Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Hemorrhoidectomy

(Hemorrhoid Removal)

How to Say It: HEM-roy-DEK-tuh-mee

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

A hemorrhoidectomy is done to remove hemorrhoids. These are swollen veins found in or around the anus and rectum.

Hemorrhoid

Reasons for Procedure

This may be done for hemorrhoids that:

Do not get better using other methods
Cause excess bleeding
Have a blood clot
Stick out through the anus

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

Excess bleeding
Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
Infection
Blood clots
Problems passing stool
Hemorrhoids that come back
Narrowing of the anal canal
Loss of bowel or bladder control

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

Smoking
Drinking
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity
Prior anal surgery

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

Anesthesia options
Any allergies you may have
Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
Clearing the intestines with a laxative the night before
Whether you need a ride to and from surgery

Anesthesia

The doctor may give:

Spinal anesthesia—you will be numb from the belly down
General anesthesia—you will be asleep

Description of the Procedure

A cut will be made around each hemorrhoid. The swollen vein inside will be tied off so it does not bleed. The hemorrhoid will then be taken out. The wounds will either be stitched closed or left open to heal.

There is more than one method to remove hemorrhoids. The method used will depend on the one that will work best for you.

How Long Will It Take?

About 1 to 2 hours

Will It Hurt?

Pain and swelling are common. Medicine and home care can help.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

The staff may give you pain medicine after the procedure.

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection, such as:

Washing their hands
Wearing gloves or masks
Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
Not letting others touch your incisions

At Home

It will take 6 to 8 weeks to recover. Physical activity may need to be limited during recovery. Dietary changes will also need to be made. You may need to ask for help with daily activities and delay return to work for a about a week.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
Pain that you cannot control with medicine
Problems passing stool or urine
Unexpected discharge from the anus
Passed large amounts of blood

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Gastroenterological Association
https://www.gastro.org

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
https://www.fascrs.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
https://www.cag-acg.org

College of Family Physicians of Canada
https://www.cfpc.ca

References:

Davis BR, Lee-Kong SA, et al. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hemorrhoids. Dis Colon Rectum. 2018 Mar;61(3):284-292.

Hemorrhoids. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hemorrhoids. Accessed December 4, 2020.

Hemorrhoids. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/anorectal-disorders/hemorrhoids. Accessed December 4, 2020.

Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 4/20/2021

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