As with any surgery, you may experience certain side effects after piles surgery, including pain, bleeding, infection, fecal incontinence, and constipation.
Potential side effects of hemorrhoidectomy include:
- Pain: Following surgery, the anal region will be sore and extremely sensitive. During the first several weeks, you should rest as much as possible and move as little as possible. Make sure to follow your doctor's orders and take your medications as directed. When you strain to pass hard stools, the degree of pain may increase considerably. A warm water sitz bath may be recommended to relieve discomfort. A sitz bath is a tiny basin that is filled with warm water over which you can sit to relieve pain. When you need to sit in a chair or on the bed, use a donut-shaped cushion to avoid putting pressure on your anorectal area.
- Bleeding: Minor bleeding is common after surgery. You may detect blood in your stool or on your underwear, especially with bowel movements. This is especially true in the 48 to 72 hours following your treatment. Inform your doctor if you notice a significant amount of blood. Unless you are told to expect it, notify your surgeon if you are passing blood clots.
- Infection: With surgical procedures, infection is always a possibility. Stools that pass through or come into contact with the surgical site may increase the risk of infection. Keep an eye out for signs of infection, which can range from general symptoms, such as fever, to more specific symptoms, such as painful abscesses. Notify your doctor so that you can receive the appropriate care.
- Fecal incontinence: In addition to pain, you may experience moderate levels of stool incontinence. This is usually temporary and resolves itself during the recovery period. However, you should see your doctor if the condition persists after treatment.
- Constipation: Following piles surgery, severe constipation is common. Constipation is caused by anal constriction (narrowing of the anal canal) or tissue injury. Fear of painful bowel movements can also lead to functional constipation. Opioid abuse following the operation is another significant factor. Although fecal impaction (hard stool that is trapped in the anal canal) can occur, it is uncommon, and disimpaction is rarely necessary. Stool softeners combined with a multimodality pain regimen that restricts opioid usage is one approach for postoperative constipation.
The severity of the side effects varies from person to person, and some people may even require active management for bleeding and pain at the site of operation, which are the most common complications following piles operation.
What are the complications of piles operation?
Potential complications of piles surgery include:
- Flatulence
- Anal fissure (tear in the anal canal)
- Hypertrophied anal papilla (skin tags)
- Intramural abscess
- Intussusception (obstruction of the intestine)
- Rectal prolapse (lining of the rectum stretches out of the anus)
- Urinary retention or difficulty urinating
- Delayed wound healing
- Recurrence of hemorrhoids
Some procedures are performed under general anesthesia, which may also lead to some complications:
- Allergic reactions or respiratory difficulties
- Shock (from excessive bleeding)
- Formation of blood clots, which can cause:
- Deep vein thrombosis in the leg or pelvis
- Pulmonary embolism if they reach the lungs
The management of these complications may include treatments with necessary medications and time for healing; some may necessitate surgical intervention.
How long does it take to heal from piles surgery?
Recovering from hemorrhoidectomy can be a difficult process. Depending on the extent of the treatment, recovery may take anywhere from 1-6 weeks. The number of hemorrhoids removed and their size are two factors that can influence healing time.
During the recovery stage, you may experience severe pain that lasts 1-4 weeks after the procedure, which begins to improve by the end of the first week.
You should concentrate on avoiding constipation during the recovery period, as straining or passing hard stools can cause significant pain and discomfort. If your bowel movements are soft following surgery, this is a sign that your recovery is going well.
Many people who have piles surgery can resume their normal lifestyle after 2-3 weeks and can do light exercises (not weight training) 1 week after the treatment. Although it takes about a month to recover, you can return to work as early as the third week following piles surgery.
SLIDESHOW
How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Types, Causes, and Treatments See SlideshowHow can I take care of myself after piles surgery?
Follow your doctor’s advice on what you can and cannot do following piles surgery, as your recovery will be affected by the aftercare.
Activity
- You will be advised to rest for 24 hours before resuming your normal activities.
- The sooner you begin walking, the better. A 15-minute walk may be beneficial as it stimulates bowel movements.
- Perform only those activities that you can tolerate; never overdo them.
- Lifting heavy items should be avoided until you have fully recovered.
Medications
- You may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent possible infections, and these must be taken as advised.
- Your doctor may also recommend stool softeners.
Diet
- To avoid nausea, vomiting, and constipation, start with clear liquids on the day of the surgery and return to a regular diet the next day.
- Drink plenty of water (at least 8 large glasses a day).
- Increase your fiber intake (such as whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and fruits).
- Avoid foods that cause constipation, such as dairy and red meat; processed foods, and sugary foods.
While hemorrhoids are not always preventable, following this advice may decrease the probability of recurrence.
When to call a doctor after piles surgery
If you have any of the following complications after piles surgery, contact your doctor immediately:
- Excessive discomfort (pain medication may not completely eliminate discomfort)
- Excessive swelling or bleeding from the surgical site
- Redness and warmth around the incision
- Temperature above 101.5 F
- Inability to urinate within 8 hours of surgery
Medically Reviewed on 12/1/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image
Complications Following Anorectal Surgery https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4755765/
Hemorrhoids https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15120-hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/hemorrhoids
Complications Following Anorectal Surgery https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4755765/
Hemorrhoids https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15120-hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/hemorrhoids
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