Hemorrhoid removal - discharge : MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P You had a procedure to remove your hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower part of the rectum.
P Now that you're going home, follow your health care provider's instructions for self-care.

T During Your Procedure
P 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
P After your recovery from the anesthesia, you will return home the same day.

T What to Expect at Home
P 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 doctor may recommend eating a softer diet than usual for the first few days. Ask your doctor about what you should eat.
- Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, such as broth, juice, and water.
- Your doctor may suggest using a stool softener so that it is easier to have bowel movements.

T Wound Care
P 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 doctor when you can start taking a shower. Usually, you can do so the day after surgery.

T Activity
P 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.

T Pain Management
P Your doctor 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 doctor 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.

T When to Call the Doctor
P Call your doctor 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

T Alternative Names
P Hemorrhoidectomy - discharge; Hemorrhoid - discharge

T References
P Blumetti J, Cintron JR. The management of hemorrhoids. In: Cameron JL, Cameron AM, eds. Current Surgical Therapy. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2017:271-277.
P Merchea A, Larson DW. Anus. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery: The Biological Basis of Modern Surgical Practice. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 52.

T Review Date 5/15/2017
P Updated 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, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

T Related MedlinePlus Health Topics
- Hemorrhoids

