Stapled haemorrhoidectomy

Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are swellings and enlarged veins at the base of your rectum and anus (back passage). They can cause symptoms such as bleeding, soreness, itching, and swelling. You may feel a lump protruding from your anus which you may be able to push back in.

Haemorrhoids are not usually dangerous but can be uncomfortable. In most cases, they can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes. However, if these less invasive methods don't work, your haemorrhoids may need to be removed with surgery.

At your first consultation, you will be seen by a consultant general or colorectal surgeon.

Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms, general health, and medical history including any treatments or lifestyle changes you have made to treat your haemorrhoids. They will perform a physical examination.

At Circle Health Group, your first appointment is very important as it's where we get to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. It is important to us that you are as well-informed and comfortable as possible before, during, and after your surgery, so please ask your consultant any questions you may have.

At the end of your appointment, your consultant will decide whether a stapled haemorrhoidectomy is the right treatment for you based on your symptoms, general health, diagnosis, and physical examination.

Your consultant will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your surgery. If there's anything you're not sure about, or if you have any questions about how to prepare for your surgery, speak to your consultant or call the hospital for advice. Being well-prepared for your surgery will help to ease any anxiety you may have as well as allow your surgery and recovery to go more smoothly.

Before your surgery, tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have and any medication you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines. Your consultant may tell you to stop taking some medications like blood thinners before your operation. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during and after your surgery.

You may need to take laxatives or be given enemas to clean your bowel before your surgery. Your healthcare team will advise you on this. You will not be able to eat or drink anything from midnight on the day of your operation.

What lifestyle changes can I make before my surgery?

Being in optimal health before your surgery can reduce the risk of complications and speed up your recovery.

To make sure you are as healthy as possible before your surgery:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
• If you smoke, try to stop at least eight weeks before your surgery
• Avoid alcohol for a few days before and after your surgery. Alcohol thins the blood and can increase the risk of bleeding
• Take regular exercise

A stapled haemorrhoidectomy is normally performed under general anaesthetic which means you'll be asleep for the procedure.

During stapled haemorrhoidectomy, your consultant will insert a circular hollow tube into your anal canal (back passage). A thread is inserted into the anal canal and is woven along the outskirts of the haemorrhoids . The ends of the thread are brought out of the anal canal through the hollow tube.

A special stapler is inserted through the hollow tube and the thread is pulled to move the excess tissue under the stapler. The excess tissue is removed, and the base of your haemorrhoids are stapled to your rectal wall (the last part of your large bowel).

A sterile dressing is applied inside your rectum. This will dissolve or pass with a bowel movement in a few days.

Stapled haemorrhoidectomy takes around 20 minutes.

After your surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be monitored closely until the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. You will then be taken to your room.

What are the benefits of stapled haemorrhoidectomy?

The main benefits of stapled haemorrhoidectomy are less post-operative pain and a faster recovery time than with a standard haemorrhoidectomy.

Recovery from any type of surgery is different for everyone and depends on factors such as your age, general health and whether or not there were any complications during your surgery or initial recovery. Your consultant will be able to give you an estimated recovery timeline based on your individual circumstances.

You may have some bleeding from your bottom after your surgery. Your healthcare team will give you pads to wear.

It's normal to experience mild pain or discomfort after your stapled haemorrhoidectomy. You'll be given painkillers to make you feel more comfortable, but please tell a member of your healthcare team if you have pain after your surgery.

How many nights will I need to stay in hospital?

Stapled haemorrhoidectomy is normally done as a day-case procedure, meaning you'll be able to go home the same day. In some cases, you may need to spend one night in hospital.

Will I be able to drive home?

You will not be able to drive yourself home from the hospital after your stapled haemorrhoidectomy, or for at least twenty-four hours after a general anaesthetic. Please make arrangements for someone to collect you, or we can organise a taxi if you prefer.

How soon can I go back to work?

How soon you can go back to work after your surgery depends on how you feel after your procedure, and the type of job you do. Most people return to work within one to two weeks of stapled haemorrhoidectomy.

How soon can I drive?

After the first twenty-four hours, you can drive when you can sit comfortably, safely control your vehicle, and perform an emergency stop. This is normally a few days after your surgery.

When will I be back to normal?

Recovery from any type of surgery is a gradual process that is different for everyone. You can help your recovery to go more smoothly by taking things at your own pace and allowing yourself time to heal from your surgery. Follow your consultant's instructions carefully and call the hospital if you have any questions or concerns.

You may have pain for a few days after your stapled haemorrhoidectomy. Take over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen if you need to.

Taking regular sitz baths will help ease discomfort and keep the area clean. A sitz bath is a shallow bath filled with warm water that you sit in for around ten to twenty minutes. Take sitz baths around three times a day and after a bowel movement.

It may be uncomfortable the first few times you open your bowels after your stapled haemorrhoidectomy. This will get better with time.

You can make bowel movements easier by drinking plenty of water, getting enough exercise and including lots of fibre in your diet. Your consultant may also prescribe laxatives to help with this after your surgery.

Most people resume normal activities within a few days to a week of stapled haemorrhoidectomy.

As with all types of surgery, there is a small risk of complications associated with stapled haemorrhoidectomy. Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications before your surgery and answer any questions you may have about your procedure. Being as well-informed as possible about what to expect from your surgery will help put your mind at rest and allow you to make an informed decision so please ask any questions you may have.

Possible complications of any surgery include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic

Possible complications specific to stapled haemorrhoidectomy include:

• Narrowing of the anal canal (anal stenosis) - this may occur over time due to scarring
• Infection - can be treated with antibiotics
• Bleeding - if this is excessive or prolonged, further surgery may be required
• Problems urinating - you may need a urinary catheter (a tube in your bladder to drain urine) until this is resolved
• Anal fissure - a small tear in the lining of the anus
• Faecal incontinence
• Haemorrhoids can reoccur

At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard
• A range of delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about stapled haemorrhoidectomy, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in April 2023. Next review due April 2026.

1. Circular stapled haemorrhoidectomy, NICE
2. Main Advantages of Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy,  Springer Link
3. Stapled haemorrhoidectomy, Medicine.Net
4. Haemorrhoids (piles), NHS Inform