Guide To Getting A Hemorrhoidectomy
A hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure utilized to eliminate hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids is an anorectal disorder where the lower veins in an individual's anus become swollen and inflamed. Most surgeries used to remove hemorrhoids take place in a surgery center and are considered outpatient procedures. Imaging technology may be used to assist a surgeon when they are performing a hemorrhoidectomy. While a hemorrhoidectomy is known to be the most effective way to treat hemorrhoids, it also presents the highest risk of complications.
There are several types of hemorrhoidectomy procedures, including an open hemorrhoidectomy, closed hemorrhoidectomy, rubber band ligation, lateral internal sphincterotomy, and stapled hemorrhoidectomy. The type of hemorrhoidectomy done on a patient is dependent upon the characteristics of their hemorrhoids and the symptoms they are experiencing.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are inflamed and swollen venous blood vessels located in an affected individual's lower rectum and anus. Hemorrhoids in a healthy individual serve a functional purpose and typically do not cause any issues. However, some individuals have veins in this location with walls that stretch out too much. These venous walls become too thin and allow them to bulge and swell. Piles is a term used to describe hemorrhoids that have become swollen and inflamed.
There are two types of hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids refer to hemorrhoids located inside of the rectum that cannot be seen or felt externally. External hemorrhoids refer to hemorrhoids located just underneath an individual's skin that surrounds their anus. External hemorrhoids are the type of hemorrhoids that cause an affected individual to feel the most pain because of the high concentration of pain-sensing nerves in that particular location. Hemorrhoids may enlarge and bulge to the point where they are outside of the patient's anal sphincter or prolapse. Hemorrhoids can cause anal bleeding and pain when defecating. Several complications can also develop if hemorrhoids do not heal and are left untreated.
Types Of Hemorrhoidectomies And Related Surgeries
A hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure where a patient's external or internal hemorrhoids are removed because they have become severe or extensive. The most common type of hemorrhoidectomy performed to treat hemorrhoids is a closed hemorrhoidectomy. During a closed hemorrhoidectomy, the bundles of hemorrhoids are removed with a sharp instrument, and the remaining area is sewn together. An open hemorrhoidectomy describes a surgical procedure where the hemorrhoid bundles are removed with a sharp instrument, but the incision stays open instead of being closed with sutures.
A stapled hemorrhoidectomy is a newer method of hemorrhoid surgical treatment, where a specialized stapler lifts the hemorrhoids and staples them back into their places within the anal canal. A rubber band ligation is a type of hemorrhoid surgery where a rubber band is placed tightly around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow to these tissues. After several days, the hemorrhoid tissue will die and fall off.
