Hemorrhoidectomy
What is Hemorrhoidectomy? Hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical excision of haemorrhoids. It remains the most effective treatment for large grade 3 and grade 4 piles, prolapsing haemorrhoids that no longer go back inside, mixed internal and external piles, and haemorrhoids that have recurred after laser or banding. Typical duration at Iswarya Hospital, OMR Chennai: 30–45 mins. Recovery: 2–4 weeks.
Iswarya Hospital offers conventional (Milligan-Morgan or Ferguson) excision and stapler haemorrhoidopexy, which lifts the piles back into position with a circular stapler and causes less pain. Your surgeon will recommend the technique that suits the size and type of your haemorrhoids.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Durai Ravi, Senior Consultant – General, Advanced Laparoscopic, Laser & Robotic Surgeon · Updated 9 October 2026
How is Hemorrhoidectomy performed?
- 1
Spinal or general anaesthesia is given.
- 2
Each haemorrhoid is gently retracted to expose its base.
- 3
The pile is excised from its base, and the feeding vessel is tied off.
- 4
In the stapled technique, a circular stapler removes a ring of tissue above the piles and lifts them back into place.
- 5
Wounds are left open to heal or closed with dissolving stitches depending on technique.
- 6
A dressing is applied and the patient is observed in recovery.
What are the benefits of Hemorrhoidectomy?
- ✓Lowest recurrence rate of any piles treatment
- ✓Effective for large, prolapsed and mixed haemorrhoids
- ✓Removes external skin tags in the same operation
- ✓Stapled option offers less pain and quicker recovery
- ✓Usually a one-night stay or day care
How do you prepare for Hemorrhoidectomy?
- Proctoscopy or colonoscopy confirms haemorrhoids and excludes other causes of bleeding.
- Fast for 6–8 hours before surgery.
- An enema is given on the morning of surgery.
- Stop blood thinners as instructed; start stool softeners a few days before.
- Arrange a week off work and someone to take you home.
What are the risks and side effects of Hemorrhoidectomy?
- Significant pain for the first 1–2 weeks, especially with the open technique
- Bleeding, occasionally delayed to 7–10 days when scabs separate
- Difficulty passing urine on the first day
- Narrowing of the anal canal (stricture) if healing is excessive (rare)
- Minor leakage or urgency, usually temporary
Your surgeon will discuss all risks with you before the procedure and take appropriate precautions to minimise them.
What is recovery like after Hemorrhoidectomy?
- Regular painkillers for the first week; take them before bowel motions.
- Warm sitz baths after each motion and at bedtime.
- Stool softener, high-fibre diet and 2–3 litres of fluid daily.
- Expect some bleeding with motions for 2 weeks; report heavy bleeding.
- Review at 2 and 6 weeks to check healing.
Frequently asked questions about Hemorrhoidectomy
Is hemorrhoidectomy very painful?
Conventional excision is uncomfortable for the first 7–10 days, mainly with bowel motions. Stapled haemorrhoidopexy and laser techniques are considerably less painful. Pain is well controlled with regular medication and sitz baths.
When is surgery necessary rather than laser or banding?
When piles are grade 4 and stay prolapsed, when there is a large external component or skin tags, when there is ongoing significant bleeding, or when less invasive treatments have failed.
How long before I can go back to work?
Around 2 weeks for desk work after conventional surgery, and about 1 week after the stapled technique.
Will piles come back after surgery?
Recurrence after excision is under 5% at 5 years, the lowest of all treatments, provided constipation and straining are avoided.
Where can you get Hemorrhoidectomy in Chennai?
Iswarya Hospital's General & Laparoscopic Surgery department performs a wide range of procedures using minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques for faster recovery, less pain, and shorter hospital stays — including hernia repair, gallbladder removal, appendectomy, and piles/fistula surgery.
Sources and further reading
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ℹ️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment plans may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.