Our Summary

This paper is about a study that looked at early complications after hemorrhoid treatments, specifically complications that required emergency care and computed tomography (CT) scans. The researchers looked at patients who had abdominal or pelvic CT scans in the 30 days after their hemorrhoid treatments.

They found that out of 48,425 patients who had CT scans, 12 had complications after their hemorrhoid treatments. The most common symptom these patients had was pain around the anus or abdomen. The CT scans showed that the complications included inflammation of the rectum, a hole or tear in the rectum, an abscess (a swollen area filled with pus), and a fistula (an abnormal connection between two body parts) near the anus.

Some of these complications were severe. Three of the patients had to be admitted to intensive care, and two of these patients had to have emergency surgery. One patient died from an infection during their hospital stay.

The researchers concluded that hemorrhoid treatments can sometimes lead to serious complications, and both doctors and radiologists need to be aware of this when they’re taking care of patients who’ve recently had these treatments.

FAQs

  1. What were the most common complications observed after hemorrhoid treatments in the study?
  2. How many patients required intensive care or emergency surgery due to complications after their hemorrhoid treatments?
  3. What are the main conclusions of the study on complications after hemorrhoid treatments?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hemorrhoidectomy is to closely monitor for any signs of complications after the procedure, such as severe pain, bleeding, or fever. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions, including proper hygiene and avoiding straining during bowel movements, can help prevent complications and promote healing. Regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider are also important to ensure proper recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for hemorrhoidectomy are those who have severe symptoms that do not improve with conservative treatments such as dietary changes, fiber supplements, and topical medications. These symptoms may include:

  1. Persistent bleeding from the anus
  2. Severe pain and discomfort
  3. Prolapsed or protruding hemorrhoids that do not retract
  4. Chronic itching and irritation
  5. Recurrent hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments

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 condition.

Timeline

Before a hemorrhoidectomy, a patient may experience symptoms such as rectal pain, bleeding during bowel movements, itching or irritation around the anus, and a lump or swelling near the anus. They may also try conservative treatments such as dietary changes, over-the-counter creams, and sitz baths to manage their symptoms.

After a hemorrhoidectomy, patients typically experience pain and discomfort in the anal area for a few days to a week. They may also have some bleeding and difficulty with bowel movements. It’s important for patients to follow their doctor’s post-operative instructions, which may include taking pain medication, eating a high-fiber diet, and avoiding straining during bowel movements.

In rare cases, patients may experience complications after a hemorrhoidectomy, such as infection, excessive bleeding, or a reaction to anesthesia. It’s important for patients to contact their doctor if they experience severe pain, fever, or excessive bleeding after the procedure.

Overall, the recovery timeline for a hemorrhoidectomy can vary depending on the individual patient and the specific type of procedure performed. Most patients can expect to return to their normal activities within a few days to a week after surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential complications of a hemorrhoidectomy?
  2. How common are complications like those described in the study?
  3. What symptoms should I watch out for after the procedure that may indicate a complication?
  4. How quickly should I seek medical attention if I experience any of these symptoms?
  5. Are there any specific risk factors that may increase my chances of experiencing complications?
  6. How will my recovery process be monitored to catch any potential issues early on?
  7. What measures will be taken to minimize the risk of complications during and after the procedure?
  8. What can I do to help prevent complications during my recovery period?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options that may carry a lower risk of complications?
  10. How experienced is the medical team performing the hemorrhoidectomy, and what steps are in place to ensure patient safety during and after the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Klang E, Sobeh T, Amitai MM, Apter S, Barash Y, Tau N. Journal: Clin Imaging. 2020 Apr;60(2):216-221. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2019.12.015. Epub 2019 Dec 28. PMID: 31927497