Hemorrhoid operation: procedures, risks and recovery

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum., similar to varicose veins, by all known. It is estimated that almost ¾ of the adult population have hemorrhoids occasionally, but the direct causes have not been fully discovered. The prevalence rate is between 4 and 80% of the population, depending on the gender, ethnicity and age of the patients consulted.

All these data indicate that, indeed, hemorrhoids are part of the daily life of many people. These can cause anal itching, aches and pains when sitting or having a bowel movement, swelling in the anal area and even painless bleeding during bowel movements, which can cause more than one scare in the most apprehensive. These problems can generally be addressed pharmacologically and with dietary changes, but this is not always the case.

There are different types of hemorrhoids with their particularities in terms of severity and clinical picture and, in the most severe cases, hemorrhoid operation or hemorrhoidectomy is perceived as the only option. If you want to know everything about this surgical procedure, read on.

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What is a hemorrhoid?

As we have said previously, hemorrhoids or piles are swollen veins around the anus. They can be found within the anus itself (internal) or outside it (external) and the symptoms vary slightly depending on the category consulted. In general, piles do not cause severe problems, but if they bleed a lot, become swollen or hinder the patient's day-to-day life, their surgical removal can be considered.

According to medical sources, there are 4 types of hemorrhoids according to their severity. We tell you briefly:

• Grade I: protrusion in the anal canal without external prolapse.
• Grade II: prolapse with spontaneous resolution. This means that the rectum literally turns inside out and returns to its normal position on its own.
• Grade III: prolapse with manual reduction. The attention of a physician is required to return the outer part of the rectum to its place.
• Grade IV: continuous prolapse that reproduces after reduction.

As you can imagine as we move up the severity scale, surgery becomes more plausible. First degree hemorrhoids (the vast majority of cases) are generally addressed with measures aimed at combating constipation and reducing local symptoms. In these cases, it is advisable to increase your fiber and water intake, exercise and avoid sitting for a long time, among other things. With a series of small daily gestures, mild piles can be addressed without going under the knife.

How is a hemorrhoidectomy done?

The hemorrhoid operation or hemorrhoidectomy is a surgery performed in order to permanently remove hemorrhoids. The type of clinical approach depends on the severity and location of the swollen vein, but generally the patient will be able to go home the same day as the operation. The anesthesia provided can be general or local, again, depending on the affected area and the extent of the procedure.

According to the United States Library of Medicine, an operation to remove hemorrhoids can involve several acts. Among them, we find the following:

• Place a small rubber band (kind of rubber) around the hemorrhoid, in order to shrink it and reduce blood flow to it.
• Staple the hemorrhoid to the rectal wall. This cuts off blood flow to her, preventing excessive bleeding during bowel movements.
• Use a scalpel to remove the entire hemorrhoid. Depending on the extent of the cut, stitches may be needed.
• Inject a chemical into the blood vessel leading to the hemorrhoid to block it.
• Use a laser to burn the hemorrhoid and cauterize it at the same time.

A highly demanded option today is staple hemorrhoidectomy, also known as hemorrhoidopexy. In it, the hemorrhoid is lifted and then stapled back into place in the anal canal. As benefits, it is a less invasive surgery than complete extraction, since no incisions are made or stitches are required and, therefore, the recovery time is shorter.

The pain is also less in this type of procedure, but the chances of re-developing hemorrhoids over time are higher than if you go to the traditional extraction, that is, the cut with scalpel. Consult with your trusted doctor about all the available options, as each case is different and there is no universal approach.

Recovery

Recovery takes 2-3 weeks, depending on the magnitude of the operation and the method used. Normally, once the patient awakens from general anesthesia, they are usually offered anesthetics local whose action lasts for up to 12 hours, so that it does not feel pain in the immediate. However, it is normal to experience some rectal pain and bleeding for the first few days after the surgical procedure.

During the first hours and days, cold compresses applied to the affected area and warm baths can help. to the reduction of local swelling, always following the medical indications provided by the relevant professionals. Stool softeners and specific vitamin supplements (fiber) may also be prescribed, so that they are not make excessive efforts during bowel movements and skip stitches or open the wound, among other events do not desirable. Recovery may require patience and some pain, but it is a safe surgery with minimal risks.

Risks of the procedure

Speaking of risks, we have to notify certain possible dangers, although these are very rare. One of the general problems in this type of surgery can be adverse reactions to anesthesia in the operating room, although these are extremely rare and should not even be conceived as a danger real. On the other hand, there is also the risk of profuse rectal bleeding, rectal prolapse, the formation of blood clots and even the production of infections. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics or other drugs if he believes that any of these events is a possibility in your case.

In the long term and after leaving the operating room, a small percentage of patients may experience slight leakage of stool and discomfort when urinating due to pain in the anal area. However, most of these clinical signs tend to disappear on their own over time, once the wound heals and the swelling disappears. Don't worry: hemorrhoid surgery carries very few risks compared to the benefits it presents.

Final stats

Various private clinics report that the success rate of these operations ranges from 95% to 98% of cases in the first intervention performed. Even so, that things go well is not an absolute confirmation, since it is estimated that 5 out of 100 patients develop hemorrhoids again in the long term after the intervention.

Also, surgery is not recommended for internal hemorrhoids, so it is a viable option for those with only the external variants or a combination of both. Some evaluations may also be necessary before the procedure in pregnant people, alcoholic patients and in those who are receiving previous pharmacological treatments. Each body is different, so we advise you to discuss your particular situation with the relevant professional before embarking on the operation. In all cases, prevention is better than cure.

Resume

Surgery is usually the last option for many pathologies, and this case is no exception. Hemorrhoids should be treated with changes in diet, physical exercise, home care, and changes in position, among many other events. Only when all these things fail or when the swelling leads to an anal prolapse is it conceivable to undergo surgery.

Even so, if this is your case, you don't have to worry. The hemorrhoid operation has minimal risks, as it is a safe and effective procedure. In addition, in most cases it is a permanent and affordable solution for almost all pockets.