Why is this procedure done?
Large, bulging blood vessels in and around the anus and rectum are called hemorrhoids. They can be found inside your body or on the outside. The anus is the opening of the rectum through which stool passes out of your body. You may need to have a procedure done if your hemorrhoids: ‚
- Are bleeding a lot.
- Are very painful.
- Have a blood clot. This is a thrombosed hemorrhoid.
- Are coming out through the anus. This is a prolapsed hemorrhoid.
What will the results be?
The pain and bleeding will be relieved. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
Your doctor will do a rectal exam and may order some tests. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
Your doctor will give you one of three types of anesthesia: ‚
- You may be asleep during the procedure. This is general anesthesia.
- You may be given drugs so you do not feel anything from the waist down. This is spinal anesthesia.
- The doctor uses a numbing drug at the site of the hemorrhoid. This is local anesthesia.
Your doctor will put a small tube with a tiny camera into your anus. This will let the doctor see the hemorrhoids. After finding them, the doctor will cut them out. Your wounds will either be closed with a stitch or left open to heal. The whole procedure will take from 1 to 2 hours. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You will feel pain after the procedure. Take your drugs for pain as ordered by your doctor.
- You may have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
- Soften stools
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hard stools
- Return of hemorrhoids
Where can I learn more?
American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons ‚
http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/hemorrhoids/ ‚
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hemorrhoids/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