Hemorrhoidectomy

If your doctor has recommended a surgical hemorrhoid removal procedure, it is a good idea to learn all that you can about it ahead of time. This can help remove the natural fear that can come when you are anticipating a surgery and can provide you with the information you need to make a good choice. There are now several different surgical Hemorrhoid removal procedures that are available and many are actually accompanied by less pain and disability than is a conventional surgical hemorrhoidectomy, where the involved tissue is cut away and the wounds sewn back together.

It should be noted that these surgical options are to be entertained only with the most severe cases of hemorrhoids. Most patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids are able to be treated with less invasive procedures, such as Rubber Band Ligation, where a band is placed around the base of a hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and fall off. These less invasive procedures are virtually painless, and should be considered before moving on to a surgical procedure. Let's take a look at some of the most common procedures that can often be done on an outpatient basis.

Harmonic Scalpel Removal

- While this hemorrhoid removal procedure may sound a little strange, it is very useful. A special scalpel is used that relies on ultrasound waves. This blasts the hemorrhoid apart and a special process is used to seal off blood vessels. This is a hemorrhoid removal procedure that is commonly used for large hemorrhoids or for situations where the removal needs to be as bloodless as possible. The recovery time for this procedure and pain involved in a procedure utilizing the harmonic scalpel may be less than for a conventional surgical hemorrhoidectomy.

Laser Removal

- This is a very effective hemorrhoid removal procedure that is utilized for certain patients. During the procedure, a laser beam is is used to free up and remove the involved hemorrhoidal tissue. The heat of the laser cauterizes the blood vessels so the hemorrhoid removal procedure is nearly bloodless. This is commonly done on an outpatient basis, and may also be accompanied by less pain than a conventional surgical hemorrhoidectomy.

Atomizing

- As the name suggests, this hemorrhoid removal procedure involves blasting a hemorrhoid into very small pieces. A small vacuum is used in conjunction with the atomization tool to suck up the tissue. This is one of the latest hemorrhoid removal procedures and it is quickly gaining many adherents.

In addition to undergoing a hemorrhoid removal procedure, you may want to consider scheduling a colon cancer screen (colonoscopy). Every year, thousands of lives are saved as a result of these studies which are able to detect colon cancer while it is still treatable, or even abnormalities that are precancerous, and so not yet dangerous to the patient. Colon cancer is best treated when it is in its early stages, and since its symptoms may go unnoticed for years, a colonoscopy is the best way to detect its presence.