problems.

Lifestyle Changes

1. After surgery, your doctor may advice you to have bed rest for 1-2 weeks. During this period, the surgical wounds are expected to reopen.
2. Avoid physical activities involving heavy lifting or pulling.
3. Your doctor would probably recommend a regular exercise program such a 10-minute walk daily.
4. If you are overweight, you may be advised to lose weight after the surgery in a healthy manner. This is done to minimize stress to the rectum area and helps prevent its reoccurrence.
5. Keep the surgery wound very clean to prevent infection.
6. Use baby wipes or pads instead of toilet paper after bowel movements.
7. You can also apply ice for about 10 minutes a day to reduce swelling.
8. Avoid straining or sitting or long time on the toilet during your bowel movements. You can also use a stool when sitting on toilet. It helps flex your hips.
9. Bath and showers can be takes as usual. Pat the anal area dry when done.
10. Take rest whenever you feel tired.

General Risks of Surgery

As with any surgery that involves local anesthetic, general risks related to hemorrhoids surgery include:

1. Bleeding, which may happen for a week after the surgery
2. Allergy
3. Infection, which can also build pus (abscess)
4. Urinary retention, which makes it difficult to empty your bladder
5. Sphincter could be damaged, leading to pain or failure to control bowel movements
6. Narrowing of the anal canal
7. Problems in urinating because of the pain

However, all these risks can be treated with medications. Make sure to consult your doctor before going for surgery.