Hemorrhoids, though common, can cause significant discomfort, ranging from mild irritation to severe pain and bleeding. If non-surgical treatments like creams, lifestyle changes, and minimally invasive procedures don’t bring relief, hemorrhoid surgery might be necessary to provide long-term relief and restore your quality of life. Visit our site to know about Hemorrhoids surgeon in Riyadh  (افضل دكتور بواسير في شرق الرياض).

If you're considering hemorrhoid surgery or have been advised to undergo the procedure, you may have many questions about the process. What will the surgery involve? How long is the recovery period? What can I do to prepare? This guide will walk you through what to expect before, during, and after hemorrhoid surgery so you can feel confident and prepared for the procedure.

Before Hemorrhoid Surgery: Preparation and Planning

Proper preparation is key to a successful surgery and recovery. Here’s what you can expect in the days or weeks leading up to your procedure:

1. Consultation with Your Doctor

Before surgery, you’ll have a consultation with your healthcare provider to discuss your condition, treatment options, and the best surgical approach for you. The doctor will ask about your medical history, medications, and any allergies to ensure that surgery is safe for you.

You may also be asked questions about:

• Your bowel habits: Any constipation or straining can exacerbate hemorrhoids, so your doctor will want to know about your digestive health.

• Previous treatments: The doctor will review any non-surgical treatments you’ve tried, including topical ointments or over-the-counter remedies.

• Health concerns: If you have any underlying conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, these may affect the choice of anesthesia or surgical technique.

2. Pre-Surgery Instructions

To ensure the procedure goes smoothly, your doctor will provide specific instructions:

• Dietary restrictions: You may need to follow a special diet leading up to your surgery, such as avoiding solid food for 12 hours before the procedure. This is especially important if you’re undergoing general anesthesia.

• Laxatives: Some patients may be asked to take a mild laxative the night before surgery to ensure their bowels are empty and minimize the risk of complications.

• Stop certain medications: If you take blood thinners or any medications that affect bleeding (like aspirin or ibuprofen), you may need to stop taking them for several days before surgery.

3. Arranging for Help

While hemorrhoid surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, you may experience some discomfort or need assistance after the procedure. It’s a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you home from the surgery and stay with you for a day or two if needed.

During Hemorrhoid Surgery: What Happens in the Operating Room

The surgery itself is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you won’t need to stay in the hospital overnight. You’ll be given anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. Depending on the technique and your doctor’s recommendation, this may involve:

1. Anesthesia

Most hemorrhoid surgeries are done under local anesthesia (numbing the area) with sedation, meaning you’ll be awake but relaxed during the procedure. In some cases, particularly with more extensive surgery like a hemorrhoidectomy, general anesthesia may be used, putting you to sleep throughout the operation.

Your doctor will discuss the best type of anesthesia for you based on the procedure and your health status.

2. The Surgical Procedure

There are several surgical options available for hemorrhoids, and the procedure will depend on the severity of your hemorrhoids:

• Hemorrhoidectomy: This is the most common procedure for severe hemorrhoids. The surgeon will make small incisions to remove the swollen hemorrhoidal tissue. The surgery usually takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of hemorrhoids being removed. Hemorrhoidectomy is often done for large, prolapsed, or thrombosed hemorrhoids.

• Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: This involves using a stapling device to remove part of the hemorrhoidal tissue and then stapling the remaining tissue back into place. This procedure is less painful and has a shorter recovery time than hemorrhoidectomy, but it may not be suitable for large hemorrhoids.

• Doppler-Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (DG-HAL): This technique uses a Doppler ultrasound to locate the blood vessels feeding the hemorrhoids, which are then tied off to shrink the hemorrhoids. This is a minimally invasive procedure with less pain and a faster recovery.

• Laser Hemorrhoidectomy: A laser is used to shrink or remove hemorrhoidal tissue. This method may be used for smaller hemorrhoids and results in less bleeding.

Regardless of the technique, the goal of hemorrhoid surgery is to remove the problematic tissue and reduce pain, bleeding, and swelling.

3. What You’ll Feel

During the procedure, you should feel no pain, thanks to the anesthesia. After the surgery, as the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort or pain in the treated area, which is common and will be managed with prescribed pain relief medication.

After Hemorrhoid Surgery: Recovery and Aftercare

Once your surgery is complete, you’ll be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications. After a few hours, if everything is stable, you’ll be able to go home the same day. Here’s what you can expect during your recovery:

1. Pain Management

It’s normal to experience some discomfort or pain following hemorrhoid surgery, especially for the first few days. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medications or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help manage the pain.

You may also experience soreness or swelling around the anus, which can be alleviated by using warm sitz baths (sitting in warm water) or applying ice packs to the affected area. Most patients report that the pain is manageable, and it decreases significantly after the first few days.

2. Diet and Bowel Movements

After surgery, it’s important to maintain a high-fiber diet and stay hydrated to promote soft bowel movements and prevent constipation, which can lead to straining. Your doctor may recommend laxatives or stool softeners to keep your stools soft and make bowel movements easier.

You should also avoid straining during bowel movements, as this can irritate the surgical site and potentially cause complications. If you experience any bleeding or severe pain during bowel movements, let your doctor know immediately.

3. Rest and Activity Restrictions

For the first week or two after surgery, it’s important to rest and avoid strenuous physical activity, such as heavy lifting, running, or sitting for long periods. You may be able to return to work within a few days to a week depending on the nature of your job and the type of surgery you had.

You may also be advised to avoid sitting for extended periods to reduce pressure on the surgical area. Consider using a donut-shaped cushion to sit more comfortably, especially in the first few weeks.

4. Follow-Up Appointments

After your surgery, you’ll need a follow-up appointment to check on your recovery and ensure that there are no complications. Your doctor will assess the surgical site, remove any sutures (if applicable), and ensure that your healing process is on track.

5. Potential Complications

While rare, complications can occur after hemorrhoid surgery. These may include:

• Infection: Keep the surgical area clean and follow your doctor’s care instructions to reduce the risk of infection.

• Excessive bleeding: If you experience persistent bleeding or unusual discharge, contact your doctor immediately.

• Wound healing issues: In some cases, the surgical site may take longer to heal, or you may develop scarring or narrowing of the anus (stricture), which can affect bowel movements.

If any of these complications occur, your doctor can help manage them and ensure proper healing.

Long-Term Outlook: A Life Without Hemorrhoids

The good news is that hemorrhoid surgery provides a long-term solution for many patients. Once the hemorrhoidal tissue is removed or treated, the symptoms generally don’t return, and most people experience a significant improvement in their quality of life. However, it’s important to follow healthy lifestyle habits—like eating a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding prolonged sitting—to prevent hemorrhoids from recurring.

Conclusion: A New, Pain-Free Chapter

Hemorrhoid surgery may sound intimidating, but with the right preparation, proper aftercare, and patience, it can provide the long-awaited relief you've been seeking. If you’re dealing with persistent hemorrhoids, surgery can offer permanent relief from pain, bleeding, and discomfort, allowing you to move forward with a more comfortable and active life.