Healing Stages after Piles Surgery

Piles recovery surgery may last somewhere between 4 and 8 weeks. The timeline is based on the size and severity of the condition, the type of surgery you undergo, and your general health and mobility level.

• The first two weeks of the surgery are extremely crucial. Your doctor will ask you to relax, stay at home, and avoid all kinds of strenuous activities. After two weeks, you can slowly resume your routine. However, you must still avoid activities that require much effort.

• You will experience some amount of pain or discomfort for 2-4 weeks of the surgery. The pain will gradually begin to subside. You can reduce this discomfort by following all the instructions imparted by the doctor. 

• A small amount of bleeding is common in the recovery phase of piles surgery. Do not get overwhelmed if you see blood. Wear a gauze on the opening of your anal cavity to keep your underclothing clean.

• As the wound begins to heal, bleeding after piles surgery will subside. If you experience prolonged bleeding, call your healthcare provider, as there may be chances of infection.

How to Help Yourself During Piles Surgery Recovery?

The recovery period after piles surgery becomes easy if you follow these steps.

• The doctor will prescribe pain relief medication that will help you ease all the discomfort you experience during the first two weeks of the surgery. These over-the-counter medicines should be taken till the time prescribed.

• Hygiene and wound care play a crucial role in quickening the recovery after surgery. The doctor will recommend gentle cleaning of the wound using a mild cleanser after each bowel movement. You must pat the area dry to avoid irritation. Do not use toilet paper. Opt for water, gentle spray, or wet wipes to clean the area.

• It is vital to follow the dietary recommendations given by the doctor to recover quickly from piles surgery. A high-fiber diet and adequate hydration are often recommended to prevent strained bowel movements and keep constipation at bay. Start with consuming soft foods and slowly move towards solid foods.

• The doctor will prescribe stool softeners as the first bowel movements after surgery may be difficult and uncomfortable. You will also be given laxatives to ease the process and reduce pain in the surgical area.

• Overly strenuous physical activities are a big no during piles surgery. Do not join the gym immediately after the surgery or lift heavy objects, as it may lead to strain in the surgical area.

• If you experience extreme itching in the surgical area, the doctor may recommend a sitz bath to get relief. Soak your body in a warm bath for about 15 minutes and then pat the area dry. You will also be given some topical creams to apply to the area to reduce itching.

• Depending on the kind of surgery you have opted for, you will be advised to rest more and work less. Give your body some time to heal before you resume the routine.

• During your recovery phase, you must keep in touch with the doctor and not miss the follow-up appointments as they are crucial to monitor how much you have healed.

What Foods to Eat During Piles Surgery Recovery?

After the surgery, your primary goal should be to avoid constipation because hardened stools put extreme pressure on the surgical site during bowel movements. Constipation may be the result of insufficient fiber intake. The doctor recommends the following diet.

• Start with low-residue foods like white noodles, rice, crackers, vegetables without seeds, ripe bananas, papaya, soft melons, puddings, ice creams, dried fruits like prunes, applesauce, and more.

• You can slowly move to a low-fat and high-fiber diet, including soluble fiber that draws water from the intestine and softens stools. Consume apples, avocados, eggplant, sweet potatoes, berries, brown rice, carrots, cauliflower, and more.

What Exercises Can I Perform During Piles Recovery Surgery?

While you cannot perform strenuous exercises or heavy lifting during piles recovery, it is advised to indulge in the following light activities to keep your body moving and improve the recovery phase.

• Deep breathing exercises will give you peace of mind. Sit down comfortably and take slow deep breaths by inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.

• You can go for short leisurely walks to enhance circulation and enable movement.

• After the first two weeks, you can indulge in kegel exercises to contract and relax the abdominal muscles.