Expert: Lawrence Jay Rappaport <B>M.D.</B> - 5/28/2004
Question hello. iam a 30 yr old male. i was just seen at ahospital and was told that i need surgery to remove my hemmoroids. does it take long? will i be awake during the process and what does it entail? my surgery is sceduled for tuesday the 1st of june and i would like to know more about it. thank you
Answer There are several different methods of removing hemorrhoids. Sometimes a colonoscopy can be done and, if there are small hemorrhoids noted, a tiny rubber-band can be placed around each one and it will necrose and disappear on its own. If they are more extensive or larger, a hemorrhoidectomy must be done, where the surgeon actually excises the hemorrhoid (cuts , ties, and cauterizes it). The procedure can take a few minutes or an hour, depending on how extensive the hemorrhoids are and how many are removed. You will have to discuss anesthesia with the anesthesiologist to determine whether you will be asleep or awake. If you have scheduled the surgery already, you should definitely discuss all aspects with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist. Good luck.
