Post-Hemorrhoid Surgery Pain: Is It Anal Fissure?

Q: Post-Hemorrhoid Surgery Pain: Is It Anal Fissure?

Hello： To stop bleeding, it is important to consume more fruits and vegetables. <br>Stool softeners are recommended. <br>The Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about you.

Postoperative pain after hemorrhoid surgery suspected to be anal fissure?

Hello, Doctor.
Five days ago, I underwent traditional surgery for hemorrhoids.
After the anesthesia wore off, the pain was unbearable, and even after receiving two doses of painkillers, I still couldn't find relief.
The doctor mentioned that I had three areas operated on, which resulted in larger wounds and more pain.
I would like to know which three areas those are.
The next day, I was discharged and noticed I started to have a fever around 37.7°C and was sweating profusely.
At home, I just took pain medication and tried to sleep, waking up in pain and then taking sitz baths.
On the third day, I finally had a bowel movement, but the pain was comparable to childbirth...
It felt like the wounds were being forcibly stretched open and I experienced bleeding, which was extremely painful! I almost fainted, but after taking painkillers and applying ointment, I felt somewhat better after about 3 to 4 hours.
However, each subsequent bowel movement felt like giving birth again, with sharp pain as if the wounds were tearing open.
After passing stool, I felt extremely hot and in pain, so I used a handheld shower to rinse off and took warm sitz baths.
I quickly took more pain medication.
I would like to ask the hospital if I should avoid eating and not have bowel movements for now? Would it be better to wait 3.5 days until the wounds heal before eating and having bowel movements? The pain is truly unbearable...
Please help me, Doctor.

Kk, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/01

Dr. Yu Mingchang reply Surgery

Hello: To stop bleeding, it is important to consume more fruits and vegetables.
Stool softeners are recommended.
The Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/05/01

More Info

Post-hemorrhoid surgery pain can be quite distressing, especially when it feels like the pain is not subsiding or is worsening. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing significant discomfort following a traditional hemorrhoidectomy, which is a common surgical procedure for treating hemorrhoids. The pain you are feeling could be due to several factors, including the surgical technique used, the extent of the surgery, and the healing process.

Firstly, during a traditional hemorrhoidectomy, the surgeon typically removes the hemorrhoids from both the internal and external areas, which can involve multiple incisions. This can lead to a larger surgical area and more extensive tissue trauma, resulting in increased pain postoperatively. The three areas you mentioned likely refer to the internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, and possibly the anal mucosa or surrounding tissue that was affected during the procedure.

The pain you are experiencing during bowel movements is not uncommon. After surgery, the anal area is sensitive and can be inflamed, making the passage of stool particularly painful. The sensation of the wound tearing or opening during bowel movements may indicate that the area is still healing, and the pressure from a bowel movement can exacerbate this pain. It's crucial to maintain soft stools to minimize straining, which can further irritate the surgical site.

Regarding your fever and chills, these symptoms could indicate an infection, especially if they persist. It's essential to monitor your temperature and any other signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge from the surgical site. If these symptoms continue or worsen, it would be advisable to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

As for your question about delaying bowel movements, it is generally not recommended to hold off on eating or having bowel movements for an extended period. Doing so can lead to constipation, which can make future bowel movements even more painful. Instead, focus on a diet rich in fiber, stay hydrated, and consider using stool softeners if necessary. This can help ensure that your stools remain soft and easier to pass, reducing the strain on your healing tissues.

Sitz baths, as you mentioned, can be beneficial in soothing the area and promoting blood flow, which aids in healing. Applying topical anesthetics or pain relief creams as prescribed by your doctor can also help alleviate pain during bowel movements.

In summary, while the pain you are experiencing is likely a normal part of the healing process after hemorrhoid surgery, it is essential to manage it effectively. If the pain becomes unbearable or if you notice any signs of infection, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. They may recommend additional pain management strategies or treatments to help you through this challenging recovery period.

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