Get Back to Your Normal Routine Faster With PPH

Newer, less invasive hemorrhoid treatments are getting patients back to work and their normal activities. Traditional hemorrhoidectomy operations are known for causing more pain than the hemorrhoids themselves did, at least temporarily. Those who undergo this type of procedure report significant pain in the hours and days following surgery. Many require a week or more of postoperative pain relief medication and could miss as much as a month of work depending on their job duties.

With Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids, known as PPH, patients report much less pain. PPH also allows surgeons to reduce healing time after a hemorrhoid removal procedure, because they undergo treatment that is may be less invasive to begin with.

Understanding Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids

PPH, often called a stapled hemorrhoidectomy, does not work in the same way as a traditional hemorrhoid removal surgery. This operation uses a special instrument to remove a portion of tissue above the inflamed hemorrhoids, not the hemorrhoids themselves. By doing this, this technique allows for less pain and a faster recovery.

This type of stapled hemorrhoid surgery uses a special stapling device to remove tissue above the dentate line, where you have less pain sensors. It then staples the prolapsing tissue back into place. This is a relatively safe and effective surgery, offering many of the same benefits as a traditional operation with much less postoperative pain.

Over the last 15 years, PPH has become our surgical treatment of choice for patients with third and fourth degree hemorrhoids, and we also use it frequently to treat recurring symptomatic second degree hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments.

Our doctors are recognized experts in this procedure, participating in the evolution of the technique and the instrumentation. We have even contributed to several peer reviewed journals on the subject. Experience is key when performing PPH, and we often have two surgeons working on procedures we perform. This helps ensure everything goes smoothly and you have the best chance at bouncing back quickly.

Less Time In the Operating Room, Less Time In the Hospital

PPH is not a lengthy procedure. Most people are in the operating room for about 20 minutes, although it can take as little as 15 or as long as 45. The time it takes depends primarily on anatomical factors, but other factors such as the general speed of the surgeon may play a role. In all, patients often spend less than an hour in the operating room.

We ask patients to perform a simple enema in the morning before they come in, so we are ready to administer the anesthesia and get to work as soon as they arrive. We use intravenous anesthesia or general anesthesia and an anal block for most patients, but short-acting spinal anesthesia is a possibility if general anesthesia is contraindicated.

As soon as the procedure is complete, we move patients into the recovery room. We offer medication to ease any discomfort. In a couple of hours or less, they can go home. Most receive prescription pain relief pills to use if needed, and a medication to help them relax and sleep better.

Get Back to Normal Faster

Most people who undergo a PPH operation are home within a few hours and are back to their normal routine within a few days. We see them one week postoperatively, just to check their progress. Most are back to work, and some never took pain medication stronger than an over-the-counter pill.

In general, most of our patients return to work within a week. Most report a pain score of zero within 48 hours of surgery or only transient pain with bowel movement. Commonly, we perform PPH operations on Friday afternoon, and they return to work on Monday morning if feeling well. Following a traditional hemorrhoidectomy, it often takes two to three weeks to return to a sedentary job. Some people miss a month or more of work and are in daily pain for four to six weeks.

Weighing Your Choices

For some, traditional hemorrhoidectomies are still relevant. There are some people for whom PPH will not work, although it may be a good alternative for many who would have previously undergone a more invasive traditional operation. If you believe you are facing a surgical treatment for your hemorrhoids, you may want to talk to your doctor or a colorectal specialist about a stapled procedure. You may be able to save yourself a lot of pain and get back to your regular activities sooner.