Overview

Hemorrhoid procedures are medical or surgical treatments for swollen or enlarged veins in the anus and rectum. Hemorrhoids can be inside the rectum or outside the skin around the anus. When dietary changes, medications, or topical treatments don't work, a procedure may be needed. Common treatments include rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, infrared coagulation, and surgical hemorrhoidectomy. Minimally invasive procedures are usually done on an outpatient basis, but surgery may be needed for more serious cases. The main goal is to stop pain, bleeding, itching, and discomfort, while preventing recurrence.

Why It's Done
When symptoms like rectal bleeding, pain, swelling, itching, or prolapse don't go away with non-surgical treatment, hemorrhoid procedures are done. Severe hemorrhoids can make it hard to do everyday things and cause a lot of pain. Heavy bleeding can sometimes cause anaemia. The goal of these procedures is to remove or shrink hemorrhoids, ease symptoms, and improve quality of life.

What to Expect
Before the procedure, patients may have a physical exam and, if indicated, a proctoscopic exam. You might need to do some light bowel prep. For treatments that aren't very invasive, like rubber band ligation, you usually don't need general anesthesia. A small band is put around the base of the internal hemorrhoid during rubber band ligation. This cuts off its blood supply, causing it to shrink and fall off. Sclerotherapy uses a solution to shrink the vein, while infrared coagulation uses heat to close it. Hemorrhoidectomy is done under anaesthesia in more serious cases to remove the hemorrhoidal tissue. After treatment, you may feel mild pain, bleeding, or swelling for a short time. You might be given painkillers and stool softeners.

Recovery & Outlook
The kind of procedure done affects how long it takes to heal. Minimally invasive treatments let you get back to your normal activities quickly, but surgery to remove hemorrhoids may take longer to heal. Most patients feel a lot better after treatment. Eating a lot of fibre and drinking enough water can help keep it from coming back.