Currently, hemorrhoids are a fairly common condition, including internal and external hemorrhoids. The disease causes many difficulties and hinders daily activities. Therefore, the need to completely cure hemorrhoids is the desire of many patients. The surgical method of hemorrhoidectomy is being applied by many people.
Many individuals who have suffered from hemorrhoids have questioned whether "after having hemorrhoids removed, will they recur?". Below is a detailed answer to this issue.
1.Can hemorrhoids come back after surgery?
After undergoing hemorrhoidectomy to remove hemorrhoids from the body, hemorrhoids can fully return if the patient continues to violate the principles in the hemorrhoid treatment protocol. Moreover, if the patient maintains unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle, such as:
After undergoing hemorrhoid surgery, if the patient continues to eat a lot of hard-to-digest foods, consumes excessive fatty foods, the intestines will have to work harder to excrete stool, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids recurring.
Patients who consume too many dairy products may experience symptoms such as bloating, directly exacerbating constipation, which is particularly detrimental for those who have undergone hemorrhoid surgery.
Following hemorrhoidectomy, if the patient does not practice caution, avoids stimulants like alcohol, beer, coffee, it can lead to dehydration, dry stools, the need to strain during bowel movements, resulting in difficulty and pain, providing a pathway for hemorrhoids to return.
Maintaining an unsound lifestyle is also a factor in hemorrhoid recurrence, such as sitting for prolonged periods, continuous heavy lifting, prolonged heavy lifting, affecting the anal mucosa due to pressure on the rectum, which is delicate and vulnerable, especially after hemorrhoidectomy. Therefore, whether hemorrhoids come back after surgery largely depends on the patient's self-care and preventive measures. Therefore, patients need to proactively adopt a healthy and balanced lifestyle to minimize the chances of hemorrhoid recurrence after treatment.
2. Preventing recurrence after hemorrhoid surgery?
After undergoing hemorrhoidectomy to minimize the risk of hemorrhoid recurrence, patients need to pay attention to the following:
2.1. Follow-up after hemorrhoidectomy
Follow-up visits after hemorrhoid surgery are crucial but often overlooked by many patients. These visits evaluate the patient's health status and identify the underlying causes of hemorrhoids for comprehensive treatment. For example, if hemorrhoids are due to dietary habits or unhealthy lifestyles, dietary adjustments are necessary. In cases of chronic constipation-related hemorrhoids linked to conditions like colitis, ongoing treatment is essential.
2.2. Provide enough water and have a fiber supplement every day
To reduce constipation and the risk of hemorrhoid recurrence, patients should consume ample fiber, vitamins, and drink 2 - 2.5 liters of water daily.
Daily water intake aids in metabolism, waste elimination, stool softening, and constipation prevention.
Fiber in foods promotes efficient digestion and waste elimination, preventing constipation.
Regular fiber intake through foods like green vegetables (e.g., cabbage, spinach, carrots, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, water spinach, potatoes), soft fruits (e.g., bananas, dragon fruit, papaya, watermelon), and whole grains is essential.
Include foods that aid digestion and bowel movement like sweet potatoes, dragon fruit, bananas, amaranth, water spinach to promote quick recovery post-surgery. Avoid spicy, stimulant-rich foods like alcohol, beer, tobacco, as they can irritate the anus, leading to quicker recurrence.
2.3. Establish a bland diet, limit fats, and avoid stimulants
Patients need to follow a daily diet that restricts the intake of fats and spices in their meals. Note that patients who have undergone hemorrhoidectomy should not consume excessively salty foods as they can disrupt water absorption and lead to dry stools, causing difficulty in bowel movements. Patients should cultivate a habit of consuming soft and healthy foods such as porridge, soups, which help reduce pressure on the stomach and intestines and ensure a healthy digestive system. To enhance the secretion of enzymes in saliva, aiding the digestion process to be faster and smoother, patients should eat slowly and chew thoroughly throughout their meals.
Patients should abstain from alcohol, beer, stimulants, and avoid hard foods that can cause constipation, leading to a higher likelihood of hemorrhoid recurrence.
2.4. Maintain regular physical exercise
To reduce the risk of hemorrhoid recurrence, it is essential to develop a habit of regular physical exercise and sports activities. Daily physical exercise helps facilitate metabolic processes, improve the functions of the anal sphincter muscles, and enhance the digestion of food in the patient's body. It is crucial to remember that the recurrence of hemorrhoids after surgery greatly depends on the patient's exercise regimen.
Patients can engage in various physical activities such as:
- Walking, running.
- Swimming.
- Cycling.
- Yoga...
Patients should aim to exercise with an intensity of 15 - 30 minutes per day. Alternatively, they can seek guidance from a doctor for tailored exercises that directly impact the anal sphincter muscles to be more effective, providing benefits after undergoing hemorrhoidectomy.
2.5. Establish moderate daily living habits
The likelihood of hemorrhoid recurrence after surgery is also heavily influenced by the patient's daily living habits. Unhealthy habits can lead to difficulties in hygiene, gradual constipation, and eventually, a recurrence of hemorrhoids. There are several favorable habits that patients should adopt post-hemorrhoidectomy surgery, such as:
- Bowel habits: Maintain a regular schedule for bowel movements, avoid withholding the urge to defecate...
- Lifestyle and movement habits: Limit prolonged sitting, incorporate regular physical activity...
Hopefully, with the shared insights on the possibility of hemorrhoid recurrence after surgery, patients now understand how to maintain a balanced diet and adjust their lifestyle to minimize the risk of recurrence. If any issues arise post-hemorrhoidectomy, patients should consult a doctor for examination and appropriate guidance.
To schedule an appointment at Vinmec Hospital, please dial the HOTLINE number or make an appointment directly HERE. Download and schedule appointments automatically on the MyVinmec app for managing, tracking schedules, and booking appointments anytime, anywhere right on the application.