Medical Health Encyclopedia

Hemorrhoid surgery

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I K L M O P R S T U V

Hemorrhoid surgery - series

Overview Recovery Risks

Hemorrhoid surgery

Definition:

Hemorrhoid surgery is the removal of enlarged veins around the anus (hemorrhoids).

Alternative Names:
Hemorrhoidectomy

Text Continues Below

---

Description:

Hemorrhoids are swollen (enlarged, dilated) veins (varicose veins ) inside (internal) or outside (external) the anus that are usually caused by increased pressure, such as straining when constipated or during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids can cause pain, bleeding, clots, and itching.

Hemorrhoids can be removed surgically while the patient is sedated and pain-free (local or spinal anesthesia) or deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia). The enlarged vein (hemorrhoid) is removed and a gauze packing is inserted to reduce bleeding.

Smaller hemorrhoids can be banded -- a small rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid, causing the hemorrhoid tissue to die and fall off from lack of blood flow. Alternatively, such hemorrhoids can be injected with a sclerosing (hardening) agent, which has the same effect. These procedures can often be done as an outpatient or office procedure with minimal or no anesthesia.

Indications:

Hemorrhoid removal may be recommended when nonsurgical treatment (fiber-rich diet, laxatives, stool softener, suppositories, medications, warm baths) has not provided adequate relief from:

• Persistent itching
• Anal bleeding
• Pain
• Blood clots (thrombosis of the hemorrhoids)
• Infection

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.