Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are swollen veins in the rectum and anus that can cause discomfort, bleeding and pain. For many people, lifestyle changes, medication or minimally invasive procedures are enough to manage the condition. However, if symptoms persist or are severe, doctors may recommend surgical removal of the piles.
It’s normal for patients to feel anxious about surgery and to have questions before making a decision. Here are the five most common questions patients ask before piles removal surgery, along with clear and reassuring answers.
When is surgery necessary for piles?
Not all piles require surgery. In fact, most cases can be managed through non-surgical treatments such as lifestyle changes, topical creams and office-based procedures like rubber band ligation. Surgery is usually considered if:
- Piles are large, prolapsed, or persist despite conservative treatments
- There is frequent or heavy bleeding
- The pain interfered with daily life
- Complications such as blood clots or infections develop
If other treatments haven’t provided relief, pile removal surgery may offer a more lasting solution.
What types of pile removal surgery are available?
There isnt just one type of surgery. Different approaches may be recommended depending on the severity of the condition:
- Hemorrhoidectomy → The most common and effective method for large or severe piles. The swollen tissue is surgically removed, providing long-lasting relief.
- Stapled hemorrhoidopexy → This procedure repositions prolapsed piles and cuts off their blood supply, reducing pain and bleeding
- Laser piles surgery → A minimally invasive method using laser energy to shrink haemorrhoidal tissue, often resulting in less pain and a quicker recovery for patients.
Your doctor will evaluate your condition and recommend the treatment option that best suits your needs.
Is piles removal surgery painful?
Understandably, pain is one of the biggest concerns for patients. While older surgical methods were often associated with significant discomfort, advancements in medical technology now make less invasive approaches possible.
For example, laser surgery and stapled techniques generally cause less pain than traditional surgery. Pain management after surgery is also far effective today, with medications and recovery protocols designed to keep patients comfortable.
What is the recovery time after surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery performed and the patient’s overall health. In general:
- Depending on the procedure and individual recovery, patients may either return home the same day or require only a brief hospital stay.
- Discomfort usually improves significantly within one to two weeks
- Full recovery, including the resumption of normal daily activities, typically occurs within two to three weeks.
Minimally invasive options like piles removal surgery often allow for a faster return to work and daily routines compared to traditional methods.
Will piles come back after surgery?
One of the most common concerns patients have is the possibility of recurrence. While piles removal surgery is highly effective, it does not guarantee that piles will never return. Lifestyle factors such as chronic constipation, prolonged sitting or straining during bowel movements can increase the risk of recurrence.
That’s why doctors often recommend preventive steps after surgery:
- Eating a high fibre diet
- Staying hydrated
- Exercising regularly to promote healthy bowel function
- Avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet
With proper care, the chances of recurrence can be significantly reduced.
FAQs
1. Is piles surgery always necessary?
No, piles surgery is not always required. Many mild to moderate cases of haemorrhoids can be managed with non-surgical treatments such as a high-fibre diet, topical creams, stool softeners, or office-based procedures like rubber band ligation. Surgery is usually recommended only when piles are large, prolapsed, severely painful, or when conservative methods fail to provide lasting relief.
2. What are the different types of piles removal surgery?
There are several surgical options available, and the choice depends on the severity and type of haemorrhoids. Hemorrhoidectomy is the most common method where swollen tissue is surgically removed, offering long-term results. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy repositions prolapsed piles and reduces blood supply to them, easing symptoms with less pain. Laser piles surgery is a minimally invasive option that uses laser energy to shrink piles, resulting in quicker recovery and reduced discomfort.
3. Will piles surgery be painful?
Pain is one of the biggest concerns patients have, but advancements in surgical techniques and pain management have made the experience far more comfortable. Traditional surgery may involve more discomfort, but modern approaches like laser surgery or stapled techniques generally cause less pain. Doctors also prescribe effective pain relief and recovery protocols to help patients stay comfortable throughout the healing process.
4. How long does it take to recover from piles removal surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the type of procedure performed and the patient’s overall health. In most cases, patients may go home the same day or after a short hospital stay. Mild discomfort usually improves within one to two weeks, while complete recovery takes about two to three weeks. Minimally invasive procedures such as laser surgery often allow patients to return to work and normal routines much faster than traditional methods.
