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Hemorrhoid removal - discharge
Hemorrhoidectomy - discharge; Hemorrhoid - discharge
During Your Procedure
You just had a procedure to remove your hemorrhoid . Depending on your symptoms, you may have had one of these types of procedures:
Remove your hemorrhoid
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus. They may be inside the anus (internal hemorrhoids) or outside the anus (external hemorrhoids). Often ...
- Placing a small rubber band around the hemorrhoids to shrink them by blocking blood flow
- Stapling the hemorrhoids to block blood flow
- Surgically removing the hemorrhoids
- Laser or chemical removal of the hemorrhoids
After your recovery from the anesthesia, you will return home the same day.
What to Expect at Home
- You may have a lot of pain after surgery as the area tightens and relaxes. Take the pain medicines on time as instructed. DO NOT wait until the pain gets bad to take them.
- You may notice some bleeding, especially after your first bowel movement.
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Your doctor may also recommend eating a
bland diet
the first few days after surgery. Foods you can eat include applesauce, Jell-O, white rice, bananas, white bread, and saltines.
Bland diet
A bland diet can be used alongside lifestyle changes to help treat ulcers, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gas. You may also need a bland...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, such as broth, juices, tea, and water.
- Your doctor may suggest using a stool softener so that it is easier to have bowel movements.
Wound Care
- Your doctor will explain how to care for your wound.
- You may want to use a gauze pad or sanitary pad to absorb any drainage from the wound. Be sure to change it often.
- You may need to wait a day before you shower or bathe.
Activity
- Gradually return to your normal activities.
- Avoid lifting, pulling, or strenuous activity until your bottom has healed. This includes straining during bowel movements or urination.
- Gradually start to eat more fiber to ease bowel movements. Also, drink lots of fluids.
- You should have a complete recovery in a few weeks.
Pain Management
- Take pain medicines as prescribed.
- You may apply an ice pack to your bottom to help reduce swelling and pain.
-
Your health care provider may show you how to do a
sitz bath
. Soaking in a warm bath can also help relieve pain. Sit in 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters) of warm water a few times a day.
Sitz bath
A sitz bath is a warm water bath used for healing or cleansing purposes. You sit in the bath. The water covers only your hips and buttocks. The wa...
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When to Call the Doctor
Call your health care provider if:
- You have a lot of pain or swelling
- You bleed a lot from your rectum
- You have a fever
- You cannot pass urine several hours after the surgery
- The incision is red and hot to the touch
References
Chaudhry V, Abcarian H. Hemorrhoids. In: Cameron JL, Cameron AM, eds. Current Surgical Therapy . 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: 2014; 255-261.
Hall JF. Hemorrhoids and hemorrhoidectomy. In: Delaney CP, ed. Netter's Surgical Anatomy and Approaches . Philadelphia, PA; 2014:chap 26.
Review Date: 4/13/2015
Reviewed By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery practice specializing in breast cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
