Hemorrhoids are a medical condition in which veins in the anus dilate and enlarge, causing symptoms. These can be considered internal or external, depending on the exact anatomy, and are quite common. They affect 50 percent of the adult population in the U.S. and affect males and females equally. Symptoms can include pain, bleeding from defecation and constipation. They can be treated medically. Surgical treatment can be pursued if symptoms worsen.
Postoperative Pain
Postoperative pain is a common complication after hemorrhoid surgery, also known as hemorrhoidectomy. Metronidazole, an antibiotic, has been used orally and topically on the surgical site to alleviate pain. The anal region has a very high number of nerves, which is one of the reasons postoperative pain can be very severe.
Bleeding
Bleeding after surgery is also a complication of hemorrhoidectomy. The anal area has a very rich blood supply, one of the reasons that region of the body heals well after surgery. However, the rich infusion of blood to the surgical site can also result in increased bleeding.
Infection
Infection is a risk of any surgical procedure. It can range from a superficial skin infection to an infection that spreads to the bloodstream and causes systemic dysfunction (sepsis). In fact, pelvic sepsis is the most feared complication of hemorrhoidectomy. Occasionally an abscess can form, in which case surgical drainage is pursued in order to ensure proper patient recovery.
Anal Stenosis
This refers to a narrowing of the anal canal, which can make excretion of stool very difficult. This can be a complication of hemorrhoidectomy, often resulting from the formation of scar tissue after the procedure.
Urine Retention
Many factors contribute to the patient being unable to fully void the bladder after surgery, thus retaining urine. These factors include pelvic pain, side effects of anesthetics employed, and trauma to nerves during surgery. It's usually temporary, and the patient can be catheterized to void the bladder while awaiting return of normal bladder function.
References
- "Sleisinger and Fortran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 8th Edition;" Feldman; 2008
- "Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 18th Edition;" Townsend; 2007
- Journal of the American College of Surgeons. "Hemorrhoidal Disease: A Comprehensive Review." Kaidar-Person O, Person B, Wexner S. Volume 204, Issue 1 (January 2007)
