Using this guide What's covered
Here you’ll find answers to many of your questions about haemorrhoid surgery (known as haemorrhoidectomy). Learn how it’s done, what it may cost, what your recovery may be like, and more.
To see how the surgery’s preformed, view our animation below.
For personal insights, see our patient experience videos in which HCF members talk frankly about their preparation, surgery and recovery.
Cost indicator
Discover the typical out-of-pocket costs HCF members can expect to pay for haemorrhoid surgery and learn how your choice of surgeon and hospital affect that cost.
The basics
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids, (also known as ‘piles’) are swollen veins. There are two types of haemorrhoids, internal and external.
Internal haemorrhoids originate higher up in your anus and are found inside the lower part of your rectum. Sometimes they can poke through (prolapse) and appear outside your anus. This can be extremely painful.
External haemorrhoids are the most common. They originate and grow just outside the anus. They can cause swelling, a lump, pain, severe itching and discomfort when sitting down. External haemorrhoids grow outside of your anus.
What is haemorrhoid surgery?
There are several different medical procedures for treating haemorrhoids, including ones your doctor can do in the office, through to surgery (haemorrhoidectomy) performed in a day clinic or hospital. They’re all designed to reduce or remove haemorrhoids.
Surgery usually involves cutting off the blood supply to the haemorrhoid or removing them completely.
The type of procedure depends on the severity of the haemorrhoids, your surgeon’s experience and skill and your personal choice.
Learn more about staging of internal haemorrhoids.
Where is it done?
Haemorrhoid surgery can be done as same-day surgery although sometimes you may need to stay in hospital overnight.
How long does it take?
It normally takes around 30 minutes depending on the complexity.
Who is involved?
- A general surgeon, colorectal surgeon or gastroenterologist
- Possibly an assistant surgeon
- Anaesthetist
- Nurses
The details
CONSIDERING THE PROCEDURE
Alternatives to haemorrhoid surgery
There may be alternatives to haemorrhoid surgery depending on your condition.
Types of haemorrhoid surgery
There are several different surgical methods for treating haemorrhoids.
Results vs. risks of the procedure
The benefits and risks of haemorrhoid surgery.
Choosing a specialist
How to find a surgeon who specialises in this procedure.
PREPARATION
Questions for your specialist
What you should ask before going ahead with haemorrhoid surgery.
Preparing for your procedure
Pre-operative tests and preparation prior to haemorrhoid surgery.
Your anaesthetic options
About the options for anaesthesia and post-op pain relief.
Staging of internal haemorrhoids
Treatment of internal haemorrhoids depends on their severity.
YOUR PROCEDURE
Going to hospital
What to expect on the day of your surgery.
Your procedure
What happens during the procedure.
RECOVERY AND AFTERCARE
After your procedure
Your hospital stay.
Aftercare
Resuming activities and watching for problems.
PATIENT EXPERIENCES
People who’ve had haemorrhoid surgery talk about their preparation, hospital stay and recovery.
View videos
Give us feedback
Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know what you liked or what we can do to improve it. We'd love to hear from you.
To provide feedback, email us at wellbeing@hcf.com.au.
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Important information
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.