Haemorrhoids removal

Yes. It is possible that your haemorrhoids will improve on their own and that standard painkillers (such as paracetamol) can be used to help with the pain.

You could also try eating more fibre and drinking more water. Many patients find that medication from a pharmacy helps.

Your GP is likely to recommend trying these conservative measures first. However, if these methods don’t work or your piles are severe (3rd or 4th degree), then you may be referred to a colorectal specialist.

When you are referred to a colorectal specialist, they will want to make sure that the bleeding is haemorrhoidal and not coming from further up in the bowel.

They might ask you about the history of the pain or bleeding you’re experiencing and whether there is any history of bowel cancer in your family.

There is likely to be a physical examination, which involves feeling to see if there are any lumps in the area. A proctoscope (a hollow tube) may also be used to take a closer look.

If your haemorrhoids are 1st or 2nd degree, your consultant may recommend rubber band ligation. This is a localised treatment which involves using rubber bands to cut off the blood supply to the haemorrhoid.

Surgery may be recommended for patients who are experiencing haemorrhoids that are 3rd or 4th degree.

The aim of a haemorrhoidectomy (haemorrhoid removal surgery) is to remove the haemorrhoids that are causing discomfort or pain. It is a very good and often permanent treatment for haemorrhoids. However, the recovery can be very uncomfortable for a week or two, especially when you first open your bowels. For this reason, if the haemorrhoids are suitable, most colorectal surgeons will choose to perform a suture repair of the haemorrhoids. This procedure is known as transanal haemorrhoidal de-arterialisation (THD) or haemorrhoidal artery ligation (HALO). THD/HALO involves reducing the blood supply to the haemorrhoids by identifying and suturing the main blood vessel. The haemorrhoid is further sutured to shrink it and pull it back into place in the low rectum. This approach recognises the function of haemorrhoids within the colon and aims to restore the anatomy. It is less painful to recover from but does have a higher rate of recurrence than excision.

In cases of extreme prolapse, your surgeon may rarely recommend stapled hemorrhoidopexy. This involves using a special circular stapler to remove a section of the lining of the bowel and fix the haemorrhoids in place.

If your consultant recommends surgery for your haemorrhoids, our team will ensure you know what to expect and are aware of any preparations you may need to make. For example, you will need to arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital. You may be asked not to eat anything on the day of your operation or to stop taking certain medications.

All haemorrhoid operations are usually performed as a day case procedure, and all but banding is performed under a spinal or general anaesthetic.

You will want to get plenty of rest at first, but it’s also important to keep moving to prevent blood clots. Our team will make sure you know which exercises are safe to do, what medications to take and how to care for your wounds. You are likely to be prescribed laxatives to counteract the stronger pain medications or if you tend to suffer from constipation.

You may feel pain for up to a week, and longer after excision but the latest treatment techniques are designed to enhance your recovery and provide good long-term results.

All surgery has risks, including those associated with having an anaesthetic. These can include infection, pain, bleeding and blood clots. There are also complications specific to haemorrhoid surgery and whilst the main risks are bleeding (which can be up to two weeks after) and pain, others can include incomplete removal, anal tears and skin tags. More severe side effects, including possible mild incontinence or narrowing of the anal canal, are regarded as rare but potential complications of more difficult surgery.

Your consultant will discuss all the risks with you ahead of the procedure and make sure you are fully informed and happy to go ahead.

You may be covered by private medical insurance, or you may wish to consider spreading the cost of your surgery by opting for a monthly payment plan.

We aim to make our costs as transparent as possible, but it’s important to talk everything through in detail with your consultant at the time of your appointment. Some costs may be paid directly to the hospital, while others, such as your consultant fees, may be paid directly to the consultant.