Frequently Asked Questions

Haemorrhoidectomy

What are Piles (Haemorrhoids)?

Preparing for the Operation

Haemorrhoidectomy Operation

After surgery - in the hospital

After returning home

What are Piles (Haemorrhoids) ?

Piles (Haemorrhoids) are the loose lining of skin that bulges out through the ring muscle which holds the back passage shut. They contain big blood vessels which can bleed or clot up and cause pain. The loose skin can produce irritating tags. Haemorrhoidectomy simply means removal of the Haemorrhoids.

Preparing for the Operation

Overweight candidates must try to reduce weight

Stop smoking

Inform the surgeon of :

High blood pressure

Heart problems

Any lung problems or breathing difficulties

If the candidate is taking contraceptive pills

If the candidate is on hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

It is strongly recommended to travel with a companion or carer.

The day before surgery a consultation with the surgeon will take place and pre operative tests will be conducted to be sure that the candidate is ready and can have the operation as safely as possible.

Haemorrhoidectomy Operation

The procedure takes place under a general anaesthetic. The ring muscle is stretched and the piles are trimmed off.

The candidate will remain in hospital for a few days to ensure that the bowels are functioning normally. The patient may return to normal activities after 2 - 3 weeks, depending on the level of activity.

After surgery - in the hospital

There will be some discomfort on moving rather than severe pain. Medical staff will give injections or tablets to control this.

The second day after the operation the candidate should be able to spend most of their time out of bed and in reasonable comfort.

Two days after surgery they may return to the comfort of the private accommodation area where they may relax in comfort with their accompanying friend or relative.

By the end of the first week the wound should be virtually pain-free.

It is quite normal for the bowels not to open for a day or so after the operation. The first time they open it may be a bit painful but this rapidly improves. There may be a small amount of blood mixed with the stool for a few days after the operation. This eventually stops.

The discomfort of the operation can make it difficult to pass urine and empty the bladder. the nurse will be checking to ensure that the patient can urinate properly.

The wound may have a dressing held on with elasticated net pants. There may be some staining with old blood during the first 12 hours. The dressing will be removed the day after operation and will be replaced with a lighter one. There may be black threads tied round the stumps of the piles. These will drop off by themselves in two or three days.

The nurses will have details of the different types of dressings for piles. Once the dressing has been removed, the wound area can be washed. Soap and tap water are adequate. Salt water is not necessary. The patient can bathe or shower as often as they wish.

After returning home

The candidate is likely to need to rest two to three times a day for a week or so. Gradual improvement will take place. The candidate should be able to return to their usual level of activity after 1 month.

Sexual activities can be restarted within a week or two.