The anus is the last portion of the gastrointestinal system where waste is excreted from the body. The tissue surrounding the anus is filled with blood vessels. Hemorrhoids occur when the blood vessels become enlarged, and can be quite painful. If the internal hemorrhoids become large enough, they can extend out through the anus and become external hemorrhoids. A hemorrhoidectomy is a procedure where the hemorrhoids are removed, and there are three main types of hemorrhoidectomies.
Traditional Hemorrhoidectomy
According to the New York University Langone Medical Center, surgical removal of the hemorrhoids is performed when the hemorrhoids are persistently swollen, bleeding, painful, and/or are external. This type of surgery is performed under anesthesia. The doctor cuts an incision in the tissue around the hemorrhoid. The vein is then tied off to prevent bleeding. The doctor then removes the hemorrhoid and stitches the wound closed, if necessary, so it can heal. Ohio State University Medical Center adds that the recovery from this procedure can be quite uncomfortable because of the cuts in the tissue.
Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids
According to Cedars-Sinai, the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids, or PPH, is a newer procedure that involves lifting the hemorrhoid and stapling the tissue. This stapling technique restricts the blood flow to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink over several weeks. The recovery from a PPH is not as painful as the recovery from a traditional hemorroidectomy because the procedure is performed where there are no nerves to detect pain.
Infrared Coagulation
The Ohio State Medical Center describes infrared coagulation as the use of heat to clot the blood inside the hemorrhoid blood vessels and scar the tissue, which results in the closing off of the blood vessel. This type of surgery is sometimes mistakenly called "laser" hemorrhoid surgery, but focused heat is used rather than a laser to clot the blood. Infrared coagulation is often performed in a doctor's office without anesthesia, and the patient generally feels only pressure rather than any pain while the procedure is being performed. There is a risk of bleeding or infection with infrared coagulation, but these occur only rarely. Because this procedure is less invasive than a traditional hemorrhoidectomy, the recovery is faster and easier.
