Haemorridectomy (Tavistock Hospital)
Date issued: October 2024
For review: October 2026
Ref: A-657/TA/Colorectal/Haemorridectomy
PDF: Haemorridectomy (Tavistock Hospital) [pdf] 204KB
Haemorrhoids or piles are enlarged veins, which occur in the back passage. They sometimes become prolapsed and are visible as lumps around the anus. Whilst they often cause no problems, they can become painful and swollen. If surgical intervention is advised a simple procedure to remove the haemorrhoids is carried out.
Patients awakening from General Anaesthetic
At first you feel very sleepy, and it is wise to try and sleep for an hour or so. You will have been given analgesia during the operation and this should ensure that you are reasonably comfortable. If you are in pain, please inform the nurse as soon as possible who will administer some further pain relief.
Medication
The anaesthetist and surgeon will prescribe pain relief tablets to take home with you. The nurse looking after you will issue you with these before you are discharged. Any further medication that you normally take may be resumed following the operation unless the doctor has advised you differently.
Constipation
It is important not to get constipated. A high fibre diet plus plenty of water should help or take a mild laxative.
On the morning following your operation you should have a bath and then a bath/wash after every bowel movement.
Driving
You must not drive for the first 48 hours following an anaesthetic. After this time, you should only drive if you feel fit and are able to apply the car brakes without being restricted by pain. If you drive whilst restricted by the effects of the operation your car insurance may be invalid.
Getting back to work
You will need time to get over the effects of the anaesthetic before returning to work. This is a minimum of 48 hours. You will be able to resume work when you feel able to. You may use a self-certification form for the first 7 days following an operation. Thereafter you will need to visit your own GP for further certificates. It is wise to consult your own doctor and take their advice before returning to work.
Depending upon the nature of your job you may return to work as soon as you are comfortable. This is normally about 2 weeks for a desk job and 4 weeks for a manual job.
Problems
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If non-urgent problems occur in the first 72 hours and you need information or advice: Please ring Tavistock Hospital on 01822 612233
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Out of hours: Contact NHS 111
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After 72 Hours: Contact your own GP or 111
