Hemmroids, most commonly known as Hemorrhoids (the proper term) are abnormally large sacs of varicose veins, tissue and mucous membranes in the rectum. Hemmroids is also one of the most common anorectal disorders affecting approximately 5% of the entire population. So that's about 336 million people suffering from hemmroids as of September 2008.

Hemmroid's most common symptoms are : Presence of blood in the stool, Feeling of obstruction caused by swollen veins in the anus, Protruding lumps hanging from the anus, Itching and inflammation around the anus.

Hemmroid causes : includes long periods of sitting or standing, lifting heavy objects, dehydration, obesity and lack of exercise, but without a doubt the largest factor is constipation and straining during defecation which resulted from poor eating habits and diet. Hemmroids often develop during pregnancy because of the pressure the fetus exerts in the abdominal area, as well as the hormonal changes that cause the veins to enlarge. Stress is another cause of hemmroid.

Hemmroid Diagnosis/Test : It is diagnosed based on a rectal examination. To diagnose internal hemmroids, the doctor will insert an anoscope , a thin, lighted tube to view the lower rectum. A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy may also be performed to examine the inside of the colon and rule out any other causes of bleeding.


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Hemmroid Removal

hemmroid removal picHemmroid removal is only recommended when your hemmroid is already in severe stage. Hemmroid removal is performed via the standard form of hemmroids surgery called Hemmroidectomy. This type of hemmroid surgery is performed in cases of large internal hemmroids, large external hemmroids, and hemmroids that have not been treated effectively by other methods. Although most hemmroids are treated by medicines and other different remedies to provide relief from the disturbing symptoms of pain and inflammation caused by the affected rectal tissues, severe cases of the hemmroids requires hemmroid removal if you want long-term hemmroid relief.

Hemmroids are mostly affected to the people who are all above 30 years of age. Many treatments and methods are there for hemmroid removal without having any pain. There are two types of hemmroids like external hemmroids and internal hemmroids. But external hemmroid removal is done by surgery.

For Internal hemmroid removal, those are small and some large it is then treated by non-surgical or home treatments. If the internal hemmroid is very large then some treatments like laser therapy, sclerotherapy, are used for internal hemmroids removal. Laser therapy used in internal hemmroid removal is painless; in this treatment hameriods are burned.

Surgical hemmroid removal, also know as hemmoroidectomy, it is the most successful treatment for internal hemmroid removal. Some times both internal hemmroid and external hemmroid will be present for that, combination of surgical hemmroid removal and fixative procedure is used for hemmroid removal.

Hemmroid removal is also done by herbal treatments, home made remedies. Herbal remedies for hemmroid removal is by using some herbal products which contain horse chestnut, barberry, neem, nagkesar and so on.

But the best and easiest way for hemmroid removal is by the surgical only, other treatments for hemmroid removal are not so effective as surgical because it takes time to get cure of hemmroids. Nowadays every doctor will prescribed for surgical hemmroid removal. But surgical hemmroid removal is preferred only for those who have severe internal hemmroids or external hemmroids.


Hemmroid removal by means of Hemmroidectomy is performed by giving the patient a long-acting local anesthesia, usually in a surgery center. The surgeon makes incisions in the tissues around the hemmroid-affected area by using a surgical knife (called ‘scalpel’), a cautery pencil (a device working by means of electricity), or a laser. Hemmroids removal is then performed after tying off the swollen veins to prevent bleeding. After completing the hemmroids removal, the surgical wounds may be covered with medicated gauze. The patient is usually able to go home the same day. The recovery time for most people undergoing hemmroids surgery is two to three weeks.

Hemmroid removal via surgery is successful in over 90% of cases, which means that hemmroids do not ever return after the surgery. In about 5% of cases, the condition is reported to recur. The commonly reported risks associated with hemeriods surgery are pain, bleeding from the surgical wound, and difficulty in urinating. The latter may also result in edema. Other risks, less commonly associated with hemmroids removal, include: bleeding from the anal area, incontinence, difficulty in passing stool, and infection of the surgical wound. At a later stage, in some cases, narrowing of the anal area may occur, or the patient may develop a fistula i.e. an abnormal passage in the rectal/anal area.

