What Is a Hemorrhoidectomy, and How Painful Is the Recovery Process?

Question

I’ve been struggling with severe hemorrhoids for months now, and my doctor has suggested a hemorrhoidectomy as a last resort. I’ve tried various treatments like creams, sitz baths, and dietary changes, but nothing seems to give long-term relief. Now, I’m worried about what the surgery involves and how painful the recovery process might be.

From what I understand, a hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove large or thrombosed hemorrhoids. But how do doctors decide whether surgery is necessary? Are there less invasive options before going straight to a hemorrhoidectomy?

One thing that really concerns me is the pain after the surgery. I’ve read that some people experience severe pain while passing stool for weeks after a hemorrhoidectomy. How long does it usually take to heal, and what can be done to manage the discomfort during recovery?

Since I prefer natural remedies, I also looked into Ayurveda’s approach to treating hemorrhoids. Are there Ayurvedic treatments that can help with healing after a hemorrhoidectomy, like herbal sitz baths, Triphala, or dietary changes? Could these also help avoid the need for surgery in the first place?

For those who have had a hemorrhoidectomy, what was your experience like? Was the pain manageable, and how long did it take to return to normal activities? I’d love to hear from others who have gone through this and what helped them recover faster.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

A hemorrhoidectomy is typically considered when other treatments, like creams, sitz baths, and dietary changes, fail to provide long-term relief, or if the hemorrhoids are large, thrombosed, or causing significant pain and bleeding. Doctors generally reserve surgery for cases that are severe or chronic. Before surgery, other less invasive options might include rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or infrared coagulation, which can provide relief without the need for an operation. Regarding recovery, it’s common to experience pain after a hemorrhoidectomy, especially when passing stool, and recovery can take several weeks. Pain management often includes stool softeners, pain relievers, and warm sitz baths. To help speed up healing and reduce discomfort, keeping the area clean and applying soothing topical ointments may help. In Ayurveda, treatments like Triphala (for digestion), herbal sitz baths (using herbs like witch hazel or neem), and dietary changes (increasing fiber intake) can promote healing and prevent further issues. These remedies may help both in the recovery process and in managing hemorrhoids naturally before they require surgery. As for those who have undergone a hemorrhoidectomy, many report that while the initial recovery is painful, the results are often worth it, and the pain typically subsides as the healing process continues. Returning to normal activities can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on individual healing.

What Is a Hemorrhoidectomy, and How Painful Is the Recovery Process? - #15691

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