Haemorrhoid Removal

What is a haemorrhoid?

A Haemorrhoids are distended blood vessels that form either externally (around the anus) or internally (in the lower rectum). They look like a cluster of veins.

Haemorroidectomy is the removal of large veins around the anus.

Anaesthetic

This procedure will require an anaesthetic.

What are the risks of this specific procedure?

There are risks and complications with this procedure.
They include but are not limited to the following:

General risks:

• Infection can occur, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.
• Bleeding could occur and may require a return to the operating room. Bleeding is more common if you have been taking blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin, Asprin, Clopidogrel (Plavix or Iscover) or Dipyridamole (Persantin or Asasantin).
• Small areas of the lung can collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
• Increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications, and thrombosis.
• Heart attack or stroke could occur due to the strain on the heart.
• Blood clot in the leg (DVT) causing pain and swelling. In rare cases, part of the clot may break off and go to the lungs.
• Death as a result of this procedure is possible.

Specific risks:

• There may be difficulty passing your urine and a catheter may have to be inserted into the bladder.
• The tissues about the anus may swell up considerably.
• Blood may be passed with bowel actions for some days after the operation.
• Heavy bleeding from the haemorrhoid wound can occur one to two weeks after the surgery needing further surgery.
• The anus may scar up in the years to come and cause a stricture, i.e. narrowing of the back passage.
• More haemorrhoids can occur in the future
• Increased risk in smokers of wound and chest infections, heart and lung complications and thrombosis.