How Do I Know if I Need Hemorrhoid Surgery?

Hemorrhoids are a relatively common ailment that can cause mild discomfort or extreme pain, which creates excessive daily dysfunction. In some cases, it’s difficult for men or women to ascertain if their hemorrhoids are severe enough to merit surgery. At Sierra Pacific Surgical, our team of expert surgeons works with patients near Sacramento, CA to meet a wide variety of medical needs, including hemorrhoid surgery.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins in your lower rectum or anus that are very similar to varicose veins. In some cases, swelling can be reduced with lifestyle changes or home-based remedies. For severe cases, if left untreated, hemorrhoids can cause debilitating pain and lead to medical complications, including blood clots and internal bleeding. At Sierra Pacific Surgical in Folsom and Roseville, CA, our team can determine the severity of your hemorrhoids to see if you require surgical intervention.

Hemorrhoid causes

In most cases, the initial cause of hemorrhoids is unknown. However, the most common causes include:

• Pregnancy

• Low-fiber diet

• Anal sexual intercourse

• Regular heavy lifting

• Obesity

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation

• Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet

• Straining during bowel movements

What is hemorrhoid surgery?

Hemorrhoid surgery is an operative procedure that can either address minor hemorrhoid issues or hemorrhoid removal, depending on the severity of the case. Surgery is designed to get rid of unnecessary pain, internal bleeding, and other complications that may form from untreated hemorrhoids.

Available hemorrhoid surgical procedures

At Sierra Pacific Surgical, we offer three types of hemorrhoids surgeries:

• In-office banding: A rubber band is placed on the base, cutting off the hemorrhoid’s blood supply

• Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: For prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, the surgeon staples the hemorrhoid back into place

• Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of a hemorrhoid when other medical options are ineffective

How do I know if I need hemorrhoid surgery?

There are a few reasons for hemorrhoid surgery, some of which include:

• Home remedies or lifestyle changes are ineffective or no longer working

• Other medical interventions are ineffective

• Hemorrhoids are causing severe bleeding

• Hemorrhoids are causing significant pain and lifestyle disruption

What is the surgical process like?

Hemorrhoid surgeries are performed at Sierra Pacific Surgical using general anesthesia. The length of the surgery depends on the type of hemorrhoid surgery selected. Once your surgery is completed and you are approved for discharge, you are sent home for same-day recovery with aftercare instructions.

Recovery after hemorrhoid surgery

Patients may experience temporary soreness, fatigue, or tenderness after hemorrhoid surgery which subsides within a week or so. Patients can expect to make a full recovery within 1 – 2 weeks. Individuals should adhere to aftercare instructions and avoid strenuous physical activity until the surgeon approves them for normal activity levels.

Do hemorrhoids come back after surgery?

In some cases, hemorrhoids can return. Certain medical conditions and lifestyle habits make some individuals more prone to recurrent hemorrhoids. It’s essential for patients to monitor their pain and discomfort closely after surgery and to attend follow-up appointments to monitor their progress after surgery.

Learn more about hemorrhoid surgery

If you reside near Sacramento, CA, and have been living with hemorrhoid pain or complications, contact us at Sierra Pacific Surgical and schedule a consultation in Roeseville or Folsom, CA today. Our team of surgical experts will assess your symptoms and medical history and determine if hemorrhoid surgery is an appropriate treatment path for you.