Hemorrhoidectomy for Hemorrhoids

Recovery takes about 2 to 3 weeks.

Going home after surgery

• Right after the surgery, when you are still under anesthesia, you will be given a long-acting Reference local anesthetic Opens New Window. It should last 6 to 12 hours to provide pain relief after surgery. If you are not going to stay overnight in the hospital after surgery, you will leave only after the anesthesia wears off and you have urinated. Inability to urinate (urinary retention) sometimes occurs because of swelling (edema) in the tissues or a spasm of the pelvic muscles.
• Someone should drive you home.

Care after surgery

• You can expect some pain after surgery. If your doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed. Ask your doctor what over-the-counter medicines are safe for you.
• Some bleeding is normal, especially with the first bowel movement after surgery.
• For a few days after surgery, drink liquids and eat a bland diet (plain rice, bananas, dry toast or crackers, applesauce). Then you can return to regular foods and gradually increase the amount of fiber in your diet.
• You may apply numbing medicines before and after bowel movements to relieve pain.
• Reference Ice packs applied to the anal area may reduce swelling and pain.
• Frequent soaks in warm water (sitz baths) help relieve pain and muscle spasms.
• Some doctors may recommend that you take an antibiotic (such as metronidazole) after surgery to prevent infection and reduce pain.
• Doctors recommend that you take stool softeners that contain fiber to help make your bowel movements smooth. Straining during bowel movements can cause hemorrhoids to come back.
• Follow-up exams with the surgeon usually are done 2 to 3 weeks after surgery to check for problems.

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