Hemorrhoids: Surgery, Hospital Stay, and Cancer Risks

Q: Hemorrhoids: Surgery, Hospital Stay, and Cancer Risks

Hello, in response to your questions： <br>1. <br>Hemorrhoid surgery typically requires a hospital stay of three to four days.<br>2. <br>For patients aged 40 and above, if fecal occult blood test results are positive, the probability of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, base

Hemorrhoids

Hello Dr.
Ke: I would like to ask if surgery for internal hemorrhoids and polyps requires hospitalization, and if so, for how many days? A fecal occult blood test result is positive with a value over 500; is it possible that this indicates early-stage colorectal cancer? If surgery is performed, how many days would hospitalization typically be? Is the likelihood of colorectal cancer higher if there are anal polyps? Thank you for your response, and I wish you a pleasant day.

Mr. Chen, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/10/03

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

Hello, in response to your questions:
1.
Hemorrhoid surgery typically requires a hospital stay of three to four days.
2.
For patients aged 40 and above, if fecal occult blood test results are positive, the probability of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, based on our hospital's statistics, is approximately 4.8%, with an early-stage probability of about 20%.
Surgery usually requires a hospital stay of around 10 days.
3.
Generally, having anal polyps does not affect the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer.
Wishing you peace and good health.

Dr.
Ke Fang-Hsu, Keelung Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2010/10/03

More Info

Understanding hemorrhoids, surgery, hospital stay, and cancer risks is essential for patients and their families. Let's break down your questions regarding internal hemorrhoids, polyps, and the implications of a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT).

Hospital Stay for Surgery
When it comes to surgery for internal hemorrhoids or polyps, the type of procedure performed will significantly influence the length of the hospital stay. Most hemorrhoid surgeries, such as hemorrhoidectomy or rubber band ligation, are often performed on an outpatient basis. This means that patients can typically go home the same day after the procedure, provided there are no complications. However, if the surgery is more extensive or if there are other underlying health issues, a short hospital stay of one to two days may be necessary.

Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
A positive FOBT indicates the presence of blood in the stool, which can be due to various reasons, including hemorrhoids, polyps, or more serious conditions like colorectal cancer. A value of 500 or more is considered significantly elevated and warrants further investigation. While hemorrhoids can cause bleeding, it is crucial to rule out other potential causes, including early-stage colorectal cancer.

Risk of Colorectal Cancer with Polyps
Regarding the presence of polyps, it is important to understand that not all polyps are cancerous. However, certain types of polyps, particularly adenomatous polyps, have a higher risk of developing into colorectal cancer over time. The risk of cancer associated with polyps depends on various factors, including the size, number, and histological type of the polyps. If you have been diagnosed with polyps, your healthcare provider will likely recommend regular surveillance colonoscopies to monitor for any changes.

Conclusion and Recommendations
Given your concerns, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. They may recommend additional diagnostic procedures, such as a colonoscopy, to visualize the colon and assess any polyps or lesions directly. If polyps are found during the colonoscopy, they can often be removed during the procedure, and a biopsy can be performed to determine if they are benign or malignant.

In summary, while hemorrhoids and polyps can cause symptoms similar to those of colorectal cancer, it is crucial to undergo appropriate testing to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Early detection and treatment are vital for the best outcomes, especially concerning colorectal cancer. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific situation.

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