Third and fourth degree hemorrhoids normally can’t be cured by normal procedures and require a hemorrhoidectomy. This surgery is used to remove internal hemorrhoids and in some severe cases it can be used to remove external hemorrhoids that have not been cured with the normal medication that is prescribed.

When under going this operation, it is necessary to use anesthesia and depending on the extent of the surgery, the patients’ preference to the medication and the patients’ health, there are three types of anesthesia that can be applied. The types of anesthesia are the following: general anesthesia, which leaves the patient fully unconscious, spinal anesthesia, which numbs from the waist down and local anesthesia which is injected directly into the area that is going to be operated on.

Normally tests are taken before the surgery is performed, depending on the patients health these test can include an x-ray of the chest, urine and blood samples and aspirin to thin the blood. In most cases the doctor will recommend that the patient refrains from eating or drinking from the night before the surgery to prevent the possibility of vomiting during or after the surgery is done.

The procedure for hemorrhoidectomy is a very simple one and once all the necessary preparations have been made the surgery will last from one hour to one hour and a half. The patients is placed face down on the operating table with the buttocks slightly raised and the legs placed in stirrups, this way the anus and rectum are exposed. One the anesthesia has taken effect the hemorrhoid will be clamped and tied to prevent it from bleeding and finally removed.

Once the operation is over, the patient will be sent to observation until the anesthesia wears out of the system completely; the patients will then undergo another test to see if he can urinate, this is to assure that there is no inflammation in the tissues sometimes caused by the operation. If everything is fine the patient will be sent home, but if any complication should arise, the patient will be kept under observation.

Pain and bleeding after the surgery is to be expected and because of this the doctor is likely to prescribe the patient with some medicine. It is also normal to bleed when moving bowels, especially directly after the surgery and it is sometimes recommended to take some numbing medication before trying to move bowels. Taking antibiotics after the operation will stop any infections that might occur.

It is highly recommended by doctors to take special care after surgery to prevent any unnecessary pain and discomfort. Trying to soften stools by eating a high fiber diet to ease strain when moving stools, taking stool softeners is also a great idea. Taking baths in warm water will help relax muscles and ease pain as well.

Every operation has its risk factor and common side effects. Some more common than others may appear after having a hemorrhoidectomy. The most common problems can include hematoma, constipation, bleeding and difficulties to urinate. More uncommon problems can occur at a later time and can be dangerous; these include bleeding severely and hemorrhoid reappearance. It is necessary to see a doctor straight away if any of these symptoms appear.