Haemorrhoidectomy (Piles Removal)

Haemorrhoids are present in everyone, but they are only considered abnormal when the haemorrhoidal vessels bleed or become enlarged. 1 in 3 people in Singapore suffers from haemorrhoids and it is especially common in those over the age of 40 and during pregnancy. A sedentary lifestyle and poor toileting habits such as overstraining or sitting on the toilet bowl for long periods of time can also increase your risk of developing haemorrhoids by increasing the pressure exerted on the haemorrhoids.

There are other risk factors that could lead to the development of haemorrhoids, and they include obesity, family history, a low-fibre diet or an excessively high-fibre diet, or having an intra-abdominal or pelvic tumour (not a common cause).

By performing a haemorrhoidectomy, the surgeon is able to remove the large haemorrhoids that are causing your symptoms. This is effective in providing longer term relief, especially when conservative measures with medications and lifestyle changes have failed to address the symptoms adequately. The surgery can be done with local anaesthesia (combined with a light sedative) or with general anaesthesia. This is the most effective and complete way of removing haemorrhoidal tissue.

Before deciding on any procedure to treat your haemorrhoids, it would be advisable to do your own research and talk with your surgeon about the side effects, complications and long-term results.

What to expect from a haemorrhoid removal:

• A more effective treatment for large prolapsing piles
• Generally performed as a day surgery
• Short downtime and quick return to work and daily activities

In the early stages of the disease, medication and local treatment options such as rubber band ligation are feasible. In the later stages, such measures may not be sufficient, and surgery is indicated to treat the disease. The treatment of haemorrhoids depends on the type and severity of the condition.