Haemorrhoid removal treatment is usually carried out as a day case procedure, so you won't usually need to stay in hospital overnight.
After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you're ready to go home.
Pain relief
After a haemorrhoidectomy, you will have some pain at the site of the operation for a few days and there may be a small amount of bleeding or discharge from the anus.
Rafaelo is a quick day case procedure. Very little pain relief is required after the procedure, some people do take a couple of paracetamol for a day or two, but others don’t need any pain relief.
We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.
Recovery time
You may have some discomfort lasting for up to three weeks. Continue taking painkillers as advised by the hospital.
Follow your surgeon's advice about going back to work. You can expect to be off work for one or two weeks, depending on the nature of your job. Your surgeon will give you specific advice about when you can resume your normal lifestyle. You shouldn't do any heavy lifting, standing for long periods or strenuous exercise, but light exercise, such as walking, will help to speed up your recovery.
Most patients can expect to experience immediate cessation of their symptoms post Rafaelo procedure. Apart from possibly some slight bleeding within the first two weeks of treatment, there should be no other significant side effects.
How your loved ones can help
Once you're ready to be discharged from hospital, you'll need to arrange a taxi, friend or family member to take you home as you won't be able to drive.
Looking after you
Even after you've left hospital, we're still looking after you every step of the way. After haemorrhoid removal surgery, we will provide you with all the advice on what to do and not to do and the follow-up support you need.
Typically your consultant will want to see you after your treatment to see how you're doing. A follow up appointment will be made before you leave the hospital.
On rare occasions, complications can occur. If you experience any of these symptoms – constipation for a few days after the operation, you get a high temperature or fever, the amount of blood loss suddenly increases, you do not have a bowel movement for several days or you experience severe pain after a bowel movement, stitches coming apart, difficulty passing stools, bleeding that starts a week or more after surgery – call us straight away. Very occasionally, faecal incontinence, or a painful tear in the anus (fissure) can develop and further surgery may be needed.
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of procedure you are having and other factors such as your general health. Your consultant will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
If you have any questions or concerns, we're here to help.