Care after Hemmroids Removal

After removing hemmroids via surgery, the patient and the caregivers need to consider some points in order to make recovery quicker and complete. Feeling pain is normal after hemmroids surgery. To get relief from pain, the patient should use any prescribed medicine for pain relief. Bleeding from the anal area may occur after the surgery, especially during the first bowel movement. Ice packs may be applied to the operated area to relive inflammation. Also effective are warm water baths (sitz baths) for alleviating pain and muscle spasms. To prevent infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic drugs. Also recommended for most patients are fiber-rich diet and other remedies that soften the stools. These help in preventing straining during defecation, which may cause the recurrence of hemeoroids. In all cases, the patient is supposed to take follow-up exams with the surgeon after a week or so, as per surgeon’s advice.

After the success of your hemmroid removal it is strongly advise then to take some hemmroid preventions to keep your hemmroid from coming back. The best way to prevent hemmroids is to keep stools soft so they pass easily, thus decreasing pressure and straining, and to empty bowels as soon as possible after the urge occurs. Exercise, including walking, and increased fiber in the diet help reduce constipation and straining by producing stools that are softer and easier to pass. All of these may help you avoid of having hemmroid removal again.
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Causes of Hemmroids

causes of hemmroids picExactly what causes hemmroids are unknown, but we do know that hemmroids are usually caused by increased pressure in the anus. The upright posture of humans alone forces a great deal of pressure on the anus, which sometimes makes them to bulge.

Other causes of hemmroids includes:

o Sitting in one place to often
o Straining while moving bowels (from constipation or hard stools). This is the most common cause.
o Excessive rubbing, or cleaning around the anus
o Diarrhea
o Sitting on the toilet too long
o Severe coughing
o Childbirth
o Lifting heavy objects
o Anal infection

Other contributing factors that causes hemmroids are:

o Aging
o Chronic diarrhea or constipation
o Pregnancy
o Misfortune of Heredity
o Frequent use of laxatives or enemas resulting in faulty bowel function
o Straining during bowel movements
o Too much reading on the toilet

Whatever the causes of hemmroids, the bottom line is the tissues are stretched. As a result, the veins dilate; and the vein walls become thin and bleed. If the pressure continues to stretch, they become weakened and protrude out of the anus. Hemmroids are also very common, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth

Hemmroids are one of the most common ailments known. More than half the population will develop hemmroids, usually after age 30. The average person suffers in silence for a long period before seeking medical care. Today's hemmroid treatment methods make some types of hemmroid removal much less painful.

Often described as "varicose veins of the anus and rectum", hemmroids are enlarged, bulging blood vessels in and about the anus and lower rectum. There are two types of
hemmroids: external hemmroid and internal hemmroid, which refer to their location.

o External (outside) hemmroids develop near the anus and are covered by very sensitive skin. These are usually painless. However, if a blood clot (thrombosis) develops in an external hemmroid, it becomes a painful, hard lump. The external hemmroid may bleed if it ruptures.

o Internal (inside) hemmroids develop within the anus beneath the lining. Painless bleeding and protrusion during bowel movements are the most common internal hemmroid symptom. However, an internal hemmroid can cause severe pain if it is completely "prolapsed" protrudes from the anal opening and cannot be pushed back inside.

What are Hemmroids Symptoms

If you notice any of the following, you could have hemmroids:

• Bleeding during bowel movements
• Protrusion during bowel movements
• Itching in the anal area
• Pain
• Sensitive lump(s)

Hemmroid Treatment

Mild symptoms can be relieved frequently by increasing the amount of fiber and fluids in the diet. Eliminating excessive straining reduces the pressure on hemmroids and helps prevent them from protruding.

However, probably 95% of patients with hemmroid trouble can be treated without hemmroid surgery. The principles of non-operative treatment of hemmroids are:

• A high fiber diet or taking a fiber supplement
• Having soft, formed bowel movements
• Avoid sitting on the toilet beyond the time needed for each bowel movement (Do not read or watch TV on the toilet. If you did not really need to go or are not sure if you’re done, get up and come back if needed)
• Use baby wipes instead of toilet paper if you have pain, itching or irritation
• A sitz bath - sitting in plain warm water for about 10 minutes - can also provide some relief .

With these measures, the pain and swelling of most symptomatic hameriods will decrease in two to seven days, and the firm lump should recede within four to six weeks. In cases of severe or persistent pain from a thrombosed hemmroid, your physician may elect to remove the hemmroid containing the clot with a small incision. Performed under local anesthesia as an
outtpatient, this procedure generally provides relief.

Severe hemmroids may require special treatment, much of which can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Ligation – the rubber band treatment - works effectively on internal hemmroids that protrude with bowel movements. A small rubber band is placed over the hemmroid, cutting off its blood supply. The hemmroid and the band fall off in a few days and the wound usually heals in a week or two. This procedure sometimes produces mild discomfort and bleeding and may need to be repeated for a full effect.

