Hemorrhoid surgery, what is the procedure like? & bull; hello healthy

Hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids) are not actually a dangerous disease. However, in some cases it can cause severe symptoms that don't get better even though they have been given medication so that they must be treated with hemorrhoid surgery. How is the process and preparation?

Types of hemorrhoid surgery you need to know

When the body experiences hemorrhoids, the veins become inflamed and swollen, causing lumps around the anus and rectum. The surgical procedure aims to remove or flatten the lump.

Before entering the process, you should first know the two types of operations that can be done to treat hemorrhoids. Here are the types.

1. Hemorrhoidectomy

Haemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess tissue that causes bleeding. This operation is performed on the patient under local anesthesia combined with sedation, spinal anesthesia, or general anesthesia.

Usually recovery takes about two weeks, but it can also take around six weeks until you can return to normal activities.

A complication that may occur after undergoing a hemorrhoidectomy is difficulty emptying the bladder, which creates the risk of developing urinary tract infections. However, this effect is only temporary and is usually experienced when you use spinal anesthesia.

2. Hemorrhoidopexy

Hemorrhoidopexy or hemorrhoid stapling is a surgical procedure that involves clamping a hemorrhoid lump that exits the wall of the rectum into the anus to return it into place. In this operation, the surgeon will also cut off the blood flow so that the lump will shrink.

The pain that is caused after undergoing hemorrhoidopexy is lighter than hemorrhoidectomy. However, you still have the possibility of experiencing recurrent hemorrhoids.

Possible complications include bleeding, urinary retention, or pain. In rare cases, this surgery can cause complications in the form of sepsis or blood infection.

Keep in mind, a new surgical procedure will be carried out when the hemorrhoid has caused severe symptoms, does not improve after a week of being given the drug, and shows a lump with a larger size. Consult your doctor for more information about whether or not to have surgery.

What must be prepared before surgery?

If the doctor has referred you for surgery, tell what medicines or supplements you are taking.

Also tell if you are pregnant. This is important so that doctors can consider and prevent side effects that may occur.

Later a few days before surgery, you may be asked to stop taking blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

In addition, you should also stop smoking, because this habit can slow down the healing after hemorrhoid surgery.

Tell your doctor or medical personnel if you have flu, fever, or other illness. If you are sick, surgery can be postponed.

Remember, everything you need to carry should be ready a few hours before you go to the hospital. Follow the instructions for when to arrive at the hospital, making sure you arrive on time.

How is the hemorrhoid surgery procedure done?

Of course, the patient will be given a local anesthetic combined with a sedative before undergoing surgery. Sometimes, patients are also given spinal or general anesthesia, depending on the individual patient's condition.

In a hemorrhoidectomy procedure, the doctor begins surgery by making an incision in the tissue around the growth of the hemorrhoid lump. Surgery can be performed using a knife (scalpel), an electric tool (cauterary pencil), or a laser.

The swollen blood vessels inside the hemorrhoids are tied to prevent bleeding, then the hemorrhoid is removed. After that, the doctor may immediately close the surgical area with stitches or leave it open. Then, medicated gauze will be applied to cover the wound.

Whereas in the hemorrhoidopexy procedure, the doctor uses a circular staple tool to remove the hemorrhoid tissue. In this procedure, hemorrhoid that has prolapsed or came out is removed and then clamped back into place in the anal canal.

What happens after hemorrhoid surgery?

Right after hemorrhoid surgery, while you are still under anesthesia, you will be given a local anesthetic which will last for 6-12 hours. This is done to reduce pain after surgery.

If after surgery, your condition improves and has fully recovered from the effects of the anesthesia, then you will not need to be hospitalized and be allowed to go home.

However, the patient must make sure he can urinate first before going home. Some people may have difficulty urinating, this is due to swelling of the tissue or pelvic muscle spasm.

Recovery after hemorrhoid surgery

After undergoing surgery, usually the pain will still be felt, especially when bending over, squatting, and moving from standing to sitting. Therefore, minimize painful activities as much as possible, especially in the first few days after surgery.

The discomfort usually lasts 2 - 3 weeks. Some patients begin to get better by the end of the first week. However, it may take you 3-6 weeks to rest until your condition has completely recovered and can return to normal activities.

To help your condition, doctors usually give painkillers, such as acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen. In addition, your doctor may also recommend laxatives, stool softeners, or both to prevent hard bowel movements.

Don't forget, during the recovery period, you should eat more high-fiber foods to soften the stool. Drink enough water during the recovery process, about 8-10 glasses per day. Consumption of fibrous foods and drinks can prevent you from constipation.

In addition, pay attention to the gauze or bandages used to cover the surgical wound. Change the gauze every day or when it starts to feel damp and dirty.

A follow-up examination with a surgeon will usually be carried out 2 - 3 weeks after surgery to check the results of surgery.

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