Haemorrhoid Surgery (Piles Removal)

What is a haemorrhoidectomy?

Haemorrhoidectomy, or haemorrhoid surgery, is a procedure to remove haemorrhoids (also known as piles).

Haemorrhoids, or piles, are enlarged, congested blood vessels inside your anus (the opening of your bowel). It can cause discomfort, pain and bleeding, especially when piles protrude out of the anus or a blood clot forms inside a pile (also known as a thrombosed haemorrhoid).

Illustration of haemorrhoid surgery, including internal, thrombosed, and external haemorrhoid surgery.

Haemorrhoids are present in everyone, but they are only considered abnormal when the haemorrhoidal vessels bleed or become enlarged. They can occur inside the anus (internal haemorrhoids) or just outside your anus (external haemorrhoids). Thrombosed haemorrhoids resulting from a blood clot are the most unpleasant and painful.

How it works

A haemorrhoid surgery removes large external haemorrhoids and internal haemorrhoids that have prolapsed or are causing problems.

Your doctor can perform surgery to remove haemorrhoids using different methods. This may involve either:

Cutting the haemorrhoids off with an electric blade
Stapling or sealing haemorrhoids with a laser beam

Why do you need haemorrhoid surgery?

Haemorrhoid is a common condition with risk factors revolving around lifestyle habits.

Treatment options include lifestyle changes and home remedies. In the early stages, medication and local treatment such as rubber band ligation can help to relieve symptoms.

If the haemorrhoids have grown too large or painful, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the haemorrhoids and provide long term relief. This is especially when medications and lifestyle changes have failed to address the symptoms adequately.

Before deciding on any procedure to treat your haemorrhoids, discuss with your surgeon the side effects, complications and long-term results.

What are the risks and complications of haemorrhoid surgery?

Haemorrhoid surgery is a safe, effective treatment for piles. Complications from surgery are uncommon, but can include:

Infection
Bleeding
Stricture (narrowing of the anus due to scar tissue)
Urinary retention

How do you prepare for haemorrhoid surgery?

To prepare for haemorrhoid surgery, you:

Should not consume any food for 6 – 8 hours before the procedure.
Should not consume any fluid 2 – 3 hours before the procedure.
Might need to stop taking medications for a period of time before the procedure.
Might want to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Once your surgery is scheduled, your doctor will provide you with more detailed advice.

What can you expect in haemorrhoid surgery?

Haemorrhoid surgery or piles removal surgery is:

Generally performed as day surgery.
An effective treatment for large prolapsing piles.
A minor surgery that involves a short downtime. You can return to work and daily activities quickly.

Estimated duration

Depending on the complexity of your condition, haemorrhoid surgery generally takes less than 1 hour.

Before the procedure

You will be given general anaesthesia to block the pain and keep you asleep during the procedure.

During the procedure

Your doctor will remove the haemorrhoids or piles using one of these methods:

Cutting the haemorrhoids off with an electric blade. You may need stitches to close up the incision.
Stapling or sealing them off with a laser beam

Care and recovery after haemorrhoid surgery

As haemorrhoid surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, you should be able to return home on the same day.

Recovery from haemorrhoid surgery usually takes around 2 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe pain relief medication and stool softeners, and advise you to consume more fibre to ease bowel movement.

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