Our Summary

This research paper looks at how the surgical treatment of hemorrhoids, known as hemorrhoidectomy, affects elderly patients compared to younger patients. The study involved 100 patients who underwent this surgery between 2014 and 2018. Of these, 34 were classified as elderly, being 75 years or older. The researchers compared a range of medical factors between the two age groups, both before and after the surgery. They found that certain blood and liver values were higher in the elderly, while other values related to liver function, kidney function and blood count were lower. Despite these differences, they found that the levels of pain experienced by patients decreased similarly in both groups after the surgery. Importantly, the researchers identified that the severity of the hemorrhoids and a high ratio of certain white blood cells were indicators of post-surgery complications. They concluded that being older did not increase the risk of complications after hemorrhoid surgery. The type of hemorrhoids that were more common in elderly patients were those linked to liver and kidney function problems.

FAQs

  1. Does age affect the risk of complications after a hemorrhoidectomy?
  2. Are certain types of hemorrhoids more common in elderly patients?
  3. According to the study, what were identified as indicators of post-surgery complications?

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 pain medication, eating a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding straining during bowel movements. It is also important to follow up with your doctor for any concerns or unusual symptoms after the surgery.

Suitable For

Overall, patients who are recommended for hemorrhoidectomy are those who have severe or persistent symptoms of hemorrhoids that have not responded to non-surgical treatments such as fiber supplements, stool softeners, and topical treatments. These symptoms may include severe pain, bleeding, itching, and prolapse of the hemorrhoid tissue. Patients with large, external hemorrhoids or internal hemorrhoids that have prolapsed outside the anal canal may also be candidates for hemorrhoidectomy.

Elderly patients may be recommended for hemorrhoidectomy if they have significant symptoms that are impacting their quality of life and have not responded to conservative treatments. However, as the research paper mentioned above suggests, age alone should not be a determining factor in whether or not a patient is recommended for hemorrhoidectomy. Other factors, such as the severity of the hemorrhoids and overall health status, should also be taken into consideration.

It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if hemorrhoidectomy is the best course of action for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before hemorrhoidectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of hemorrhoids such as pain, itching, and bleeding.
  2. Consultation with a doctor to discuss treatment options, including conservative measures like dietary changes and medications.
  3. If conservative measures are unsuccessful, doctor recommends surgical treatment like hemorrhoidectomy.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.

After hemorrhoidectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove hemorrhoids.
  2. Recovery period involves pain management, wound care, and dietary adjustments.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the doctor to monitor healing and address any complications.
  4. Over time, patient experiences relief from symptoms and improved quality of life.
  5. Long-term follow-up to ensure the success of the surgery and monitor for any recurrence of hemorrhoids.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of undergoing a hemorrhoidectomy compared to other treatment options?
  2. What is the success rate of hemorrhoidectomy in terms of alleviating symptoms and preventing recurrence?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care needed after a hemorrhoidectomy?
  4. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hemorrhoidectomy, especially for elderly patients?
  5. How does age impact the outcomes of hemorrhoidectomy surgery?
  6. Are there any specific pre-existing medical conditions or medications that could affect the success of the surgery?
  7. How soon after the surgery can I expect to see improvement in my symptoms?
  8. What lifestyle changes or preventive measures can I take to reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids in the future?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of hemorrhoidectomy?
  10. How often will follow-up appointments be needed to monitor my progress after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Yamamoto M, Ikeda M, Matsumoto T, Takemoto M, Sumimoto R, Kobayashi T, Ohdan H. Journal: Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2020 May 16;55:88-92. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2020.04.045. eCollection 2020 Jul. PMID: 32477502