• Injection and Coagulation can also be used on bleeding hemmroids that do not protrude. Both methods are relatively painless and cause the hemmroid to shrivel up.

Hemmroid stapling – this is a technique that uses a special device to internally staple and excise internal hemmroidal tissue. The stapling method may lead to shrinkage of but does not remove external hemmroids. This procedure is generally more painful that rubber band ligation and less painful than hemorroidectomy.

Hemmroidectomy – surgery to remove the hemmroids - is the most complete method for removal of internal and external hemmroids. It is necessary when (1) clots repeatedly form in external hemmroids; (2) ligation fails to treat internal hemmroids; (3) the protruding hemeoriods cannot be reduced; or (4) there is persistent bleeding. A hemmroidectomy removes excessive tissue that causes the bleeding and protrusion. It is done under anesthesia using either sutures or staplers, and may, depending upon circumstances, require hospitalization and a period of inactivity. Laser hemmroidectomies do not offer any advantage over standard operative techniques. They are also quite expensive, and contrary to popular belief, are no less painful.

And in order for your hemeroid to keep it from coming back, you should try to avoid what causes of your hemmriods. But you should have to consult your doctor if hemmroid conditions becomes worse.
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How to Get Rid of Hemmroids

how to get rid of hemmroids picHow to get rid of hemmroids are the common questions of many sufferers because of the pain and discomfort attributed by their hemmroids. Hemmroids are swollen veins just inside the anus. They produce pain if they come out of the anus with a bowel movement because they are constricted. Once they come out, the skin around them and the veins themselves can become inflamed. Hemmroids are like extra skin with blood vessels or inflammation that accumulates around your anus.

Symptoms of hemmroids include anal pain, anal itching, bright red blood on toilet tissue, stool, or in the toilet bowel; one or more tender lumps near the anus.

Hemmroids are an embarrassing and often painful problem to endure. They can make sitting for long periods nearly unbearable, and cause itching and burning, which makes for extreme discomfort in what seems like the most inconvenient times. So, how can you get rid of hemmroids for good?

Fortunately there are lots of ways on how to get rid of hemmroids. There are hemmroids that can be cured through natural methods, while there are some hemmroids that require hemmroid surgery in getting rid of hemmroids.

How to get rid of hemmroids then? If you want to get rid of hemmroids you need to know what causes your hemmroids and what natural remedies or other hemmroid treatment to use.

• If you have hemmroids, one way to get rid of your hemmroid is the need to have regular bowel movements When you go into the bathroom, go in there to have a bowel movement. Don't take a newspaper, magazine, or book to read because that keeps you in there longer. Sitting for long periods on the toilet puts pressure on your rectum and anal veins. This long sit will eventually leads to hemmroids or aggravates the hemmroids you already have. So, you don't want to sit there longer than necessary.

• And for sure, don't strain and push to have a bowel movement. This is a sure way to enlarge your hemeoriods. If your stools don't want to come out don’t force it and just wait for the urge.

• If you have a job where you have to sit all day, get up and walk around every hour or as often as you can.

• You also need to exercise if you want to get rid of hemmroids. A daily fast walk around a few blocks is the best. Yoga is also very helpful, since it helps to stretch colon and anus muscles, and revive circulation. Any exercise you do will be helpful. Another exercise to do is on a rebounder. A rebounder exercises every part of your body and helps to force your lymph liquid into the lymph nodes for detoxification. This will help you to recover from any condition you might have quicker.

• The other exercise that you can do is an anus exercise. You do this by pushing down like if you are going to have a bowel movement and then pull back. Do this for a few minutes. This will help to build the tissue in that area and to bring new blood to remove the toxins that build up in that area.

• Drink more water. You need water for fiber to work and to help your stool softens.

• Eat more high-fiber foods, which will help prevent constipation. Good sources of fiber include breakfast cereals such as All Bran, Fiber One, Bran Buds, which have approximately 10 grams of fiber per serving. Check the box to be sure. Fresh fruit, beans, prunes, raw or cooked vegetables, especially asparagus, cabbage, carrots, corn, and broccoli, are also good sources of fiber. Try to have 20-30 grams of fiber per day (or more) in your diet.

• Hemmroids can be surgically removed but post-operative pain can make this an unpleasant experience. In addition, stitches often break during bowel movements soon after the hemmroid surgery. Infection is a common problem after this procedure. Thrombosed hemmroids generally must be treated surgically, though.

