Surgical & Endoscopy
CARE CONSULTING

Hemorrhoid treament includes:

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• Banding

• Stapling 

• Surgical removal

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Patient information:

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The information here is a guide only and does not replace my discussions with you on the day of consultation.

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Hemorrhoids

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What causes them?

 

They are simply swelling of blood vessel networks around the back passage.

What are the risk factors for Hemorrhoids?

Whatever that increase the tummy pressure:

 

-Constipation

-Pregnancy

-Lifting

-Chronic cough

-Obesity

 

 

What symptoms should I expect from Hemorrhoids?

It depends if they are inside or outside of back passage

-Generally these cause bleeding, itching, feeling of lump, pain. Whenever you notice the bleeding from the back passage it is very important to talk to your GP for examination and diagnosis. It can be a symptom of other serious condition like cancer.

 

What can be done about the Hemorrhoids?

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There are few options to treat Hemorrhoids.

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Simple lifestyle changes can help preventing them from bleeding and getting worse:

-High fiber diet

-Plenty of fluid intake. Usually 2-3 liters

-lose weight

-Stop smoking

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Surgical options are:

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-Banding of haemorrhoids, this can be done at the same time as colonoscopy

-Stapling

-Removing them with surgery

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These options will be discussed during consultation and tailored to your condition.

 

  

How do I remove/Staple the Hemorrhoids?

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You will be advised to fast prior to the procedure, and the updated details will be given to you from my rooms or nursing team depending on timing  of procedure.

This is done under general anaesthesia. Once you are fully sleep I will remove up to three largest hemorrhoids. Not all hemorrhoid tissue will be removed. This is to ensure that you do not develop narrowing in the back passage secondary to scarring.

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Stapling of haemorrhoids involves special stapling instrument which will remove the haemorrhoids. This is also performed under general anaesthesia

 

What happens after surgery?

 

-Most patients who undergo surgery will stay for one to 2 nights.

-You will be given regular simple pain relief medications. Examples include Panadol and Nurofen. Sometimes you require stronger pain relief and this be prescribed in your medication chart.

-Your wound will be checked by nursing staff and will be given medications to prevent clot formation in legs together with white stockings(this will also reduce the risk of clot formation).Your heart rate, breathing rate, Blood pressure and temperature and your blood oxygen levels will be checked regularly.

-You generally can have normal diet and there are no restrictions after anaesthesia

-You may experience having trouble passing urine, and the nursing staff will need to be notified. At times if simple measures don’t help some patients require temporary urinary catheter.

-You will be given a device to help with breathing after surgery if you have underlying lung problem or if having trouble breathing well.

 

 

 After discharge

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-You may experience small amount of bleeding for few days. You might need to wear a pad for about a week.

-Try to use salt bath two to three times every day for about 10-15 minutes.This will reduce the pain and swelling.Simply add a tablespoon of salt to just enough water to cover below your waist.

-If you require strong pain relief this may cause constipation so you might need over the counter laxatives if simple measure don’t work.

-Try to do light activity shortly after surgery.

-The will be no sutures

-I will prescribe you antibiotic for 5 days.

-You should not drive for 24 hours after the operation and avoid lifting heavy items for at least 6 weeks after surgery. A medical certificate will be provided if required.

- If you are worried please don’t hesitate to call my rooms for earlier review.

 

What are the risks of hemorrhoid surgery?

There are general and specific risks to surgery:

-Heart problems, clots in legs, stroke especially if there are pre-existing serious medical conditions before surgery.

 -Anal ulcer, this is mainly due to delayed healing of the wound

 -Infection and blood poisoning and heavy bleeding from back passage around seven to days after surgery. Potentially life threatening condition but very rare.

-Re-operation if they come back.

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What costs to be incurred from this practice?

 

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There will be an out of pocket charge for your procedure from my service. When you present to my rooms for consultation, this is not covered by your private health funds. You will get some of the money for outpatient consultations back from Medicare.

 

There may be an out pocket expenses for anaesthetic services depending on your level of cover.Please contact Downs anaesthetics for further details.

You should ask them ahead of time about this cost. You will also have to pay any hospital excesses that your policy dictates. We will provide you with contact details after consultation so you could check ahead of time.

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