Hemorrhoid Surgery
Partner with experts at North Carolina Surgery (formerly REX Surgical Specialists) to treat hemorrhoids and other pain or irritation of the anus. You’ll appreciate compassionate care from professionals in Raleigh and Cary.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen blood vessels in the lower part of the anus and rectum. Irritation begins after the walls of these vessels stretch and can cause bleeding, protruding tissue or prolapse.
Types of Hemorrhoids
You may have two different types of hemorrhoids, which include:
- External hemorrhoids – Located under your skin near the opening of your anus that cause pain and bleeding
- Internal hemorrhoids – Located on the inside of your anal canal and usually don't cause pain, but can cause itching, pressure and leaking mucus
Hemorrhoid Treatment
If more conservative treatment of your hemorrhoids does not provide relief, you may require treatment to either reduce the blood flow to your hemorrhoids or surgery to remove them. North Carolina Surgery offers multiple options, some of which can be performed in-office with no hospital stay:
- Hemorrhoid banding or rubber band ligation
- Injections or sclerotheraphy
- Surgical removal
Hemorrhoid Banding
Your surgeon may recommend banding your hemorrhoids, also known as rubber band ligation. This procedure is commonly performed in office and you are able to go home the same day. Your surgeon will give you local anesthetic. Specialized equipment will allow the surgeon to wrap the affected tissue in a rubber band, restricting blood flow to the affected area. After about one to two weeks, the hemorrhoids dry up and fall off on their own.
Hemorrhoid Injections
This procedure also typically performed in office with no hospital stay. Your surgeon will apply local anesthetic. Using special equipment, your surgeon will inject a liquid containing drugs to the affected areas. The drugs will constrict blood flow to the affected area, helping to relieve the swelling and bleeding. You may need to repeat this procedure a few times over several weeks to achieve maximum benefit.
Surgical Hemorrhoid Removal
In some cases, you may require surgery to remove your hemorrhoids. You will be placed under anesthesia. Your surgeon will remove the hemorrhoids with a scalpel and will use minimally-invasive or robotic procedures when possible.
What to Expect After Surgery
After your surgery, you’ll receive a long-acting local anesthetic that provides pain relief for up to 72 hours. In most cases, you’ll be able to go home the same day as your procedure.
