There are different surgical options for treating hemorrhoids that cause a person discomfort. Surgeries aim to restrict the blood supply or remove the hemorrhoid.
Rubber band ligation is a common example of hemorrhoid surgery. This procedure involves using a band to restrict the blood supply to a hemorrhoid, causing it eventually to fall off.
The recovery time for hemorrhoid surgery varies but, for many people, it can be as short as 1 week.
This article will discuss the purpose of hemorrhoid surgeries, the different types, and recovery times.
Purpose
Hemorrhoids, or piles, are veins inside or around the anus and lower rectum that have become inflamed.
They are very common, affecting around 1 in 20 people in the United States.
There are two types of hemorrhoids, depending on their location. External hemorrhoids form under the skin of the anus, whereas internal hemorrhoids form within the lining of the anus and lower rectum.
In many cases, hemorrhoids occur without symptoms and people may not notice them. In other cases, the symptoms can be uncomfortable and may require treatment.
The symptoms of external hemorrhoids can include:
- itching around the anus
- pain around the anus, particularly when sitting
- tender lumps around the anus
The symptoms of internal hemorrhoids can include:
- bleeding during bowel movements
- hemorrhoid falling out of the anus, known as a prolapse
The most effective form of treatment for hemorrhoids that are causing uncomfortable symptoms is hemorrhoid surgery. Typically, this is an option for people who are experiencing symptoms that do not respond to other forms of therapy, such as dietary changes.
The aim of surgery is to make the hemorrhoid shrink or disappear. This is done by:
- removing the hemorrhoid
- reducing blood supply to the hemorrhoid
Surgery can be helpful for symptoms that are causing significant pain, as a doctor can remove the hemorrhoid quickly. However, the recovery time from surgery can be several weeks.
Another advantage of surgery is that a doctor can remove multiple hemorrhoids in one go.
The recovery time for these procedures varies.
Procedures that restrict the blood supply to a hemorrhoid require several days afterward for the hemorrhoid to fall off.
The wound can then take 1 to 2 weeks to fully heal.
Hemorrhoid banding can take two to four procedures to remove a hemorrhoid entirely. The procedures are usually 6 to 8 weeks apart.
The recovery time for surgical procedures that remove hemorrhoids varies. It can take 1 to 3 weeks to make a full recovery.
Following surgery, people can help their recovery by doing the following:
- eating a fiber-rich diet
- avoiding sitting for long periods
- drinking plenty of water
- taking a Sitz bath
- not straining during a bowel movement
- avoiding regular, heavy lifting
- avoiding long periods of sitting
Outlook
All types of hemorrhoid surgery involve safe procedures that can treat hemorrhoids effectively. They are a good option if other nonsurgical treatments have not been successful. In most cases, a full recovery is possible within 1 to 3 weeks.
Serious complications are rare, but it is possible to experience some bleeding after surgery. If the bleeding becomes severe, it is essential to contact a doctor.
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