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Hemorrhoid surgery - Overview

Alternative Names

Hemorrhoidectomy

Definition of Hemorrhoid surgery:

Hemorrhoid surgery is the removal of swollen veins around the anus.

See also: Hemorrhoids

Description:

Hemorrhoid surgery is often done in an outpatient clinic or your doctor's office, with little or no anesthesia.

Hemorrhoids can be surgically removed using a special stapler or sutures (stiches). After the hemorrhoid is removed, you may have stitches that dissolve on their own and gauze packing to reduce bleeding.

Other treatments may include:

  • A shot into the hemorrhoid to reduce swelling (sclerotherapy)
  • A rubber band around the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply
  • Shrinking the hemorrhoid with heat, or freeze it with liquid nitrogen
  • Minor surgery to treat the hemorrhoid (hemorrhoidectomy)

Smaller hemorrhoids may not need surgery.

Why the Procedure Is Performed:

Most small hemorrhoids can be managed with lifestyle changes and diet.

Your doctor may recommend hemorrhoid surgery if lifestyle and diet changes and medicines have not worked.

  • Reviewed last on: 1/24/2011
  • Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Sneider EB, Maykel JA. Diagnosis and management of symptomatic hemorrhoids. Surg Clin North Am. 2010 Feb;90(1):17-32, Table of Contents.

Nelson H, Cima RR. Anus. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 51.

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