• In another surgical procedure, veins are stapled back into place. This is usually used for prolapsed hemeoroids. Recovery can be painful. Infection is also common. In rare cases, the internal anal sphincter can be damaged.

• Laser treatment is another option. Lasers are used to shrink the hemmroids. Multiple treatments may be required.

You can do all the things for preventing hemmroids and constipation, but if you do not exercise regularly, it will be hard to get rid of hemmroids and even constipation. So plan to exercise, it is good for life and not just good for hemmroids and constipation. Keeping regular with easy flowing bowel movements and regular exercise can help you reduce or even prevent hemeriods. But to get rid of hemmroids, you will need to make sure you are not constipated. Constipation is the cause of hemmroids.

As you can see, the medical methods of how to get rid of hemmroids carry some significant risks. In order to avoid the risks and discomfort of traditional medical treatment like hemmroids surgeries, many people prefer to try a natural hemmroid treatment. You can ask your doctor for natural or home treatments to get rid of hemmroids.
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External Hemmroid

external hemmroid picExternal hemmroids like other hemmroids, also bring you pain and discomfort. Though there is no difference in terms of pains, external hemmroids can be easily distinguished from other hemmroids because of its location.

Hemmroids are a form of vericose vein. Hemmroids occur when the veins in and around the rectum or anus become swollen. External hemmroids are located near the anus and feels like a large lump. It is sensitive to the touch and can be noticed with the fleshy growth. and will bleed if it is ruptured. Inspect the infected area and flashy growth. You may get confused about the strangulating lumps-which are symptom of internal hemmroid- as that of external hemmroid. The basic cause behind external hemmroid is said to be straining of veins of anal opening. When external hemmroid becomes larger in shape it is called as Thromboses external hemmroid. You can distinguish thromboses hemmroid by lump formation or swelling around anus. Further thromboses hemmroid gives you severe pains. You may face problems like bleeding around rectal region, itching and irritation.

External Hemmroids Causes

Hemmroids are commonly caused by too much pressure in the rectum. This will force blood to stretch and bulge in the walls of the veins, sometimes rupturing them. The most frequent causes of external hemmroids are as follows:

• Pregnancy
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Constant sitting

External Hemmroids Symptoms

The symptoms of external hemmroids are much more obvious than those of internal hemmroids:

• Bleeding: Usually seen after bowel movement and a common symptom of hemmroids. There will be blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.

• Pain: External hemmroids are extremely painful. This is the common reason why external hemmroids are detected.

• Itching: The anus area may feel a little irritated and itchy. Do NOT scratch it even though the urge to do so is very strong.

• Lumps: Sensitive lumps around the anus are also an obvious symptom that you have external hemmroid.

External Hemmroids Treatments

Following remedies are suggested to gain temporary relief from external hemmroids. However, it is always better to consult your doctor who will guide you the right remedy according to condition of your hemmroid.

Lukewarm bath procedure: This is a self-method and you can perform it yourself at home. No medicines are involved in this method. You just need a tub to perform this. Pour lukewarm water in the tub, dip affected area in the water and sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Continue this procedure regularly for some days. This will surely give your some hemmroid relief. Never forget to dry the area dipped in the water, after completing sitting. Wetness of area may lead to itching and irritation and subsequently result in worsening of hemmroids.

• Ice-packs may also provide your some relief. Just take few ice blocks, wrap it in the cloth and use on affected area -apply and withdrawal cycle.

• If you are office worker requiring prolonged sitting in chairs - you must use cushions. Softness of cushions will decrease pressure on veins and give you some relief.

Clothing plays important role in reducing your discomfort caused by hemmriods. Always use loose undergarments. Skin-fitting clothes may increase pressure on external hemmroids and add to the pains.

Dietary control like increasing quantity of fluids and more in take of fibrous food may also help you in getting relief.

Applying Cream: Creams that treat external hemmroids should be available at any pharmacy. Almost any cream containing witch hazel will work and help reduce the swelling, itching and pain of the hemeriods lump.

Most Wipes: Wiping with toilet paper that is dry may irritate external hemmroids. Instead, use moist wipes or just wash down after bowel movement. Medicated pads containing witch hazel (a natural medication) can also be bought from pharmacies. It can help reduce the swelling of your hemmroid and more importantly, relive some of the pain that comes with having external hemmroids.

