Hemorrhoidectomy

This is a procedure used specifically to remove hemorrhoids that have become too serious to be treated with lesser means. The criteria used for determining when a hemorrhoidectomy is appropriate is as follows:

• External hemorrhoids repeatedly form blood clots
• Internal hemorrhoids are not responding to rubber band ligation
• Protruding hemorrhoids can not be reduces
• Chronic bleeding is taking place

This surgery is done at a hospital. After being given either general or spinal anesthesia incisions are made around the hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids are then tied off to prevent bleeding at which point they are removed. Once the procedure is complete the area is either left open or sewn up and a medicated gauze is placed over the wound. Recovery time is anywhere from two to three weeks. Patients will sometimes be prescribed antibiotics to fight possible infection and are asked to take stool softeners and eat a diet of plain rice, applesauce, bananas and dry toast.