Hemorrhoidectomy

altA hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure that treats severe hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids occur when rectal blood vessels swell and get pushed toward the surface. The two types of hemorrhoids are internal and external. External hemorrhoids are near the anus, while internal hemorrhoids are located closer to the colon.

In a hemorrhoidectomy, the hemorrhoid is surgically cut off, and the blood vessel is closed off. It is perfectly normal to experience some pain or discomfort after the procedure. Hemorrhoidectomies can be done under local or spinal anesthesia.

Diagnosing Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are diagnosed by rectal examination. A physician will need to insert an anoscope to diagnose internal hemorrhoids, and the entire rectum can be examined by using a proctoscope. A sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy can also be use to examine the colon to rule out any other gastrointestinal problems.

Common symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

  • Anal itching
  • Minor bleeding during bowel movements
  • Lumps on the anus
  • Pain during bowel movements

Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids

There are several different ways to treat hemorrhoids. For a good many people, hemorrhoids go away on their own. For those not as lucky, medical assistance may be required. The two most common treatment methods are hemorrhoid banding and surgery.

Banding is a painless procedure (since it done above the nerve line) in which a band is placed around the base of the blood vessel so that the hemorrhoid will eventually fall off. A small rubber band is placed around the tissue just above the hemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, which will fall off after a day or two. Patients do not feel anything when the hemorrhoid falls off and pass it when they use the restroom. This procedure cannot be performed on external hemorrhoids.

Surgery is used for more severe cases in which non-invasive treatment options have not worked. A common surgical method our Beverly Hills colorectal surgeons employ to treat severe hemorrhoids is a hemorrhoidectomy procedure known as the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH).

Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids (PPH)

The procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (also known as stapled hemorrhoidectomy) is the most commonly used surgical remedy for third-degree hemorrhoids. PPH may also be used in cases where medical management has failed in stage two as well as stage four cases.

The procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids is done in an out patient setting under intravenous anesthesia at La Peer Health Systems in Beverly Hills. Unlike a traditional hemorrhoidectomy in which the entire hemorrhoid is removed, this procedure removes the only abnormal portion of the hemorrhoid. A portion of the hemorrhoid is put back in its normal anatomic position where it should continue to act as a cushion for bowel movements. A special hemorrhoidal stapler gently inserted into the anorectum, and the excess hemorrhoidal tissue is drawn into the stapler. The stapler is then fired, excess tissue is removed, and the lining is automatically re-approximated with titanium staples.

This type of hemorrhoidectomy lasts between 30 to 45 minutes and usually results in less discomfort post-surgery compared to traditional hemorrhoidectomies. This minimally invasive alternative allows most patients to return to work or other normal daily activities quicker too when compared with traditional surgery. Patients can also return home within an hour of the operation.

Contact a Colorectal Surgeon in Beverly Hills

When you are getting a surgical procedure done, you want a surgeon that is highly trained and uses state-of-the-art techniques. That is exactly what you get at La Peer.

The Department of General & Colorectal Surgery at La Peer Health Systems specializes on the diseases and conditions of the abdominal area and digestive organs with a particular focus on colorectal and laparoscopic procedures in which small incisions are made instead of one large incision. This technique has been proven to lower the risk of complications, infections, scarring, and decreases the healing time.

Contact the colorectal surgeons at La Peer Health Systems at (855) 360-9119 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

For more information on hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid treatment options at La Peer, please visit our hemorrhoidectomy surgery center website.

Next, read about Hernia Surgery.