You can use allopathic medicines as well as herbal medicines to get relief from external hemmroids. If your hemmroids are considerably larger in shape and more painful, you may opt for hemmroid surgery. There are other remedies like herbal medicines and homeopathic medicines available for treating hemmroids. But remember, your doctor will be the right man to decide and prescribe the right treatment for your external hemmroids.
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Hemmroid Surgery

hemmroid surgery picHemmroid surgery, or hemmroidectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove hemmroids. Hemmroids occur when an increase of pressure in the veins around the anus and rectum causes them to become swollen and stretched. They may result from a number of factors such as straining during a bowel movement , pregnancy, prolong sitting, overweight, chonic constipation and a like.

In hemmroid surgery, hemmroidal tissue and excess tissue around the anal canal is surgically removed (excised). The procedure is typically performed in a hospital or surgery center by a surgeon who specializes in colon and rectum surgeries. An overnight hospital stay is usually required, but in some cases the procedure may be performed on an outpatient basis. Hemmroidectomy is highly effective, but recovery is similar to recovery from other surgeries and may be initially painful.

Hemmroidectomy is important in the treatment of extensive or severe hemmroids. It can be used in the treatment of both internal hemmroids and external hemmroids, as well as those that occur both internally and externally at the same time. It is not generally used for mild- to-moderate hemmroids. However, it may be used to treat less severe hemmroids if other treatment options (e.g., stool softeners, sitz baths) fail.

Hemmroidectomy is also useful in the treatment of patients who have developed certain complications. Persistent bleeding may only be effectively treated with the removal of the hemmroids, although less severe bleeding can be treated with other therapies. When blood clots form inside hemmroids, the hemmroids must usually be removed.
Recovery from hemmroidectomy generally takes between two and three weeks. The risk of hemmroid recurrence is much lower with hemmroidectomy than with other methods of hemmroid treatment.


Pain and discomfort are common following hemmroid surgery and pain-relief medications are usually prescribed. After surgery, the rectal area is monitored for bleeding and laxatives are used to ease defecation. Fluid intake is also monitored. Any increased rectal bleeding, pus drainage, fever, constipation or rectal spasms need to be reported to a physician. It is important to prevent constipation following surgery. Therefore, patients may be encouraged to exercise, drink plenty of fluids and eat a high-fiber diet .

Hemmroid surgery is the most effective treatment for hemmroids. However, it does pose potential risks. Urinary retention, urinary tract infections , fecal impaction and bleeding are the most common complications of the procedure. Alternatives to hemmroid surgery include many minimally invasive techniques, especially rubber band ligation and coagulation (e.g., infrared coagulation, electrocoagulation). New techniques for treating hemmroids are also being developed.


Before hemmroid surgery, the physician will explain the procedure and answer any questions the patient may have. The patient will then be instructed to sign an informed consent form.
The patient will typically be placed on a special, low-residue diet for several days prior to the surgery. A low-residue diet contains very few foods that can become caught in the colon. This helps keep the colon clean for the surgery. The patient’s hemmroids will be evaluated. External hemmroids will be examined, with particular attention to size, evidence of bleeding and the presence of drainage. Stool softeners and an enema may be used just before the surgery to prepare the bowels. The rectal area will then be cleansed. This may involve a sitz bath, in which the patient sits in a small amount of warm water. After it has been cleansed, the rectal area may be shaved.

Hemmroid surgery procedure

Hemmroid surgery is performed with the patient under anesthesia. In most cases, a general or spinal anesthetic is used. General anesthetics cause a patient to lose consciousness and sensation by an injection of medication or breathing a medicinal gas. Spinal anesthetics cause a patient to lose sensation of pain by injecting a medication into the area around the spinal cord. Some patients may be able to tolerate a local anesthetic combined with sedation. This causes a loss of sensation in only a specific region of the body. When spinal anesthetics or local anesthetics are used, the patient remains conscious during the procedure.

During hemmroid surgery, an anoscope is used to view the hemmroid and surrounding tissue. An anoscope is a short, rigid tube that is inserted into the anus. Once the surgeon can see the base of the hemmroid, its blood supply is tied off with surgical stitches (sutures). The hemmroidal tissue is removed, or excised, and some of the surrounding tissue is usually removed as well. The surgeon takes care to avoid damaging the anal sphincter. The actual removal of tissue may be done with a scalpel, scissors, cautery (uses an instrument that relies on heat or electricity to cut tissue) or laser.

The edges of the anal or rectal lining (rectal mucosa) around the excised tissue may be left open, closed or partially closed. This is a matter of physician preference. Results and post-surgical pain are similar whether the lining is left open or closed.

