Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that looked into the effect of surgical treatment of hemorrhoids (swollen blood vessels in the rectum) on sexual performance in men who have erectile dysfunction (trouble getting or keeping an erection). The researchers divided the participants into two groups - 82 men who had the surgery (Group 1) and 81 men who didn’t (Group 2). They measured changes in sexual performance using a survey called the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).

The results showed that the men who had the surgery saw a significant improvement in their sexual performance compared to the men who didn’t have the surgery. Over 41% of the men in the surgical group showed improvement compared to just over 5% in the control group. The researchers concluded that surgically treating hemorrhoids could help improve sexual performance in men with erectile dysfunction.

FAQs

  1. What was the focus of the research study on hemorrhoids and sexual performance in men?
  2. How was the impact of hemorrhoid surgery on sexual performance measured in the study?
  3. According to the study, what effect does surgically treating hemorrhoids have on sexual performance in men with erectile dysfunction?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hemorrhoidectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to minimize discomfort and promote healing. This may include taking pain medication as prescribed, eating a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation, and avoiding strenuous activities that could strain the surgical site. It’s also important to follow up with your doctor for any concerns or complications that may arise during the recovery process.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for hemorrhoidectomy are those who have severe symptoms that have not responded to conservative treatment options such as dietary changes, fiber supplements, topical treatments, and sitz baths. These symptoms may include:

  1. Severe pain and discomfort
  2. Excessive bleeding
  3. Prolapsed or protruding hemorrhoids
  4. Chronic inflammation or irritation
  5. Recurrent hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments

Additionally, patients with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or immune system disorders may also be recommended for surgery to prevent complications. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and medical history with a healthcare provider to determine if hemorrhoidectomy is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before Hemorrhoidectomy:

  1. Consultation: The patient visits a doctor due to discomfort, pain, or bleeding during bowel movements.
  2. Diagnosis: After a physical examination and potentially further tests, the doctor diagnoses the condition as hemorrhoids.
  3. Treatment Options: Initially, the doctor may suggest lifestyle changes or medication. If these options fail to provide relief, or if the hemorrhoids are severe, the doctor will discuss surgical options.
  4. Pre-Surgery: The doctor provides instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. The patient may need to adjust or stop certain medications, follow a specific diet, or use an over-the-counter enema to cleanse the bowel.
  5. Surgery: The patient undergoes the hemorrhoidectomy under anesthesia.

After Hemorrhoidectomy:

  1. Recovery: The patient wakes up in a recovery room until the anesthesia fades.
  2. Discharge: Most hemorrhoidectomies are outpatient procedures, and the patient can usually go home the same day.
  3. Post-Surgery Pain: The patient may have pain after the surgery, which can be managed with medications prescribed by the doctor.
  4. Healing: The patient needs to follow specific instructions for cleaning the anal area and for bowel movements to facilitate healing and prevent complications.
  5. Follow-up: The patient will have a follow-up appointment with the doctor to ensure the surgical area is healing properly.
  6. Lifestyle Changes: The patient may need to make long-term changes like eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water to avoid recurrence of hemorrhoids.
  7. Improvement in Sexual Performance: According to the study, men with erectile dysfunction may experience an improvement in sexual performance following the hemorrhoidectomy. The patient may start noticing this change within weeks or months after surgery, but this can vary greatly.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is a hemorrhoidectomy and why is it recommended for me?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a hemorrhoidectomy?
  3. How long is the recovery period after a hemorrhoidectomy and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions or make any lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  5. How will a hemorrhoidectomy affect my daily activities, including work, exercise, and sexual activity?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures for hemorrhoids that I should consider?
  7. How will a hemorrhoidectomy impact my existing medical conditions or medications?
  8. What is the success rate of hemorrhoidectomy in improving symptoms and preventing recurrence?
  9. How many hemorrhoidectomies have you performed, and what is your experience and success rate with this procedure?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after undergoing a hemorrhoidectomy?

Reference

Authors: Abdelaziz AS, Ghoneem AM, Elewesy EA. Journal: Urol Ann. 2019 Jul-Sep;11(3):235-240. doi: 10.4103/UA.UA_138_18. PMID: 31413498