Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels around the anus. Hemorrhoids are found inside and outside the rectum. Prolonged standing, pregnancy, constipation and obesity are common risk factors for developing hemorrhoids. The condition causes pain, especially when sitting, standing and defecating. The tender hemorrhoids may also cause bleeding for the individual. Treatment includes conservative treatments such as creams or more invasive procedures such as surgery. Recovery from surgery can take from a few weeks up to six months. As with all medical procedures, complications may occur after a hemorrhoidectomy.
Bleeding
Removal of a hemorrhoid involves surgically cutting the area of swollen blood vessel and stitching the vein together again. Bleeding may occur if the vein begins to spasm. Some surgeons choose not to sew the wound closed. The incision is left open to heal after injecting a medication called epinephrine into the blood vessel. Epinephrine constricts the remaining area of the blood vessel. At times, an individual experiences bleeding hours after the surgery. According to the American Family Physician, the bleeding normally occurs after the medication wears off.
Infection
Surgeons choose to leave the wound open to help prevent a postoperative wound infection. Closing the blood vessel with stitches increases the chance of infection. Signs of an infection include a fever, drainage from the wound, redness at the site and an increase in pain in the surgical area. Many surgeons prescribe antibiotics before and after the surgery to reduce the chance of developing an infection.
Pain
Pain after a hemorrhoidectomy is expected. The pain may increase when defecating, especially when passing hard stool. Treatments help decrease the pain after surgery. Taking stool softeners will help decrease pain associated with passing stool. Increasing fluid intake will also help soften stool. Sitting in a warm bath or a sitz bath several times a day also helps reduce pain and helps keep the area clean.
Anesthesia Complications
If general anesthesia is used during the procedure, an individual may experience complications related to the anesthesia. Nausea and vomiting are common after general anesthesia. Individuals may also experience difficulty breathing or reactions to the medications given during the procedure. A decrease in blood pressure is a common response to the medications. Individuals with medical conditions that may worsen with anesthesia need to speak with the anesthesiologist before the procedure to discuss risks.