After hemmroid surgery

Like with many surgical procedures, pain and discomfort are common following a hemmroid surgery. However, medications are prescribed to relieve the pain and Sitz baths may be used to relieve discomfort and promote healing.

The patient’s vital signs are monitored regularly during the period immediately after the hemmroid surgery. The rectal area is monitored hourly for bleeding. Any excessive bleeding is treated. This may be accomplished by inserting a balloon-tipped catheter into the rectum. The balloon tip places pressure on the bleeding area, stopping the bleeding. Prescription ointments may be applied to the rectal area to help it heal and to relieve pain. Dressings, typically pads, are changed frequently.

Stool softeners and bulk laxatives are prescribed to ease defecation. It is important to increase fluid intake while taking these medications. The patient’s fluid balance is monitored. Health care professionals will keep track of how much liquid the patient consumes and ensure that the patient urinates between eight to 12 hours after the surgery.

Patients may be discharged following the hemmroid surgery or may need to remain in the hospital overnight. It is important for patients to change positions frequently after the procedure, and to lie down for about 15 minutes every hour. This helps to reduce rectal swelling. A special pad is typically given to the patient to ease discomfort when sitting. However, rubber rings are not recommended as they can block blood flow and cause swelling.

Any increased rectal bleeding, pus drainage, fever, constipation, severe abdominal pain, rectal spasms, swelling, weakness or infection need to be reported to a physician. It is also important to keep the rectal area clean. The rectal area needs to be cleansed gently with warm water and mild soap. It should be rinsed thoroughly and gently patted dry.

Patients are urged not to strain during a bowel movement. Constipation can be prevented with regular exercise and by drinking plenty of fluids and eating plenty of high-fiber foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables). Bulk laxatives may also be used as needed. However, overuse of stool softeners should be avoided. Firm stool is important to dilate the anal canal and prevent strictures (narrowing).

Hemmroid benefits and risks

Hemmroid surgery (hemmroidectomy) is the most effective treatment for hemmroids. It frequently eliminates hemmroids with no recurring symptoms. When symptoms do recur, they are rarely severe enough to require additional surgery. However, hemmroidectomy does pose certain risks. Complications can be minimized with proper surgical technique during the procedure and adequate pain control, attention to fluid intake and proper use of bulking laxatives and stool softeners after the surgery. Patients are urged to discuss the use of laxatives with their physicians. Complications of hemmroidectomy may include:

Pain. Pain is very common following hemmroid surgery, as with many other surgeries. The degree of pain varies between patients. Pain relievers are administered to relieve pain.

Urinary retention. Difficulty emptying the bladder. This temporary complication may occur, depending upon several factors. These include the amount of fluids given during and after surgery, the degree of pain the patient experiences and whether the patient has a history of difficulty emptying the bladder. In some cases, patients may require a catheter to drain the bladder. The need for catheterization can be reduced by limiting fluid intake and using pain medications and warm sitz baths. A physician will be able to determine the risk of this complication and suggest proper levels of fluid intake and other prevention and treatment measures.

Urinary tract infections. These occur in some patients and may be a result of urinary retention.

Fecal impaction. A mass of hardened feces becomes lodged in the rectum. This may be due to the pain following surgery, which worsens with defecation. This may cause patients to hold in their stool to lessen their pain. Holding in stool is a common cause of fecal impaction. The use of narcotic pain relievers may also be a factor. Bulk fiber, stool softeners and stimulant laxatives are generally effective in preventing fecal impaction. In some cases, fecal impaction may require manual removal while the patient is anesthetized.

Delayed bleeding. A few patients may experience bleeding seven to 16 days after hemmroid surgery. It is generally believed to be caused by the shedding of tissue that has been operated on and tends to require closing with stitches.

Anal stenosis. Narrowing of the anal canal. This is a long-term complication. It may result from the removal of too much tissue around the hemmroids.

Submucosal abscess. An infection of the tissue just below the anal or rectal lining, resulting in an abscess (a collection of pus). This is a very rare complication that, even more rarely, can result in death.

In addition, hemmroidectomy carries the risks common to all surgeries including bleeding, skin infection and allergic reaction to anesthesia.

However, hemmroid surgery is not always an option. For example, it is not used in patients with Crohn's disease of the rectum, which is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. In this condition, the intestinal tract is easily irritated. Hemmroid surgery on a patient with Crohn’s disease is much more likely to cause serious complications. In cases such as these, the risks of hemmroid surgery outweigh the benefits.