When hemorrhoids need more than home remedies

Having hemorrhoid problems is common, particularly as you age. It’s estimated that half of people older than 50 experience the condition at some point in their life that is caused by swollen, inflamed veins in their rectums.

For most people, diet and other lifestyle changes manage common hemorrhoid symptoms. But for a small subset of people, surgery may be recommended. 

“Although many people have hemorrhoid symptoms, very few of them will need surgery,” says Dr. Jan Kaminski, a colon & rectal surgeon at Advocate Health Care. “Basic self-care and at-home treatments typically relieve the symptoms, such as drinking enough water, consuming more fiber and using over-the-counter treatments. If you continue to have symptoms, despite these efforts, then there are also office procedures that can help, such as rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy.” 

Another option is hemorrhoid surgery, also known as a hemorrhoidectomy.

Dr. Kaminski says you and your doctor will make a joint decision about whether hemorrhoid surgery is needed. The surgery is usually recommended for those mentally ready to be free of chronic symptoms and all other options have failed. 

Doctors may recommend hemorrhoid surgery if you have significant bleeding that causes weakness, dizziness or passing out. Other times it may be done as an emergency surgery if the hemorrhoid has prolapsed out of the anal canal, has caused significant pain or isn’t able to be pushed back into the anal canal. 

Hemorrhoid surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and it takes about an hour. You will typically be in the hospital for a total of three to four hours. You will need to have someone else drive you home when you’re released. 

Although it’s an effective surgery, the recovery can be painful. For about two weeks after the surgery, you can expect significant pain, drainage and bleeding. You will receive pain medications, but it won’t make the pain go away completely. 

If your doctor recommends hemorrhoid surgery, rest assured that the decision was made with your long-term health and comfort in mind.

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