Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus and lower rectum. They may be caused by increased pressure on rectal veins during pregnancy, straining during a bowel movement, chronic constipation or diarrhea, anal intercourse or obesity. Most hemorrhoids do not require surgery, but if the hemorrhoid is large enough or if other treatments have failed, a doctor may recommend that the hemorrhoid be surgically removed, a procedure called hemorroidectomy.
Extensive Bleeding
The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that a hemorrhoidectomy may be complicated by extensive post-operative bleeding. This bleeding may be from arteries and veins that were cut during the procedure. While some post-operative bleeding is expected, persistent or recurring bleeding from the surgical site may require medical attention. Anyone experiencing extensive bleeding after a hemorrhoidectomy should consult a physician for additional advice.
Anal Stenosis
Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, reports that a hemorrhoidectomy may make it more difficult for a patient to start or stop a bowel movement. This is likely due to post-operative scarring, or anal stenosis. Patients should be given stools softeners in order to make bowel movements easier. In most cases, anal stenosis corrects itself over time. In rare cases, an additional surgery may be necessary to relieve the stenosis. Patients should discuss the risk for anal stenosis with their physicians prior to surgery.
Infection
MayoClinic.com reports that infection is a possible complication of a hemorrhoidectmoy. An infection may develop at the surgical site or in the urinary tract as some patients report difficulty urinating after hemorrhoid surgery. To offset the risk of infection, some physicians order prophylactic antibiotics for patients to take following the surgery. Symptoms of a fever, increased swelling or tenderness at the surgical site or difficulty urinating should be reported to a physician immediately.
Anal Fistula
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, some patients may experience tearing of the anal tissue during bowel movements after a hemorrhoidectomy. This tearing is called an anal fistula. The most common cause of anal fistulas after a hemorrhoid surgery is the passage of hard stools. To prevent this complication, patients are prescribed stool softeners to make stools easier and less painful to pass. Patients are also instructed to increase their daily fluid intake and eat fiber-rich foods.
