Haemorrhoids

• Authorization should be obtained prior to surgery and will be done by the hospital or the rooms staff depending on whether you are an in- or outpatient.

• Make sure that you have been fasting for solid foods for at least 6 hours prior to your surgery and for clear liquids or water for at least 2 hours prior to your surgery. Discuss your chronic medications with your doctor or hospital staff prior to your surgery as you usually are allowed to take chronic medications the day of surgery, barring diabetic medication the day of the procedure. If you are taking any blood thinning medication please discuss these in detail with your doctor as special arrangements need to be made for these.

You will be admitted to hospital or day theatre. The procedure is usually performed under general or spinal anaesthesia. After surgery, you will be monitored in recovery before discharge or transfer to the ward.

Treatment depends on the severity of the haemorrhoids. Mild cases may be treated with dietary changes, stool softeners, topical medication, and avoidance of straining.

Surgical or procedural treatment may include rubber band ligation, haemorrhoidectomy, or stapled haemorrhoidopexy. During haemorrhoidectomy, the enlarged haemorrhoidal tissue is removed. The wound may be left open or closed with sutures depending on the case.

The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the type and extent of treatment required

• Possible complications include bleeding, infection, pain, swelling, urinary retention, constipation, recurrence, anal narrowing, delayed wound healing, and unintended damage to surrounding structures.

• ​Most patients are discharged on the same day or after an overnight stay, depending on the procedure and pain control.