Diet After Hemorrhoidectomy

By age 50, half the population experiences the symptoms of hemorrhoids -- swollen, distended veins in the lower rectum and anus -- according to Harvard Medical School. You might have to undergo a hemorrhoidectomy if your hemorrhoids protrude or become very large, or if you experience persistent symptoms like rectal itching, pain, bleeding or prolapse. After surgery, the right diet will help you heal properly and help prevent a recurrence. Consult your physician for specific diet instructions after a hemorrhoidectomy.

The Procedure

During a traditional surgical hemorrhoidectomy, your surgeon makes an incision and removes the swollen blood vessels. The good news is that the procedure has a low complication rate and usually solves the problem. The bad news is that a hemorrhoidectomy has a reputation for being painful. The surgery is commonly performed under general anesthesia, and you'll probably go home from the hospital the same day. Your surgeon will most likely prescribe a narcotic analgesic for pain relief. You'll need to follow a special diet and take other measures afterward to keep your stool soft, due to the location of the incision and to prevent constipation from the narcotic analgesic.

The Diet

It's important to keep your bowel movements soft to allow the rectal or anal incision to heal and to control pain. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day, and eat plenty of high-fiber foods. Only foods of plant origin contain fiber, which speeds the passage of food through the digestive tract and makes stool bulkier and softer. Eat wheat bran, fruits and vegetables, because they're the most effective in treating constipation. Water maximizes the stool-softening effect of fiber.

Other Considerations

Your surgeon will order a stool softener such as docusate to prevent straining and constipation. It's vital to take the softener as directed, especially if you take a narcotic analgesic for pain. You'll also be directed to take a laxative. If you don't have a bowel movement within three days of surgery, contact your doctor. Recovery takes approximately two weeks.

Prevention

Straining during bowel movements, sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods of time and chronic constipation are a few of the things that cause hemorrhoids. Drink plenty of fluids, eat a high-fiber diet, and avoid constipation to help prevent the development of new hemorrhoids in the future.