Hemorrhoids (also known as piles), are engorged veins in your anus and lower rectum, akin to varicose veins.
What are the causes of hemorrhoids ?
Hemorrhoids can have multiple causes, although sometimes the cause is unknown. These causes include overstraining during bowel movements or due to excessive pressure on these veins in pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are of two types, either internal or those located inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids), or external which are under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids).
How common are hemorrhoids ?
The name hemorrhoids is not all that well known but if you know the other name for the condition, ‘piles’, then you will know just how common it is. According to statistics, almost three out of four adults can have hemorrhoids at some time or the other. At times they don’t have any symptoms but at other times they can cause itching, discomfort and bleeding.
What are the signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids ?
The signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids may include the following.
- The first sign may be painless bleeding during passing stool — what you will see is spots of bright red blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet.
- Itching and irritation in the anal and peri-anal (surrounding the anus) region
- Pain or discomfort in the same area
- A swelling or lump near your anus, which may be sensitive or even painful
The symptoms of the Hemorrhoid typically depend on the location. The symptoms of internal hemorrhoids is bleeding in stools as straining or irritation while passing stools can damage the hemorrhoid causing it to bleed. The symptoms of external hemorrhoids are itching or bleeding around the anal region. The symptoms of thrombosed hemorrhoids include blood pooling, clot (or thrombus formation) that can result in severe pain, swelling, inflammation and the feeling of a hard lump near your anus.
When should you go see a doctor for hemorrhoids ?
If you see bleeding in your stool while passing stools, that is the most common warning sign of piles or hemorrhoids. It is important you immediately see your doctor so that more serious conditions or diseases such as colorectal or anal cancer can be ruled out. Also talk to your doctor if you have other symptoms of hemorrhoids like pain, frequent or excessive bleeding, as well as if it doesn’t improve with home remedies.
What is hemorrhoidectomy surgery ?
Hemorrhoidectomy surgery is the surgical removal of a hemorrhoid due to its symptoms which can be bleeding, itching, prolapse (coming out from the anus) or pain. The procedure involves making incisions in the tissue surrounding the hemorrhoid. The swollen vein is then tied off to arrest bleeding and the hemorrhoid is cut off and removed. Medicated gauze is used for wound bandaging.
What is the procedure for hemorrhoidectomy surgery ?
After admission and surgery preparation, you will be taken to the operating room. The anesthetist will then give you a general anesthetic (which puts you to sleep). The surgery usually takes about an hour. By and large patients can return home even on the same day of surgery or if needed, spend one night in the hospital.
What is the post-operative care to be taken after hemorrhoidectomy surgery ?
It is common to experience nausea, vomiting and/or dizziness in the first 24 hours after surgery. It is better to have anti-nausea medication ready. Resume your regular diet as recovery starts to occur. It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids (8- 10 glasses per day) and eat a high fiber diet, like bran, oats, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. This will help keep your stool movements soft. To help with this, your Doctor may give you a mild laxative and/or stool softener. Avoid straining while passing stool, as this will create additional stress on your operated area.For pain/discomfort, take the prescribed pain-killers as directed by your Doctor. You might have some bright red bleeding for a few days after the surgery as your incision heals. There may even be some bleeding with your bowel movements. To ease the pain and discomfort, you can sit in 3-4 inches of warm water for about ten minutes, 3 times per day and after each bowel movement (or more often if you want) as well as to keep the area clean. Avoid using hot water, which may enlarge swelling. It is advisable to use ice packs to help with the swelling and to promote comfort. You may return to your normal activities as you feel up to regular activity.
What could be the post-operative complication of hemorrhoidectomy surgery ?
- Pain that persists and is not relieved even after taking the prescribed medication.
- Increased bright red bleeding and/or the presence of clots.
- Signs of infection – fever, chills, foul-smelling rectal drainage.
- Unable to pass urine or a feeling of fullness in the bladder.
How to find general surgeons for hemorrhoidectomy surgery ?
Now you can find and reach multiple general surgeons ( general surgery ) for hemorrhoidectomy surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from multiple general surgeons, compare things and then choose a general surgeon for hemorrhoidectomy surgery.
Find and choose a general surgeon for your hemorrhoidectomy surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
