Hemorrhoids occur when the veins located around the rectum become swollen and inflamed, according to the Hemorrhoids.net website. Hemorrhoids can hurt and bleed and may require surgical intervention to resolve. One method for surgical removal is hemorrhoidectomy, whereby the surgeon removes the excess tissue. According to the MayoClinic.com, hemorrhoidectomy is an effective way to remove hemorrhoids, but the procedure can have side effects.
Constipation
Constipation after hemorrhoidectomy surgery has several causes, according to the Atlanta Colon and Rectal Surgery website. Fears associated with bowel movements, anesthesia used during surgery and pain medication prescribed after surgery can all combine to cause constipation. Typically, the constipation resolves within a couple of days after the surgical procedure; however, the physician may prescribe a laxative if the condition does not improve.
Urinary Problems
One of the most common complications after hemorrhoidectomy is urinary retention, according to HemmorrhoidsInPlainEnglish.com. This occurs because of post-operative swelling that interferes with the flow of urine through the urethra, according to the Atlanta Colon and Rectal Surgery website. Warm baths may help the patient with urination, but if there is still a problem after one day, the patient should contact his physician.
Narrowing of the Anus
The removal of an excessive amount of tissue during a hemorrhoidectomy can cause significant scarring, which can lead to narrowing of the anal opening, according to HemmorrhoidsInPlainEnglish.com. Management of this complication includes the use of a dilator to enlarge the anal opening; if this does not improve the situation, the patient may require surgery to widen it.
Anal Fistula
A rare side effect of hemorrhoidectomy is the creation of an anal fistula, according to SurgeryEncyclopedia.com. A fistula is a tunnel-like structure that extends from the anal canal to the external skin, according to HemmorrhoidsInPlainEnglish.com. Occurring in less than 1 percent of hemorrhoidectomy surgeries, a physician can remove the fistula in an office procedure.
Recurrence
Hemorrhoids sometimes recur after hemorrhoidectomy surgery although the recurrence rate is not as high with this procedure as with other types of hemorrhoid procedures. According to the Medical Disability Advisor website, the recurrence rate is 2 to 5 percent compared to 30 to 50 percent with rubber band ligation. Recurrence of hemorrhoids may require an additional procedure depending on the symptoms.
References
- Medical Disability Advisor: Hemorrhoid Treatment
- Atlanta Colon and Rectal Surgery: Common Post Operative Hemorrhoid Questions
- SurgeryEncyclopedia.com: Hemorrhoidectomy
- Hemorrhoids.net: Hemorrhoids Information, Pictures, Treatments, and Cures
- HemorrhoidsInPlainEnglish.com: Complications of Hemorrhoid Surgery
