Overview
Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove severe or persistent hemorrhoids, typically used when non-surgical treatments like rubber band ligation, topical medications, or lifestyle modifications fail. The procedure is most effective for large, prolapsed, or thrombosed hemorrhoids and aims to relieve pain, bleeding, and discomfort while preventing recurrence.
South Korea is renowned for expert colorectal surgeons, advanced surgical technology, and comprehensive post-operative care, making it a leading destination for patients seeking safe, effective, and minimally invasive hemorrhoidectomy with optimal outcomes.
What is Hemorrhoidectomy?
Hemorrhoidectomy involves:
- Surgical excision of internal and/or external hemorrhoids
- Closure of the wound with or without sutures, depending on technique
- Minimally invasive approaches available (e.g., stapled hemorrhoidectomy or laser-assisted surgery)
- Performed under general or regional anesthesia for patient comfort
Indications include:
- Large, prolapsed internal hemorrhoids (Grade III–IV)
- Thrombosed or strangulated hemorrhoids
- Persistent bleeding, pain, or itching not controlled with conservative measures
- Failed non-surgical interventions such as rubber band ligation
What are the Benefits?
- Complete removal of problematic hemorrhoids → Long-term relief from bleeding and discomfort
- Reduces recurrence compared to non-surgical treatments
- Advanced minimally invasive techniques → Reduced post-operative pain and faster recovery
- Improves quality of life → Restores comfort in daily activities, sitting, and bowel movements
- High surgical success rates in Korea due to expertise in colorectal procedures
- Comprehensive post-operative care → Pain management, wound care, and dietary guidance
Procedure Details
1) How should I prepare for Hemorrhoidectomy?
- Preoperative evaluation → Physical exam, blood tests, ECG, and medical history
- Medication review → Blood thinners and certain medications may need adjustment
- Bowel preparation → Laxatives or enemas may be prescribed to clear the rectum
- Fasting → Typically 8–12 hours before surgery
- Pre-operative consultation → Discuss surgical technique (open vs. stapled vs. laser-assisted), anesthesia, and recovery plan
2) What happens during the procedure Hemorrhoidectomy?
- Anesthesia → General or regional anesthesia depending on patient and surgeon preference
- Surgical steps →
- Hemorrhoids are exposed and carefully excised
- Wounds may be left open or closed with absorbable sutures depending on technique
- Stapled or laser-assisted techniques may be used for select cases to reduce post-operative pain
- Duration → 30–90 minutes depending on the number and size of hemorrhoids
- Monitoring → Continuous monitoring of vital signs and bleeding
3) What happens after Hemorrhoidectomy?
- Recovery room → Monitored until fully awake and stable
- Hospital stay → Usually 1–2 days; outpatient procedures possible for minimally invasive approaches
- Pain management → Oral or IV analgesics; sitz baths for comfort
- Activity restrictions → Avoid heavy lifting and straining for 2–4 weeks
- Diet → High-fiber diet and hydration to prevent constipation
- Follow-up visits → Assess wound healing and manage any complications
Risks / Benefits
Risks
- ➤ Post-operative pain, especially during bowel movements
- ➤ Bleeding at the surgical site
- ➤ Infection
- ➤ Urinary retention
- ➤ Anal stenosis or narrowing (rare)
- ➤ Recurrence if underlying risk factors are not addressed
Benefits
- ➤ Complete removal of hemorrhoids with long-term relief
- ➤ Reduced risk of recurrence compared to non-surgical treatments
- ➤ Minimally invasive options for faster recovery and less pain
- ➤ Improved daily comfort and quality of life
- ➤ Access to expert colorectal surgeons and comprehensive post-operative care in Korea
Recovery and Outlook
- Immediate recovery → Pain and mild bleeding are common for the first few days; sitz baths help with comfort
- Hospital stay → 1–2 days depending on procedure type and patient recovery
- Diet and bowel management → High-fiber diet, hydration, and stool softeners to prevent straining
- Return to normal activity → Light activity within a few days; full recovery within 2–4 weeks
- Long-term outlook → Most patients experience significant relief from pain, bleeding, and prolapse; recurrence is rare with proper care
- Follow-up care → Regular check-ups to monitor healing and manage bowel habits
South Korea provides comprehensive post-operative care, including pain management, wound care, dietary counseling, and follow-up monitoring, ensuring safe recovery and optimal outcomes.
When To Call the Doctor
Contact your colorectal surgeon immediately if you notice:
- ⚠️ Severe or worsening pain
- ⚠️ Heavy bleeding or passage of large clots
- ⚠️ Signs of infection (fever, foul discharge, swelling)
- ⚠️ Urinary retention or difficulty urinating
- ⚠️ Persistent constipation or inability to pass stool
Best Korea Option / Process
South Korea is a leading destination for Hemorrhoidectomy due to:
- Highly experienced colorectal surgeons specializing in both traditional and minimally invasive techniques
- Advanced surgical technology, including stapling and laser-assisted methods
- Comprehensive post-operative care including pain management, rehabilitation, and dietary guidance
- Short hospital stays and rapid recovery due to modern techniques
- International patient support, including hospital coordination, translation, and follow-up care
Top Hospitals for Hemorrhoidectomy in Korea:
- Asan Medical Center, Seoul – Expertise in minimally invasive and traditional hemorrhoidectomy
- Samsung Medical Center – Advanced stapled and laser-assisted procedures
- Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) – Comprehensive post-operative care and patient monitoring
- Yonsei Severance Hospital – High success rates with a multidisciplinary colorectal care team
👉 For patients with severe, persistent, or complicated hemorrhoids, Hemorrhoidectomy in Korea offers safe, effective, and long-lasting relief with expert surgical care and comprehensive recovery support.
