Haemorrhoids Surgery
Learn about surgical treatments for haemorrhoids, including haemorrhoidectomy and THD, with patient guides and consultation information.
In this guide
Overview
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus. They can cause discomfort, pain, itching, and sometimes bleeding. Haemorrhoids are a common condition, and several treatment options are available to manage the symptoms effectively.
Types of Haemorrhoids
- Internal Haemorrhoids: These develop inside the rectum and usually don’t cause pain. However, they can result in bleeding during bowel movements.
- External Haemorrhoids: These occur around the opening of the anus and may cause pain and itching. They can sometimes develop blood clots, leading to a condition called thrombosed haemorrhoids.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Increasing dietary fibre intake to soften stools and promote regular bowel movements.
- Drinking plenty of water to prevent constipation.
- Avoiding straining during bowel movements.
- Engaging in regular physical activity.
Topical Medications:
- Over-the-counter creams, ointments, or suppositories containing hydrocortisone or witch hazel can help relieve pain, itching, and inflammation.
Surgical Treatment Options
THD Procedure:
- THD is a procedure to reduce the size of haemorrhoids by suturing their blood-supplying arteries.
- It’s also sometimes called haemorrhoid ligation, haemorrhoidal artery ligation, or doppler guided ligation.
- Discharge from hospital will be the same day. You should expect to have your bowels open within 2 to 3 days and this will be uncomfortable at first. A small amount of bleeding is expected.
Haemorrhoidectomy:
- Surgical removal of haemorrhoids.
- This procedure is usually recommended for severe cases or large external haemorrhoids.
- It may require a short hospital stay.
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Haemorrhoids Surgery
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Your questions, answered
What is a haemorrhoidectomy?
A haemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove haemorrhoids (piles) — swollen blood vessels in or around the rectum and anus — when they cause persistent symptoms such as bleeding, pain or prolapse.
What are the grades of haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are graded 1 to 4. Grade 1 and 2 can often be managed conservatively. Grade 3 and 4 haemorrhoids, which prolapse and cannot be reduced, typically require surgical treatment.
What surgical techniques are used for haemorrhoids?
Techniques include conventional haemorrhoidectomy (surgical removal), stapled haemorrhoidopexy (PPH) and THD (Transanal Haemorrhoidal Dearterialisation). Mr Tonsi will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your condition.
What causes haemorrhoids?
Common causes include chronic constipation, straining during bowel movements, a low-fibre diet, prolonged sitting, pregnancy and obesity.
How long does recovery take after a haemorrhoidectomy?
Recovery usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Pain relief, stool softeners and a high-fibre diet are recommended to support healing.
Will I need to stay in hospital after haemorrhoid surgery?
Most haemorrhoidectomies are performed as day surgery. Patients typically go home the same day.
Patient information and guides
These leaflets provide general information and do not replace individual medical advice. Follow the instructions of your clinical team for your own care.
Haemorrhoidectomy (PDF, 5 pages)
Patient information about haemorrhoids and surgery to remove them.
Transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation (THD) (PDF, 6 pages)
Patient information about haemorrhoids and the THD procedure.
This guide provides general information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. Your clinical team will advise what is appropriate for you.