Treating Hemorrhoids: Removal

If your symptoms persist, your healthcare provider may recommend removing the hemorrhoid. This can be done in your healthcare provider's office or at a surgical center. In most cases, no special preparation is needed. Keep in mind that your treatment may differ depending on your symptoms and the location of the hemorrhoid.

Internal hemorrhoids

You’ll be asked to lie or kneel on a table. Your healthcare provider then inserts an anoscope to view the anal canal. To treat the hemorrhoid, your healthcare provider will use one of the methods listed below. Because internal hemorrhoids do not have nerves that sense pain, you won’t have too much discomfort. You can often return to your normal routine the same day. If you have many hemorrhoids, you may need repeated treatments.

Banding

The banding method is done by placing tight elastic bands around the base of the hemorrhoid. This cuts off blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to fall off. This usually takes about a week. The area then heals within a few days.

Infrared coagulation

This procedure is done using a small probe that exposes the hemorrhoid to short bursts of infrared light. This seals off the blood vessel, causing it to shrink. Slight bleeding may happen for a few days. The area usually heals within a week or two.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is done by injecting a chemical into the tissue around the hemorrhoid. The chemical causes the hemorrhoid to shrink within a few days. Bleeding usually stops in about 24 hours.

Thrombosed external hemorrhoids

Thrombosed external hemorrhoids are often very painful. That’s because the swollen hemorrhoid stretches the sensitive skin around it. To relieve the pain, your healthcare provider may remove the blood clot. This takes just a few minutes. You may need to rest for a few days before returning to work.

• Numbing the hemorrhoid. You’ll be asked to lie or kneel on a table. The hemorrhoid is then injected with a local anesthetic. This may cause some discomfort for a moment. But within a short time your healthcare provider will be able to remove the hemorrhoid without causing pain.

• Removing the hemorrhoid. A small incision is made to remove the blood clot. The hemorrhoid may also be removed. The skin is then either closed with sutures or left open to heal on its own. The area around the incision will likely be sore for a few days. But your pain should improve soon after the procedure.