Over 240 million human beings in this world today have or have had problems with hemorrhoids. For the most part people can treat them at home with home remedies and over the counter medicines. But if you let them go and they reach a severe stage, the only way to get rid of the problem is by having a hemorrhoids removal procedure done. This is the best possible way to receive long term relief.

The main hemorrhoids removal procedure is called a hemorrhoidectomy. Normally this procedure is an out patient surgery, however sometimes the patient has been required to stay over night in the hospital. This type of surgery is available on internal and external hemorrhoids. However this type of treatment is the last resort when all the others failed.

A hemorrhoidectomy - or hemorrhoids removal - is typically accomplished by first placing the patient under anesthesia. A small incision is then made in the swollen tissue by the surgeon, who then ties off the veins leading to the hemorrhoid to prevent bleeding. After this hemorrhoids removal procedure is accomplished, the wound is typically covered in gauze (or is sometimes stitched closed). Most of the time the patient can return home that same day.

After the hemorrhoids removal procedure, the average recovery time is normally anywhere from two to three weeks. During this recovery time, a patient can expect to be under a lot of pain. Pain medication is usually prescribed, but since it can cause constipation, a patient should limit their intake daily. A few Tylenol often will be sufficient to help deal with pain and prevent constipation.

The success rate for hemorrhoids removal procedures is over 90% in almost all cases (i.e. the hemorrhoids never return). Around 5% of the people undergoing this procedure have reported that their hemorrhoids have returned with time.

Some of the most common risks doctors report with hemorrhoids removal procedures are pain, bleeding, and problems going to the restroom. Some doctors also have reported in the most extreme cases narrowing of the anal opening. Any hemorrhoids removal procedure is painful; however it just might be worth it if you are in constant pain from swollen irritated hemorrhoids everyday!

Caring for the wounds caused by a hemorrhoids removal procedure is vital to speed up recovery time following the operation. Pain is, unfortunately, a certainty. Over the counter medications for pain are preferred to prescribe pain relief medication because the latter can cause constipation, which will make your recovery only worse. It may help to use stool softeners if one has to take pain medication, to help mitigate the symptoms of constipation.

Many patients who have had a hemorrhoids removal procedure done have used ice packs 2-3 times a day for the first few days. This will keep the swelling done to a minimum. After the first few days you should switch from ice to heat. This is done by using a sitz bath or heating pack. It’s recommended that you use a sitz bath 2-3 times a day to relieve the swelling and pressure. Also eating a high fiber diet after surgery will help in passing your stool easier. Your surgeon will give you follow up directions in all the things you need to do to insure a speedy recovery.