Haemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen blood vessels that develop outside the anus, inside it, or both. They can cause real discomfort and pain, and when other treatments have not worked they can be removed surgically. That operation is called a haemorrhoidectomy.
Smaller haemorrhoids are sometimes treated with rubber bands instead. After examining you, Professor El-Khoury will recommend whichever suits your situation. The operation is performed under spinal, general or epidural anaesthetic.
How the procedure works
An elliptical incision is made over the haemorrhoid and the whole of the diseased tissue is taken out in one piece. The site may be left open or closed with sutures. Suturing in this area is often avoided to reduce complications, and because the anal tissue has a rich network of blood vessels, healing is usually rapid.
The main benefit is relief from bleeding, pain, itching and mucus discharge. Follow up is arranged about six weeks after the procedure.
Before your operation
If you are having a colonoscopy at the same time as the haemorrhoid surgery, no special preparation is needed. If you are having haemorrhoid treatment alone, you will need a Fleet enema one hour beforehand. The hospital nurse arranges this after speaking with Professor El-Khoury.
On the day
Depending on the size of the haemorrhoids this may be day surgery, though an overnight stay is sometimes recommended.
After your operation
You will be moved to a ward where nurses monitor your recovery. You are likely to be prescribed low dose antibiotics, aperients, pain relief and sitz bathing. Avoiding constipation is important, so follow the advice you are given about fluids and stool softeners.
Professor El-Khoury will talk through the operation with you in the rooms, covering why it is being recommended, what it involves, the risks and the benefits. He also provides Royal Australasian College of Surgeons information sheets on the procedure so you can read them at home and bring questions back.
This page is general information, not medical advice. What applies to you depends on your history, your examination and your results. Bring your questions to the consultation.