Dealing with hemorrhoids can feel isolating and embarrassing, but the problem is more common than you might think. About half of all Americans will experience these itching, painful, bleeding veins in or on their anus by the time they’re 50.
Hemorrhoids can be mild and temporary or severe and chronic. If you have the latter and you’re scheduled for hemorrhoid surgery, you can expect significant relief after you’ve healed.
Meanwhile, how you prepare for your hemorrhoid surgery affects the procedure’s success and your recovery timeline. Dr. Nirav Naik at New Life Medical in Bakersfield, California, specializes in hemorrhoidectomies and offers the following advice for patients facing hemorrhoid surgery.
There are various procedures to treat hemorrhoids, and Dr. Naik bases his technique on your specific symptoms and circumstances. Knowing which method you’re about to undergo gives you valuable information, as each has its benefits and potential risks.
In this minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Naik places a band around the base of the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and eventually fall off.
In some cases, Dr. Naik may opt for PPH, also called stapled hemorrhoidectomy. It uses a circular staple to remove internal hemorrhoids and reduce prolapsing.
In severe cases, Dr. Naik performs a hemorrhoidectomy, a procedure that removes the hemorrhoid entirely. It’s highly effective but can lead to more post-operative pain.
Each of these procedures can resolve your hemorrhoid problem, but they carry risks, such as bleeding, infection, and anal stenosis. Dr. Naik discusses all of your options in detail so you can make an informed decision.
As with any medical procedure, preparation ensures a successful surgery and smooth recovery. Here are key steps to take before your hemorrhoid surgery.
Don't hesitate to ask Dr. Naik any questions about the procedure, potential risks, and what to expect during recovery. We encourage you to speak openly about your concerns. No question is insignificant or wrong.
It may help to bring a friend or loved one along to your pre-surgery appointment to ensure you remember all of the details.
Make sure Dr. Naik knows of any medications or supplements you’re taking, as some could interfere with the surgery or the recovery process.
Because Dr. Naik needs a clear surgical field, you'll have to empty your bowel ahead of time. We give you instructions for following a clear liquid diet and using a bowel prep solution to clean out your colon before surgery, and you may need to fast the day before your procedure.
Depending on the type of hemorrhoid surgery, you may require general anesthesia, so you need to arrange for a friend or loved one to accompany you to the hospital and drive you home afterward, as you won't be able to drive yourself.
Here are some practical tips you can follow before your surgery to help ensure a comfortable recovery.
Stock up on soft foods, plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter pain medication. Set up a comfortable place to rest after surgery and as you heal.
Some bleeding and pain are normal after hemorrhoid surgery, but alert Dr. Naik if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, fever, or difficulty urinating after your procedure.
Dr. Naik gives you verbal and written instructions that let you know how to care for your surgical site in the days and weeks after surgery. You can ensure a speedy and complete recovery by following his advice, including dietary recommendations and when to resume normal activities.
We schedule follow-up appointments to ensure everything is healing well, so don’t skip them. During these appointments, Dr. Naik checks your progress and addresses any concerns or complications you may have encountered during recovery.
Hemorrhoid surgery lets you shift your focus from your bottom to the more important things in life, and a few simple preparation steps can give you a better, longer-lasting outcome. To learn more about hemorrhoid surgery, call New Life Medical.
