Hemorrhoid removal - discharge

You just had a procedure to remove your hemorrhoid. Depending on your symptoms, you may have had one of these types of procedures:

• Placing a small rubber band around the hemorrhoids to shrink them by blocking blood flow
• Stapling the hemorrhoids to block blood flow
• Surgically removing the hemorrhoids
• Laser or chemical removal of the hemorrhoids

After your recovery from the anesthesia, you will return home the same day.

• You may have a lot of pain after surgery as the area tightens and relaxes. Take the pain medicines on time as instructed. DO NOT wait until the pain gets bad to take them.
• You may notice some bleeding, especially after your first bowel movement.
• Your doctor may also recommend eating a bland diet the first few days after surgery. Foods you can eat include applesauce, Jell-O, white rice, bananas, white bread, and saltines.
• Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, such as broth, juices, tea, and water.
• Your doctor may suggest using a stool softener so that it is easier to have bowel movements.

• Your doctor will explain how to care for your wound.
• You may want to use a gauze pad or sanitary pad to absorb any drainage from the wound. Be sure to change it often.
• You may need to wait a day before you shower or bathe.

• Gradually return to your normal activities.
• Avoid lifting, pulling, or strenuous activity until your bottom has healed. This includes straining during bowel movements or urination.
• Gradually start to eat more fiber to ease bowel movements. Also, drink lots of fluids.
• You should have a complete recovery in a few weeks.

• Take pain medicines as prescribed.
• You may apply an ice pack to your bottom to help reduce swelling and pain.
• Your health care provider may show you how to do a sitz bath. Soaking in a warm bath can also help relieve pain. Sit in 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters) of warm water a few times a day.

Call your health care provider if:

• You have a lot of pain or swelling
• You bleed a lot from your rectum
• You have a fever
• You cannot pass urine several hours after the surgery
• The incision is red and hot to the touch