Hemorrhoid Surgery

There are a number of surgical procedures available for severe cases of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoidectomy

A hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove internal and external hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are graded according to severity and hemorrhoidectomies are only usually performed on grade 4 hemorrhoids, which are the most severe cases of this condition.

Hemorrhoidectomies are generally considered to be a minor surgical procedure and are often perfomed in out patient and day surgery units. General anesthetics are not always required as sufficient pain control may be achieved with spinal block anesthesia.

After surgery patients should minimise the risk of infections and promote healing by taking warm baths several times a day and changing the dressing frequently. Patients are also recommended to improve their diets to reduce the chances of hemorrhoids recurring.

Elastic band ligatures

Less severe hemorrhoids - such as stage three - may be treated by a simple procedure to place an elastic band around the base of the hemorrhoid. This constricts the blood flow to the hemorrhoid which then painlessly withers and falls off during the next few days. This procedure can often be performed by doctors within their office.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minor surgical procedure whereby a chemical agent is injected into the base of the hemorrhoid causing it to shrink and degenerate. This is often performed under local anesthetic.