Hemorrhoidectomy : Simple Clinical Operation For Treating Hemroids
Sunday, October 10th, 2010Hemorrhoidectomy is a medical operation to reduce internal hemorrhoids of third degree and fourth degree, when other procedures fail to cure them, in other words, the pain, itchiness, swelling and bleeding persists. In some cases hemorrhoidectomy is also suggested for external hemorrhoids, which have been unsuccessful to be treated with the correct method.
Hemorrhoidectomy is a fairly simple operation and can be done under local, spinal or general anesthesia. According to the patients’ condition, the extent of the surgical procedure and the patients’ preference, the surgeons will choose the right type of anesthesia for the surgery. Local anesthesia is a numbing agent which is injected directly into the immediate region; spinal anesthesia will numb the patient from the pelvis down and general anesthesia will render the patient into unconsciousness.
Usually tests are taken before the surgery is carried out, depending on the patients health these test include an x-ray of the chest, urine and blood samples and even aspirin to thin the blood. Mostly the doctor will recommend that the patient refrains from eating or drinking from the night before the operation to prevent the risk of vomiting during or after the surgery is done.
The procedure for this surgery is a very simple one and while all the necessary groundwork have been made the operation will last from one hour to one hour and a half. The patient is placed face down on the surgery table with the buttocks slightly lifted and the legs placed in stirrups, thereby the anus and rectum are exposed. Once the anesthesia has become effective the hemorrhoid will be clamped and tied to prevent it from bleeding and finally taken off.
Once the surgery is performed the patient will be placed in recovery until the anesthesia wears off and the patient can urinate, this is to check that swelling in the tissues does not occur and cause problem to urinate. If the patient has recouped, he or she can go home the same day, basically, as an outpatient. On rare situations, if there are any problems with the surgery, the patient will have to remain under observation.
Pain and bleeding after operation is to be expected and for this reason the doctor is likely to suggest the patient with some medicine. It is also natural to bleed when moving bowels, specifically directly after the surgery and it is usually recommended to take some numbing drugs before trying to move bowels. Using antibiotics after the operation will refrain any infections that might occur.
It is highly recommended by doctors to take special care following surgery to prevent any unwanted pain and discomfort. Trying to soften stools by taking a high fiber diet will ease strain when moving stools, taking stool softeners is also highly recommended. Taking baths in warm water will help relax muscles and ease pain as well.
As with any type of surgery there can be risks and difficulties in both early and late stages. In early stages after the surgery the problems can be constipation, hematoma (collection of blood in the surgical area) incontinence, infection as well as bleeding. In later stages after surgery problems can include rectal prolapse, a narrowing of the anal canal and the reappearance of hemorrhoids. If these symptoms appear, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.