What is a Haemorrhoidectomy?

A haemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove haemorrhoids commonly known as piles. Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that develop inside or around the back passage (anus and rectum). They can cause pain, itching, bleeding, and discomfort, especially during bowel movements.

While many cases of haemorrhoids can be managed with creams, dietary changes, or small office procedures, a haemorrhoidectomy is needed when these simpler treatments no longer work. It is considered the most effective and long-lasting solution for severe haemorrhoids.

When is a Haemorrhoidectomy Needed?

Not everyone with haemorrhoids needs surgery. Your doctor will usually recommend a haemorrhoidectomy when:

• Haemorrhoids are large, painful, or keep coming back
• You have Grade III or Grade IV haemorrhoids (those that prolapse or permanently hang out of the anus)
• There is persistent bleeding that hasn't responded to other treatments
• A haemorrhoid has become thrombosed (a blood clot has formed inside it, causing severe pain)
• Office-based treatments like rubber band ligation or injection therapy have failed
• Both internal and external haemorrhoids are present at the same time

Your surgeon will examine you thoroughly and only recommend surgery after weighing the benefits against the risks for your particular situation.

How Do I Prepare for a Haemorrhoidectomy?

Preparation is straightforward. Here is what you can generally expect:

Before the procedure, your surgeon or nurse will give you specific instructions. These typically include stopping certain medications like blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin) for a few days beforehand, as these increase the risk of bleeding. Always inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.

Fasting is required before surgery — usually nothing to eat or drink for 6–8 hours before the procedure, as it is performed under anaesthesia.

Bowel preparation may or may not be required depending on your surgeon's preference. Some surgeons ask patients to use an enema or laxative the night before to clear the bowel.

Arrange for someone to drive you home, as you will not be able to drive after anaesthesia. It is also a good idea to arrange for someone to stay with you for the first day or two at home.

What Happens During a Haemorrhoidectomy?

The procedure is usually performed as a day case, meaning most patients go home the same day. It takes roughly 30–45 minutes.

You will be given anaesthesia — this may be general anaesthesia (where you are fully asleep), spinal anaesthesia (where the lower half of your body is numbed), or local anaesthesia with sedation. Your surgeon will discuss the best option for you.

Once you are comfortable and anaesthetised, the surgeon will:

• Position you either on your back with legs raised or lying on your side
• Gently dilate the anus to access the haemorrhoids
• Cut away and remove the haemorrhoidal tissue
• Either leave the wounds open to heal naturally (Milligan-Morgan technique) or close them with dissolvable stitches (Ferguson technique)

In some cases, a stapling device may be used (stapled haemorrhoidopexy) or a special Doppler probe to tie off the blood vessels feeding the haemorrhoids (HAL procedure) — both of which tend to cause less pain after surgery.

What Happens After the Haemorrhoidectomy?

Immediately after surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where nurses will monitor you as the anaesthesia wears off. You may feel some pain, soreness, or pressure around the anal area — this is completely normal.

Before going home, your medical team will make sure you have passed urine (urinary retention is a common short-term issue after this surgery), your pain is controlled, and you understand your aftercare instructions.

You will be sent home with a prescription for pain relief and stool softeners. Most patients are discharged the same day, though some may stay overnight.

Recovering from a Haemorrhoidectomy

Recovery takes about 2–6 weeks depending on the extent of surgery. Here is what to expect:

• Pain is the most significant part of recovery. The anal area is very sensitive, and soreness is expected, especially during the first bowel movement. Taking your prescribed painkillers regularly — rather than waiting until the pain becomes severe — makes a big difference.
• Sitz baths (sitting in a few inches of warm water for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times a day and after each bowel movement) are very helpful in relieving pain and keeping the area clean.
• Diet and fluids play a crucial role. Drinking plenty of water and eating a high-fibre diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) helps keep stools soft and reduces straining.
• Activity should be gradually increased. Light walking from day one is encouraged, but avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or long periods of sitting for at least 2 weeks.
• Return to work depends on the nature of your job. Desk-based workers can often return in 1–2 weeks, while those with physically demanding jobs may need 3–4 weeks off.
• Follow-up appointment will be scheduled a few weeks after surgery so your surgeon can check that healing is progressing well.

What are the Risks of a Haemorrhoidectomy?

Like any surgery, a haemorrhoidectomy carries some risks. Most people recover without any serious problems, but it is important to be aware of the following:

• Common risks include pain (which can be significant), urinary retention (difficulty passing urine — the most common short-term complication), bleeding, and infection.
• Less common risks include anal stricture (narrowing of the anal passage due to scarring), anal fistula (an abnormal tunnel forming between the anal canal and the skin), and recurrence of haemorrhoids.
• Rare but serious risks include damage to the anal sphincter muscles, which can affect bowel control (faecal incontinence). This is rare when surgery is performed carefully by an experienced surgeon.

You should contact your doctor or go to the emergency department if you experience heavy bleeding, high fever, severe worsening pain, or an inability to pass urine or stools after surgery.

Who Shouldn't Have a Haemorrhoidectomy?

Haemorrhoidectomy is not suitable for everyone. Surgery may be avoided or delayed in the following situations:

• Pregnancy — surgery is generally postponed until after delivery, as haemorrhoids often improve on their own after childbirth.
• Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis — active inflammatory bowel disease significantly impairs wound healing and increases the risk of serious complications like perianal sepsis.
• Severely compromised immunity — patients on chemotherapy or those with advanced HIV may have very poor healing capacity.
• Uncontrolled bleeding disorders — surgery carries a very high bleeding risk in people who cannot have their blood thinners safely stopped.
• Mild haemorrhoids — if symptoms are manageable with lifestyle changes and simple treatments, surgery is unnecessary and not recommended.

Your surgeon will carefully assess your overall health before deciding whether surgery is the right path for you.

How Do You Poop After a Haemorrhoidectomy?

This is one of the most common concerns patients have — and understandably so. The first bowel movement after surgery can feel daunting, but there are practical steps to make it easier:

• Take your stool softeners as prescribed starting from the day of surgery. These are not laxatives — they simply make the stool softer and easier to pass without straining.
• Stay hydrated and eat fibre-rich foods from day one. This prevents hard, dry stools which are painful and can damage healing tissue.
• Don't delay going to the toilet when you feel the urge. Holding it in makes the stool harder and the experience worse.
• Use warm water soaks before and after each bowel movement to relax the area and ease discomfort.
• Avoid straining at all costs. If you feel you need to strain, it may mean you need more fibre, fluids, or a stronger stool softener — speak to your doctor.
• Expect some discomfort for the first few bowel movements — this is normal. It gradually becomes much easier over the following days and weeks as healing progresses.

Most patients find that once they get through the first bowel movement, their anxiety reduces significantly. With the right preparation and pain management, it is very manageable.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Hemorrhoidectomy in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Hemorrhoidectomy in Lucknow, India. Our experienced colorectal and general surgeons use advanced surgical techniques to safely and effectively remove internal or external hemorrhoids to provide lasting relief from pain, bleeding, and discomfort caused by severe or recurring hemorrhoidal conditions. We ensure accurate diagnosis, personalized surgical planning, and comprehensive post-operative care for a safe and smooth recovery. With expert colorectal care and affordable pricing, our Hemorrhoidectomy cost is suitable for patients seeking high-quality hemorrhoid surgical treatment in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Hemorrhoidectomy in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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