Hemorrhoid removal - discharge
Hemorrhoidectomy - discharge; Hemorrhoid surgery - dischargeYou had a procedure to remove your hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower part of the rectum.
Now that you're going home, follow your surgeon's instructions for self-care.
- What to Expect at Home
Recovery time depends on the type of procedure you had. In general:
- 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. This is to be expected.
- Your surgeon may recommend eating a softer diet than usual for the first few days. Ask your surgeon about what you should eat.
- Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, such as broth, juice, and water.
- Your surgeon may suggest using a stool softener so that it is easier to have bowel movements.
- During Your Procedure
Depending on your symptoms, you may have had one of these types of procedures:
- 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 often be able to return home the same day.
- Wound Care
Follow instructions on 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.
- Ask your surgeon when you can start taking a shower. Usually, you can do so the day after surgery.
- 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.
- Depending on how you feel and the type of work you do, you may need to take time off work.
- As you start feeling better, increase your physical activity. For example, do more walking.
- You should have a complete recovery in a few weeks.
- Pain Management
Your surgeon will give you a prescription for pain medicines. Get it filled right away so you have it available when you go home. Remember to take your pain medicine before your pain gets severe.
- You may apply an ice pack to your bottom to help reduce swelling and pain. Wrap the ice pack in a clean towel before applying it. This prevents cold injury to your skin. Do not use the ice pack for more than 15 minutes at a time.
- Your surgeon may recommend that you 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.
- When to Call the Doctor
Contact your surgeon if:
- You have a lot of pain or swelling
- You bleed a lot from your rectum
- You have a fever
- You can't pass urine several hours after the surgery
- The incision is red and hot to the touch
References
Abcarian AM, Abcarian H. Management of hemorrhoids. In: Cameron JL, Cameron AM, eds. Current Surgical Therapy. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:287-293.
Hyman N, Umanskiy K. Anus. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 53.