What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in the lower rectum or around the anus that can cause discomfort, itching, bleeding, and pain. They are common and can result from increased pressure during straining, pregnancy, obesity, chronic constipation, or prolonged sitting. While many hemorrhoids improve with conservative care, some require surgical treatment when symptoms are persistent, severe, or complications develop.

Why Surgery Is Performed

Surgery may be recommended for hemorrhoids that:

  • Cause significant pain or bleeding
  • Prolapse (push out of the anal canal) and cannot be manually reduced
  • Are thrombosed or repeatedly inflamed
  • Do not respond to lifestyle changes or non‑surgical treatments

The goal of surgery is to remove or reduce the problematic hemorrhoidal tissue and relieve symptoms while preserving normal anal function.

Types of Hemorrhoid Surgery

Hemorrhoidectomy

A hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of internal and/or external hemorrhoids. It is often recommended for large, prolapsed, or thrombosed hemorrhoids. This procedure provides durable relief and is considered one of the most effective treatments for advanced disease.

Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy

Also known as a stapled hemorrhoid procedure, this technique repositions prolapsed hemorrhoidal tissue by using a circular stapling device. It may result in less postoperative pain and faster recovery compared with traditional excisional hemorrhoidectomy for select patients.

Doppler‑Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (DGHL)

This minimally invasive approach uses ultrasound guidance to identify and tie off blood vessels supplying the hemorrhoids, reducing blood flow and causing the hemorrhoidal tissue to shrink. It may be an option for patients with symptomatic but less severe hemorrhoidal disease.

What to Expect During Surgery

Hemorrhoid surgery is typically performed under regional or general anesthesia in a surgical center or hospital. The surgeon removes or repositions the hemorrhoidal tissue using the method best suited to your symptoms and anatomy. The procedure usually takes less than an hour, and you will be monitored closely as the anesthesia wears off.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from hemorrhoid surgery varies by procedure and individual health. Initially, patients may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort for several days. Your care team will provide instructions for:

  • Pain management
  • Sitz baths to soothe the surgical area
  • A high‑fiber diet and stool softeners to keep bowel movements comfortable
  • Avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity during early recovery

Most patients return to light daily activities within a few days to a week, with full recovery typically taking a few weeks. Stay hydrated and follow dietary recommendations to reduce straining and support healing.

Benefits of Hemorrhoid Surgery

  • Significant reduction in pain and bleeding
  • Resolution of prolapse and discomfort
  • Improved quality of life
  • Long‑term relief when conservative measures fail

Risks and Considerations

As with any surgery, hemorrhoidectomy and related procedures carry risks, including bleeding, infection, urinary retention, anal stricture, and pain. Some procedures may have a higher likelihood of postoperative discomfort. Your surgeon will review your health history, exam findings, and treatment goals to determine the best surgical approach and discuss potential risks and how to minimize them.

Divisions Involved in Your Care

Diagnoses We Treat

Frequently Asked Questions

Hemorrhoids develop from increased pressure in the veins of the lower rectum and anus, often due to straining, constipation, pregnancy, obesity, or prolonged sitting.

No. Many hemorrhoids improve with conservative treatments such as dietary changes, fiber supplements, sitz baths, and topical therapies. Surgery is reserved for persistent, severe, or complicated hemorrhoids.

A hemorrhoidectomy removes hemorrhoidal tissue completely and is often used for larger or prolapsed hemorrhoids. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy repositions tissue with a stapling device and may result in less pain and quicker recovery for select patients.

Some postoperative discomfort is typical, especially in the first few days, but pain can be managed with medications, sitz baths, and stool softeners. Minimally invasive techniques may reduce pain and recovery time.

Most patients resume light activities within a few days and experience full recovery within a few weeks. Individual healing time varies by procedure type and overall health.

Recurrence is possible, especially without lifestyle measures such as a high‑fiber diet, adequate hydration, and regular bowel habits. However, surgery significantly reduces the likelihood of symptoms returning.

Contact your surgeon if you experience excessive bleeding, fever, severe pain not controlled by medication, urinary difficulties, or signs of infection.