Hemorrhoids are swollen veins very similar to varicose veins that are located both in the anus and in the lower part of the rectum. Although the origin of the increase in size or swelling are different causes, hemorrhoids are mainly caused by tension or effort when evacuating our intestines, digestive problems such as chronic diarrhea or constipation or by sitting for a long time in the bathroom, among others. . Although there are different methods and treatments to combat this condition, if you have hemorrhoids or piles that are too large, your doctor may recommend a procedure known as a hemorrhoidectomy.
Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical operation that is used to eliminate these piles in the event that other treatments and less invasive methods have not worked.
Hemorrhoidectomy: what is it and how long does the hemorrhoids postoperative period last?
Hemorrhoids or piles are swollen veins that are found in the anus and in the lower part of the rectum, produced mainly by the pressure or effort that some people make when trying to defecate. Depending on the severity of these, there are 4 types of hemorrhoids: those of grade 1 and 2 are considered as mild hemorrhoids since they spontaneously return to the interior of the channel. In the case of grade 3 and 4, they are seen as serious piles since they can only be reintroduced manually (in grade 3) or they directly prolapse and are left out permanently.
In these degrees where the hemorrhoids cannot be reintroduced due to increased pressure or size, the only solution to end this problem is to perform a hemorrhoidectomy , a surgical operation where the surgeon uses various techniques to remove the excess tissue that is causing both the bleeding and other symptoms. The duration of this surgical procedure is usually approximately one hour and the patient can go home the same day of surgery after recovering from anesthesia.
But, how long does the postoperative period of a hemorrhoid surgery last ? Full recovery after performing a hemorrhoidectomy is usually about 10-15 days. However, there is a possibility to resume some of our daily activities after 2-3 days after the operation. Everything will depend on the degree of pain that we have after the operation and the necessary care for an adequate recovery.
How to relieve pain after a hemorrhoid operation or hemorrhoidectomy
As we mentioned in the previous section, it is quite common that after the hemorrhoids operation we have some discomfort in the affected area such as pain and a little bleeding, especially after the first bowel movements. If this is your case, below we will explain how pain can be relieved after a hemorrhoid operation :
- Analgesic medications: surely the doctor will prescribe these drugs after the operation to calm the pain. In addition to following the doctor's recommendations, it is also advisable that you take the prescribed pain relievers before the discomfort becomes too intense.
- Antibiotics: Some doctors also often prescribe antibiotic treatments after the surgical procedure, both to relieve pain and to prevent possible infections.
- Soften the stool: the first bowel movements can cause discomfort and a little bleeding. To do this, your doctor may prescribe these fiber-enriched drugs to make it easier for you to have a bowel movement.
- Ice packs: Another treatment to relieve pain after a hemorrhoid operation is to wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth and apply it to the affected area. However, it is important that you do not use this compress for more than 15 minutes at a time and that you never put the ice directly on the skin. In this other article you can learn more about How to deflate hemorrhoids with ice .
- Sitz bath: this remedy usually relieves postoperative pain quite a bit and also helps to relax muscle tension in the area. To use it you will have to fill a bathtub with warm water until it covers your buttocks and hips and then sit for a few minutes in it.
Postoperative care of a hemorrhoidectomy
In addition to relieving pain after a hemorrhoid operation, it is also important that you take into account the following tips on postoperative care of a hemorrhoidectomy :
- When to shower: It is important that you wait at least one day to shower after surgery.
- Foods rich in fibers : this nutrient is essential to avoid having problems when defecating. Include in your diet foods such as whole grains, fruits, legumes, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
- Avoid the consumption of certain foods and drinks: just as the previous ones are recommended, you will have to stop consuming spicy, seasoned or spiced foods during that period of time, since they can irritate the anal mucosa. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is also prohibited as they will slow down recovery.
- Drink a lot of water: it is important that you drink at least 2 liters of water a day as it will help you improve your intestinal transit.
- Do not smoke: tobacco is also an irritating substance that will damage both the gastric mucosa and that of the anus. For this reason, it is recommended that during the postoperative period you forget about this type of product.
- Wear loose clothing: clothing that is too tight can cause dilation of the venous vessels of the anus. It is also recommended that you use fabrics such as cotton as it will help you perspire better and prevent fungal infections due to the accumulation of moisture in the skin.
