about 2 years ago

Hemorrhoid surgery is often a last resort for many patients. Many times, one can treat the condition with diet modifications, topical creams, sitz baths and herbal treatments. In severe cases, however, surgery is required in order to correct a more serious or chronic situation.

Traditional hemorrhoids surgery, or a hemorrhoidectomy, is sometimes an inevitable solution. This procedure is painless because you will be given either general anesthesia or a spinal anesthesia. During surgery, an incision or incisions are made around the hemorrhoid tissue. The enlarged vein is tied off to prevent further bleeding and the offending hemorrhoid is then removed. Depending upon the size of the incision, the area may be stitched up or left open.

The actual work will be completed with either a scalpel, laser, or cautery pencil and is done in a surgical ward. While it sounds unpleasant, most patients receive treatment and are then sent home on an outpatient basis, though those at high risk (the elderly, distance patients, and pregnant women) may be temporarily hospitalized after the hemorrhoids surgery.

Today, many hospitals have begun to experiment with a new procedure that involves the use of staples to remove the hemorrhoid and seal the wound. It is believed that the new procedure is less painful post operation and may result if faster recovery time. Discuss options with your physician to see what path is the best for your particular situation. Hemorrhoids surgery is usually considered as an option with very large hemorrhoids.

Often, non-surgical treatments continue to be ineffective with internal hemorrhoids and surgery becomes relevant. External hemorrhoids are usually more painful than internal hemorrhoids and when pain is uncontrollable and/or keeping the area clean becomes problematic, then surgical intervention may be advised by your doctor. Prolapsed or thrombosed hemorrhoids (internal hemorrhoids that drop into the external anal area or blood clots) may also be reason for surgery.

After hemorrhoid surgery, you will feel little pain for 6 to 12 hours due to the anesthetic given prior to surgery. Once it begins to wear off, your doctors will ensure you can effectively urinate and then send you home. Occasionally, some patients develop an inability to urinate after the procedure due to swelling or spasms in the pelvic area.

After any surgery, pain is expected. Your physician will prescribe pain medication. Avoid taking any other medications without your doctor's explicit permission. Some medications may induce excessive bleeding, so it is best to take only those prescribed by your doctor. After the hemorrhoid surgery, some bleeding should also be anticipated. This is especially true during the first time you try to move your bowels. Pain can be lessened by applying the pain medication directly to the site before and after moving your bowels. Stool softeners may also help promote soft stools, thus reducing pain.

After hemorrhoids surgery, many people have found that proper diet and more natural herbal remedies are very successful in reducing recovery time and promoting healthy healing. Introducing a proper diet--one rich in high-fiber foods, juices, and water--is important because it nurtures the development of soft stools. It goes without saying that becoming constipated post hemorrhoid surgery will be quite uncomfortable.

Another viable alternative and/or addition to topical pain relievers is the use of supplements such as Horse Chestnut, vitamin E, oat straw, and zinc oxide.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. Zinc oxide actually helps provide a protective barrier on the skin to reduce irritation, pain, burning, and itching. Horse Chestnut reduces swelling and inflammation and has the same irritation-prevention properties as zinc oxide. Oat straw has been proven to be effective in helping hemorrhoids surgery patients fight off depression and cope better post operation.

Another very useful herbal supplement is Mullein. This wonderful extract of leaves and flowers acts as a soothing agent for inflamed and swollen tissue.