Hemorrhoidectomy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Hemorrhoidectomy?
A gastroenterologist often treats hemorrhoids. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the digestive system. Some cases are handled by a colorectal surgeon, a doctor trained to operate on the colon and rectum. Your primary care doctor can start the evaluation and refer you to the right specialist.
What it is
A hemorrhoidectomy is surgery to remove hemorrhoids, swollen veins in or around the anus that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding. Removing the tissue usually makes these problems go away.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors usually try creams, sitz baths, and other treatments first. Surgery is recommended when those fail, when hemorrhoids keep coming back, or for large hemorrhoids, a blood clot, or bleeding that harms your health.
How to prepare
- Ask which medicines to stop before surgery, such as blood thinners, and when.
- Arrange a driver, since you may get medicine that makes you sleepy.
- Follow fasting instructions, meaning no eating or drinking for a set time beforehand.
- You may be asked to use a laxative or enema the day before.
- Plan time off and ask someone to help at home the first few days.
What happens during it
The surgery is done in a hospital or surgical center under anesthesia, so you will be asleep or the area will be numb. The surgeon removes the swollen tissue and closes the area with stitches or leaves it to heal. You usually go home the same day.
Recovery
Pain is common for the first one to two weeks, and your care team will give you medicine to manage it. Stool softeners, fiber, water, and warm sitz baths help. Full healing can take four to six weeks.
Risks and side effects
Common problems are pain, bleeding, and trouble passing stool for a few days. Rare but serious risks include infection, heavy bleeding, a lasting narrowing of the anus, or loss of bowel control. Call your doctor for fever, heavy bleeding, or worsening pain.
Who performs it
Gastroenterologists treat hemorrhoids and can do some office procedures, but a hemorrhoidectomy is usually performed by a colorectal or general surgeon.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance; a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can be a good first stop, with longer visits that make it easier to discuss symptoms. They can diagnose hemorrhoids, prescribe medicines, and refer you to a specialist if needed.
Common questions
Is the surgery painful?
Yes, pain is common for the first one to two weeks after a hemorrhoidectomy. Your care team will give you medicine and tips to manage it. The pain usually improves steadily as you heal.
Will the hemorrhoids come back?
Surgery removes the hemorrhoids that are present, but new ones can form later. Eating enough fiber, drinking water, and avoiding long periods of straining on the toilet can lower the chance of that happening.
How soon can I go back to work?
Many people take one to two weeks off, depending on how physical their job is. Your surgeon will give you a timeline.
Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?
Often, yes. Creams, sitz baths, fiber, and office procedures work for many people. One option is rubber band ligation, where a small band cuts off the hemorrhoid's blood supply.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Hemorrhoid removal - discharge : MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- MedlinePlus - Hemorrhoid surgery: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
