Why Patients Are Afraid Of Hemorrhoidectomy ?

Anticipation of severe pain in the postoperative period is the most important reason why patients try to avoid hemorrhoidectomy asmuch as possible. It is well known that hemorrhoidectomy and tonsillectomy, surgical procedures on opposite sides of the gastrointestinal tract, are considered to be among the most painful. Complete elimination of pain after the hemorrhoidectomy is not realistic. Overly aggressive use of opioid narcotics may cause respiratory depression and decreased bowel function. Although some degree ofpain is inevitable after hemorrhoidectomy, it is important to remember that severe pain out of proportion to findings on

physical examination could be a sign of other sequelae. Sitz baths, as described above, are helpful in controlling pain. We favor oxycodone with acetaminophen (Percocet1, Endo Pharmaceuticals) as analgesia to be used at the patient’s discretion.