Post-Hemorrhoidectomy: Safe To Use Laxatives?

Hemorrhoidectomy, or hemorrhoid surgery, is a procedure that involves tying off the vein inside the hemorrhoid to prevent bleeding and then cutting out the swollen area. Following the surgery, it is common to experience pain, constipation, and difficulty urinating. While there is no explicit information on taking laxatives after hemorrhoid surgery, a study has shown that adding wheat fiber to the diet after surgery can reduce hospital stays and pain after defecation, with a lower incidence of fecal leakage compared to a laxative regime. Doctors may recommend stool softeners and over-the-counter medications like milk of magnesia, Colace, or Metamucil to keep the stool soft and prevent constipation.

Wheat fibre is a better option than laxatives post-surgery, reducing pain and leakage

Hemorrhoidectomy, or hemorrhoid surgery, is a procedure to remove hemorrhoids—swollen veins inside and outside the anus. Hemorrhoids are usually caused by increased pressure, such as straining when constipated or during pregnancy. This condition may cause pain, bleeding, blood clots, and itching.

After hemorrhoidectomy, patients typically experience pain, discomfort, constipation, and difficulty urinating. To manage these symptoms, doctors may prescribe pain medication and recommend sitz baths, warm baths, and increased water and fruit juice consumption. Additionally, patients are advised to eat a regular diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and to take stool softeners.

Now, let's discuss why wheat fibre is a better option than laxatives post-hemorrhoidectomy. A study conducted by C D Johnson et al. compared the effects of adding wheat fibre or laxatives to the diet after hemorrhoidectomy. The study found that patients who received wheat fibre had a shorter hospital stay and experienced less pain after defecation on the day of discharge. Additionally, these patients had a lower incidence of fecal leakage and soiling compared to those on the laxative regime.

The study concluded that wheat fibre added to the diet post-hemorrhoidectomy results in satisfactory bowel habits, reduced pain, and a lower incidence of fecal leakage compared to the standard laxative regime. This suggests that wheat fibre is a better option for managing bowel habits and reducing discomfort after hemorrhoid surgery.

Wheat fibre, as part of a high-fibre diet, is beneficial for hemorrhoid patients as it helps soften stools, making them easier to pass. It also aids in reducing constipation and irritation. However, it's important to introduce fibre gradually to the diet to avoid side effects like gas and bloating. Along with wheat fibre, eating fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and consuming soluble and insoluble fibre can help manage hemorrhoids.

Laxatives can be taken after hemorrhoid surgery, but only as prescribed by a doctor

Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins inside and outside the anus. This surgery typically involves tying off the vein to prevent bleeding and cutting out the swollen area. Following the procedure, it is common to experience pain, discomfort, constipation, and difficulty urinating.

To manage constipation after hemorrhoid surgery, doctors may prescribe stool softeners or laxatives. In a study published in the *Dis Colon Rectum* journal, patients who received a laxative regime of sterculia, magnesium sulfate, and mineral oil post-surgery experienced similar bowel habits compared to those who were given wheat fiber. However, the wheat fiber group had a shorter hospital stay and reported less pain after defecation upon discharge.

It is crucial to take laxatives as directed by your doctor to avoid potential complications. Additionally, other self-care measures, such as sitz baths, a healthy diet with plenty of fluids, and adequate rest, are recommended to promote healing and manage discomfort.

During your recovery, it is important to monitor your symptoms and contact your doctor if you experience any concerns, such as prolonged bleeding, increased pain, or a fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit. They will provide specific instructions and guidance tailored to your individual needs.

Laxatives are not the only option—stool softeners are also recommended

It is important to avoid constipation after hemorrhoid surgery, as hardened stools can place extreme pressure on the surgical site during bowel movements. To avoid this, it is recommended to eat a high-fibre diet and stay well-hydrated. In addition, stool softeners are often prescribed to help ease bowel movements and reduce the strain of passing stools.

Stool softeners are a type of laxative that increases the moisture content of the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. They are recommended for hemorrhoidectomy patients because they do not directly stimulate bowel movements, but help to prevent straining. This is important because straining can disrupt stitches and open wounds, delaying healing and causing further discomfort.

Some recommended stool softeners include:

• Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)
• Colace (docusate sodium)
• Metamucil (psyllium husk)
• Miralax (polyethylene glycol)

It is important to follow the instructions on these medications carefully, as taking too much can cause diarrhoea or frequent stools, which can lead to swelling and pain and possibly slower healing.

In addition to stool softeners, there are other ways to help manage bowel movements after hemorrhoid surgery. For example, drinking prune juice and other fruit juices can help, as can taking sitz baths (sitting in warm water for 15-20 minutes) at least three times a day and after each bowel movement.

Bleeding is common after hemorrhoid surgery, but notify your doctor if it's profuse

Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgery used to treat hemorrhoids when symptoms are severe or conservative treatments fail to provide relief. Hemorrhoids are swollen or enlarged veins inside and outside the anus. They are usually caused by increased pressure, such as straining when constipated or pressure during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids can cause pain, bleeding, blood clots, and itching.

Following hemorrhoidectomy, it is normal to experience pain or discomfort in the rectal area, as well as constipation and difficulty urinating. A small amount of bleeding is also common after rectal surgery. This bleeding can last for several days after the operation. To keep your underclothing clean, you can wear a sanitary napkin or gauze over the anal opening.

However, if you experience prolonged or profuse bleeding with the passage of clots, you should contact your doctor immediately. Heavy bleeding from the hemorrhoid wound can occur one to two weeks after surgery and may require further medical attention or surgery. Therefore, it is important to monitor your bleeding and seek medical advice if you are concerned.

To promote healing and prevent post-surgical complications, it is recommended to make changes to your diet and activity level. For the first week or two, you should take it easy, staying at home and avoiding strenuous activities, including heavy lifting. Eating a low-residue diet can also help reduce stress on the anus during bowel movements. This includes consuming cooked cereals, white rice or noodles, white bread, and well-cooked or canned vegetables.

In addition to dietary changes, it is important to practice proper wound care and take prescribed pain medications to minimize pain and discomfort, which can last for up to four weeks. Following your doctor's instructions for post-operative care will help ensure a smooth recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Recovery from hemorrhoid surgery takes 2-4 weeks, with pain and discomfort expected

Hemorrhoidectomy is a procedure to remove hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins inside and outside the anus. The surgery typically results in a complete recovery within about 2 to 4 weeks. However, during the recovery process, patients can expect to experience some pain and discomfort in the rectal area.

Post-surgery, patients may experience constipation, difficulty urinating, and rectal bleeding. To manage these symptoms, patients are advised to follow their surgeon's instructions for self-care. This includes taking prescribed pain medication as instructed and on time, without waiting for the pain to worsen. Warm sitz baths, either in a bathtub or a basin, are also recommended to help soothe the area. Patients should also follow their surgeon's dietary recommendations, which may include eating softer foods and drinking plenty of fluids, such as broth, juice, and water.

To aid bowel movements, surgeons may suggest using stool softeners. Additionally, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure. They should also refrain from driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

In terms of wound care, patients can use gauze or sanitary pads to absorb any drainage and should change them frequently. They can also apply an ice pack wrapped in a clean towel to the affected area to reduce swelling and pain. Patients should follow their surgeon's instructions on when they can start taking showers and returning to normal activities.

Frequently asked questions