Our Summary

A study was conducted to understand the factors that lead to delayed bleeding after a hemorrhoid removal surgery using a device called LigaSure. This research was based on previous findings that showed higher chances of delayed bleeding in patients when LigaSure was used as compared to a traditional method called Ferguson’s method.

To further explore this, the researchers looked at 437 patients who had hemorrhoid removal surgery using LigaSure between March 2009 and December 2017. They found that 22 patients (5%) had delayed bleeding after their operations.

The most common problems after the surgery were constipation and difficulty in passing urine. Interestingly, the study found that being male was a risk factor for experiencing delayed bleeding after the surgery.

The research also looked at how the experience of the surgeon affected the outcomes. They found that the chances of delayed bleeding were initially higher (about 10%) in the surgeon’s earlier cases, and then decreased to around 5% as the surgeon performed more surgeries using LigaSure.

In short, the research found that men had a higher chance of experiencing delayed bleeding after hemorrhoid removal surgery using LigaSure. Additionally, the skill and experience of the surgeon also played a key role in reducing the chances of delayed bleeding. As the surgeon performed more surgeries using LigaSure, they became more skilled and the chances of delayed bleeding decreased.

FAQs

  1. What factors were found to lead to delayed bleeding after a hemorrhoidectomy using LigaSure?
  2. What were the most common problems experienced after hemorrhoid removal surgery using LigaSure?
  3. How does a surgeon’s experience affect the outcomes of hemorrhoid removal surgery using LigaSure?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hemorrhoidectomy is to make sure to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking any prescribed pain medications, eating a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation, and staying hydrated. It is also important to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities during the recovery period to reduce the risk of complications such as delayed bleeding. Additionally, it may be beneficial to discuss any concerns or questions with the surgeon to ensure a successful recovery process.

Suitable For

Hemorrhoidectomy is typically recommended for patients who have severe or recurring hemorrhoids that do not respond to conservative treatments such as dietary changes, topical medications, or rubber band ligation. Patients with large external hemorrhoids, thrombosed hemorrhoids, or internal hemorrhoids that have prolapsed and cannot be pushed back into the rectum may also be candidates for hemorrhoidectomy.

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 the hemorrhoidectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of hemorrhoids such as pain, itching, swelling, and bleeding.
  • Patient consults with a doctor who recommends a hemorrhoidectomy as a treatment option.
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and preparations before the surgery.

During the hemorrhoidectomy:

  • Patient is put under anesthesia and the surgeon removes the hemorrhoids using LigaSure or another surgical method.
  • The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to one hour.
  • Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and swelling in the days following the surgery.

After the hemorrhoidectomy:

  • Patient is monitored for complications such as bleeding, infection, or difficulty in passing urine.
  • Patient is given pain medications and instructions for post-operative care, including dietary changes and hygiene practices.
  • Patient may experience constipation and difficulty in passing stool due to the surgery.
  • Patient follows up with the surgeon for check-ups and to monitor healing progress.
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences relief from hemorrhoid symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Here are some questions a patient should consider asking their doctor about hemorrhoidectomy:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hemorrhoidectomy surgery using LigaSure, particularly in terms of delayed bleeding?

  2. How experienced are you in performing hemorrhoid removal surgeries using LigaSure? Does your experience level affect the likelihood of delayed bleeding post-surgery?

  3. Are there any specific factors, such as gender, that may increase the risk of delayed bleeding after hemorrhoidectomy using LigaSure?

  4. How can I minimize the risk of delayed bleeding after surgery, such as through lifestyle changes or post-operative care?

  5. What is the typical recovery process like for patients who undergo hemorrhoidectomy with LigaSure, and what should I expect in terms of pain management and follow-up appointments?

  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides hemorrhoidectomy using LigaSure, and how do they compare in terms of potential risks and benefits?

  7. Can you provide me with more information about the success rates and patient outcomes associated with hemorrhoidectomy using LigaSure, particularly in relation to delayed bleeding?

Reference

Authors: Cheng KC, Song LC, Wu KL, Chen HH, Lee KC. Journal: BMC Surg. 2022 Oct 13;22(1):361. doi: 10.1186/s12893-022-01802-w. PMID: 36229826