Our Summary

This research focused on a new method of treating prolonged, intense pain that some patients experience after undergoing surgery for hemorrhoids. The study involved five patients who had previously undergone two different types of hemorrhoid surgery, but still suffered from intense pain that was not relieved by normal painkillers.

These patients were given an injection of a mixture of a local anesthetic and a steroid directly into the area causing pain. The researchers examined the patients’ pain levels using a visual scale, their sleep quality, any side effects from the treatment, and whether the pain returned.

Before the treatment, the patients reported high levels of pain and poor sleep quality. After receiving the injection, all patients saw a quick reduction in pain on the same day and reported that they were able to sleep undisturbed that night. Six months after the treatment, the patients still reported low levels of pain and improved sleep quality. None of the patients had significant side effects or pain recurrence.

The study concluded that this new method of treating pain after hemorrhoid surgery could be effective when normal painkillers are not, as it can significantly improve patients’ quality of life.

FAQs

  1. What is the new method of treating prolonged, intense pain after hemorrhoid surgery?
  2. What were the results of the study on the new method of hemorrhoid pain treatment?
  3. Did any patients experience side effects or recurrence of pain after the treatment?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hemorrhoidectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding straining during bowel movements, and following a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation. It is also important to stay hydrated and engage in gentle physical activity to aid in recovery. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider for proper management.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for a hemorrhoidectomy are those who have severe or recurrent hemorrhoids that do not respond to non-surgical treatments such as dietary changes, over-the-counter creams, or rubber band ligation. Hemorrhoidectomy is usually recommended for patients with large, painful external hemorrhoids or internal hemorrhoids that have prolapsed and are causing symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or discomfort. Additionally, patients with hemorrhoids that are causing complications such as thrombosis (blood clot formation) or strangulation (loss of blood supply to the hemorrhoid) may also be recommended for surgery.

Timeline

Overall timeline:

  • Before hemorrhoidectomy: Patient experiences symptoms such as pain, itching, bleeding, and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. They may try conservative treatments such as topical creams, dietary changes, and sitz baths to manage their symptoms.
  • Consultation with a healthcare provider: Patient discusses their symptoms and treatment options with a healthcare provider, who may recommend a hemorrhoidectomy if conservative treatments are not effective.
  • Pre-operative preparation: Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and instructions, such as fasting before surgery and stopping certain medications.
  • Hemorrhoidectomy surgery: Patient undergoes a surgical procedure to remove the hemorrhoids. The surgery can be done using different techniques such as traditional excisional surgery, stapled hemorrhoidopexy, or hemorrhoidal artery ligation.
  • Post-operative recovery: Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the days following surgery. They are prescribed pain medication and advised on proper wound care.
  • Follow-up appointments: Patient has follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery and address any concerns or complications.
  • Pain management: If the patient experiences prolonged, intense pain after surgery, they may undergo additional treatments such as the injection of a local anesthetic and steroid mixture to alleviate pain.
  • Six months after treatment: Patient reports low levels of pain and improved sleep quality, indicating successful pain management after hemorrhoidectomy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hemorrhoidectomy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hemorrhoidectomy surgery?
  2. What are the expected outcomes and recovery time following hemorrhoidectomy surgery?
  3. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures available for hemorrhoids?
  4. How can I best prepare for the surgery and what should I expect during the procedure?
  5. How can I manage pain and discomfort following the surgery?
  6. What follow-up care and monitoring will be necessary after the procedure?
  7. What are the chances of experiencing prolonged or intense pain after hemorrhoidectomy, and how can it be effectively treated?
  8. Is the injection of a local anesthetic and steroid a viable option for managing post-operative pain, and are there any potential side effects or risks associated with this treatment?
  9. How long can I expect the pain relief from the injection to last, and what are the chances of the pain returning in the future?
  10. How successful has this new method of pain treatment been in other patients, and what can I expect in terms of pain relief and improved quality of life after receiving the injection?

Reference

Authors: Feng J, Cheng J, Xiang F. Journal: Ann Palliat Med. 2021 Jan;10(1):479-483. doi: 10.21037/apm-20-2385. PMID: 33545778