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How is a Hemorrhoidectomy Performed? by: Sue Bristol,R.N. The purpose of this article is to acquaint you with the preparation for hemorrhoidectomy and the procedure that will take place when your hemorrhoids are removed. There are a variety of techniques that destroy hemorrhoidal tissue using heat, or cold, or chemicals, or coagulating agents. In the case of a hemorrhoidectomy, the tissue is not destroyed; it is cut out (excised) using either a knife or a laser. Your surgeon has already explained to you why your hemorrhoids are being surgically removed. By the time you have reached this point, there is most likely no doubt that your rectal problems are indeed the result of hemorrhoids. You will have already been checked for fissures (cracks), fistulae (tunnels), abscesses, infections, tumors, and other conditions that could cause rectal bleeding and whatever other symptoms you may be having. The nurse will have gone over your medications and told you which ones may need to be temporarily discontinued, such as aspirin (usually 2 weeks before the surgery). The nurse will also give you instructions as to what you are to eat the day before the surgery (probably clear liquids, meaning broth, jello, apple juice, and tea). You will be given a special antibacterial soap and instructed to wash your body (not your head or face) with it before coming to the hospital. You will also be given a preparation to use for cleaning out your bowels the night before your surgery. You can expect a call from the nurse the evening before the surgery giving you final instructions as to what time you are to arrive at the hospital and where you are to go for check-in. She will tell you the time when you are to have your last liquids. After you have been checked in at the hospital you will be given a gown to wear. The surgeon will come in to see you and will probably order a mild sedative. If you are to receive a general anesthetic which puts you to sleep completely, or a spinal anesthetic which numbs you from the waist down, it will begin at this time. When all is ready, you will be placed on a special table, most commonly with your buttocks in the air and your hips flexed (and you won't care!). Pillows will be placed in strategic places in order to prevent undue pressure on any of your parts as well as to direct blood away from where the surgeon is working. The area will be thoroughly cleaned and a lighted instrument through which the surgeon will work is placed inside your rectum. Stool that is still visible inside the bowel will be vacuumed away. He will then remove the hemorrhoid and probably take stitches and apply a gauze "pressure dressing" to minimize bleeding. It is unfortunate that many people are horrified when they imagine the position they will be in and the number of eyes who will be witness to the fact!But, as I said before, you simply won't care at this point. This is a most unnecessary concern. Remember, even though you don't have hemorrhoids removed every day, the surgeon and his staff remove somebody hemorrhoids every day. You have nothing the people in the operating room have not seen day after day. Nobody is standing around in awe and shock at the sight of you with your rear end in the air. They are there to do their work and the operation goes quickly and smoothly because each member of the team sticks to their duties. They are working as a unit and must do so with efficiency and speed. They want complications even less you do. Remember too, this same perspective applies if you are overweight...even vastly overweight! And besides, you will be all covered up and only your "necessary part" will be exposed. Don't let unfounded concerns keep you from doing what needs to be done so you can get on with things. Life is too short to delay! Until next time!
Do you want to learn more about getting rid of your hemorrhoids? If so, download my brand new free e-book "Getting Rid of Hemorrhoids" here
HemorrhoidCure101.com
Sue Bristol, R.N.
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