Hemorrhoidectomy – What is it and Why is not it Common?

Medically reviewed by: Gary H. Hoffman, MD

If you are reading this medical post, it is most likely because you are searching to learn more about a hemorrhoidectomy.  You are at the right place.

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The first thing that we tell all patients is that a hemorrhoidectomy is performed as a last resort; when medical therapy has failed to alleviate your symptoms.   We will first try to resolve your hemorrhoids through the use of creams, ointments and various other medical measures.  If these do not help, we then might try alleviate your problem using office treatments such as sclerotherapy (painless injections), rubber band ligation or infrared coagulation.  Once all else fails, we turn to surgically removing the hemorrhoids – a hemorrhoidectomy.

A standard, surgical hemorrhoidectomy is the oldest, but now least often used, surgical therapy.  Although highly effective, the postoperative course can be intensely painful.  We prefer to use procedures with less postoperative discomfort, thus allowing for a quicker return to work or to the activities of daily life.  These methods are known as PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids), and THD (Transarterial Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization).

What is a hemorrhoidectomy and how do I know if I need one?

A hemorrhoidectomy is nothing more than an outpatient procedure used to remove stubbornly resistant symptomatic hemorroids.  Most likely will not need the recommendation of a colon and rectal surgeon (also known as a proctologist) to propel you forward to the surgical treatment.  Why?  Because, with your surgeons, most medical measures will have been unsuccessful and you will actually want a hemorrhoidectomy so that you can get on with your life.

What should I do if I think I need a hemorrhoidectomy?

Simple.  Ask your surgeon.  The answer will be rather obvious. It is the details of the hemorrhoidectomy procedure and recovery period that are equally important.

Hemorrhoidectomy.  When All Else Fails.

When all medical measures have been exhausted,  your doctor may advise you to undergo a hemorrhoidectomy.  In simplest terms, a hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure in which the colon and rectal surgeon uses various cutting instruments to surgically excise your hemorrhoids while you are under anesthesia.  While this short operation is time tested and works well, it may be associated with intense postoperative pain.  A surgical hemorrhoidectomy is an older operation.

Two newer operation exist and have gained acceptance.  They are PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids), and THD (Transarterial Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization).  Both procedures are associated with much less postoperative discomfort.  Both operations have been well accepted by patients and surgeons

In a PPH, the surgeon uses a high tech instrument to remove the hemorrhoids and then apply tiny titanium staples to close the area where the hemorrhoids used to be.  PPH is the first of the newer techniques used to perform

During a THD, your surgeon uses a special Doppler probe to listen for the audible whooshing noise made by blood as it passes through the hemorrhoid.  A stitch is then placed into the artery to occlude its blood flow.  With the hemorrhoid deprived of blood flow, other sutures are used to lift and anchor the remaining tissue to the anal canal wall.

Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates.

The board certified surgeons of Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates are available to provide you with a confidential, informative consultation.  Most often, your hemorrhoids can be handled relatively easy using medical measures.  However, when medical measures fail, a hemorrhoidectomy may be recommended.  By calling (310) 273-2310, you can schedule your first visit and begin to leave your hemorrhoids behind.

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