Recovery after haemorrhoidectomy: stages, bowel care and pain

Two sources are used: the NHS piles page and a Milton Keynes hospital leaflet. Neither gives a day-by-day healing schedule, so some stages below are described in words instead of figures. The guide to haemorrhoidectomy, linked below, covers the operation and risks.

Recovery is individual. Larger or more numerous piles removed, a history of constipation and the technique used all change how the first weeks feel.

The Milton Keynes leaflet notes that pain is managed with medication and local anaesthetic given during surgery. Take painkillers before pain builds, particularly before opening your bowels. The NHS recommends paracetamol for pain from piles, and warm baths and ice packs for comfort.

Keeping the area clean and gently dry is usually enough. Your team may suggest sitting in a warm bath for comfort. Swelling and bruising are expected and settle within weeks, according to Milton Keynes.

The Milton Keynes leaflet advises fruit, vegetables, cereals and brown bread with adequate fluid to keep movements regular. The NHS likewise says to maintain soft stools through hydration and dietary fibre and to avoid straining, long periods on the toilet and constipating substances.

Your team will usually send you home with laxatives. Take them as directed so stools stay soft but not loose. Opioid painkillers such as codeine can be constipating, so tell the team if you are given one. If you have not opened your bowels for several days, speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Some blood on the paper or in the pan is common with the first bowel movements. The Milton Keynes leaflet lists bleeding as a recognised risk, occasionally needing readmission and rarely a transfusion. If bleeding is heavier than you were told to expect, does not settle, or is accompanied by dizziness, contact the hospital or NHS 111 at once.

The Milton Keynes leaflet says not to drive for 48 hours after the operation, and the sensible next step is to wait until sitting and braking are comfortable. GOV.UK says to ask your doctor if you are unsure how an operation affects driving, and that you must tell DVLA if you are still unable to drive 3 months later. Check your insurer.

The leaflet gives about 2 weeks for a desk job and about 4 for manual work.

The leaflet advises contacting your GP if the area becomes hot to the touch, very painful, or you are feverish. Difficulty passing urine, which it lists as a risk that may need a catheter, also needs prompt attention. Heavy ongoing bleeding with dizziness or clots needs 999 or A&E.