Is Hemorrhoid Surgery Worth It?

Written by Kathleen Morrison
Medically Reviewed by Andrea Sleeth WHNP-BC, MSCP

Hemorrhoids are actually the worst. They’re uncomfortable, unpredictable, and sometimes make you dread even sitting down. If you've tried creams, sitz baths, dietary changes, and still aren’t getting relief, it’s totally fair to wonder: is surgery actually worth it?

The short answer? Maybe! For some folks, surgery can offer long-term relief when other treatments just don’t cut it. Yes, the idea of a procedure might sound intimidating, but if you're dealing with constant pain, bleeding, or flare-ups that mess with your day-to-day life, it might be time to explore something more lasting.

Surgery isn’t for everyone, though. It’s important to understand your options, know what recovery looks like, and figure out what’s going to work best for your body and lifestyle. Talking to a provider you trust is a great first step—they can walk you through the pros, cons, and whether surgery makes sense for your specific situation.

External vs. internal hemorrhoids

Talking about hemorrhoids isn’t exactly dinner party conversation. But if you’re dealing with them (and hey, about 1 out of 20 Americans do at some point), you’re far from alone. Understanding what’s going on down there can make a big difference in figuring out how to feel better, faster.

External hemorrhoids

These show up on the skin around the anus (just outside of it (and usually make themselves known—whether it’s through tenderness, swelling, or that annoying, painful pressure when you sit.

You might feel a small lump, and if there’s a blood clot involved (called a thrombosed hemorrhoid), things can get real uncomfortable for a couple of days. The pain typically peaks fast and then starts to ease off in a few weeks. Not fun—but definitely manageable with the right care.

Internal hemorrhoids

These hang out inside your rectum, so you might not feel them at all. They’re sneakier and usually show up as bright red blood on your toilet paper or in the bowl. If they push out through the anus (that’s called prolapsing), you’ll probably notice them then.

Internal hemorrhoids come in grades (1–4) depending on how far they stick out and whether they go back in on their own or not. The higher the grade, the more care they usually need.

What’s actually happening inside your body?

Hemorrhoids are basically swollen veins in your bum’s blood vessel cushions—yep, your body actually has little pads there to help you control bowel movements.

But when those veins get too much pressure (from things like straining on the toilet, sitting too long, pregnancy, or even lifting heavy stuff), they swell, stretch, and sometimes start bleeding. That’s when irritation kicks in, things get inflamed, and symptoms start to show up.

What happens during hemorrhoid removal surgery?

Hemorrhoid surgery might sound intimidating, but knowing what’s involved can take a lot of the fear out of it. If you've been dealing with painful, stubborn hemorrhoids that just won’t quit, surgery might be your next step.

Common surgical procedures

There are a few ways doctors can handle hemorrhoids surgically, depending on what your body needs:

• Hemorrhoidectomy: This is the OG method. It’s the most thorough and is often used when symptoms are severe. The surgeon removes the hemorrhoid tissue, and while recovery can be a little more intense, it tends to be very effective long-term.
• Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: A bit gentler, this method lifts and secures prolapsed tissue and cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. It usually means less pain after surgery and a speedier bounce-back.
• Hemorrhoidal artery ligation: This one’s more high-tech. It uses ultrasound to find the blood vessels feeding the hemorrhoids and ties them off. It’s minimally invasive and especially helpful for internal hemorrhoids that bleed a lot.

Before jumping into surgery, talk with a provider about all your options—prescription hemorrhoid treatments, topicals, and even lifestyle shifts might do the trick without going under the knife.

Wisp treatment options are available only after consultation with a licensed medical professional. You should consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement or treatment regimen. Individual results may vary.

What about anesthesia?

Most hemorrhoid surgeries use local anesthesia with a little sedation, so you’re comfy, relaxed, but not knocked out completely. This setup keeps the procedure low-key and cuts down on the risks that come with general anesthesia. The numbing effect usually sticks around for hours afterward, helping ease you into recovery mode without too much drama.

What surgery day (and after) actually looks like

Here’s the play-by-play: you’ll get some meds to help you chill, the team will position you comfortably, and the procedure itself usually takes under an hour. Afterward, you’ll hang out in recovery for a bit and then head home the same day—yep, no overnight hospital stay needed for most people.

Expect some soreness for a few days, but things like sitz baths, stool softeners, and prescribed pain meds help a lot. Most folks are feeling more like themselves in about 2 to 4 weeks. Just take it slow, follow your care instructions, and let your body do its thing.

Pros and Cons of Hemorrhoid Surgery

Hemorrhoid surgery can be a game-changer—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix. If you're tired of flare-ups, pain, or the constant juggling act of creams and diet tweaks, it might be time to look at the bigger picture. Surgery is a bigger step, but for many, it’s the one that finally brings lasting relief.

The good stuff

• It actually works. Traditional hemorrhoidectomy has a high success rate and super low recurrence when done right. Translation? That problem area is handled, and you’re not constantly bracing for the next flare-up.
• It’s great for complex cases. Got large external hemorrhoids, skin tags, or both internal and external issues? Surgery can tackle it all in one go with little or no pain, especially when less invasive treatments just haven’t cut it.
• Outpatient procedure (so it's chill). Most people head home the same day, thanks to local anesthesia and modern techniques. With good pain management, recovery is more manageable than you might expect.
  

The not-so-fun stuff

• Recovery takes time. Expect a few weeks of downtime—2 to 8 weeks for full recovery, maybe a bit less if you have a desk job. Regular bowel movements might feel stressful at first, but stool softeners, water, and fiber can help things move more comfortably.
• You will be sore. The area is sensitive, and yes, your first few post-op bathroom visits may not be your favorite moments. Pain peaks early but eases steadily with the right care.
• Some risks are real but rare. We're talking things like bleeding, minor complications with healing, or (in very rare cases) scar tissue that narrows the anal canal. The best thing you can do? Follow your provider’s aftercare tips like a champ.
• If you're on blood thinners, it’s a little more complex. You’ll need to coordinate carefully with your doctor to manage the timing of surgery and medications safely.
  

When is hemorrhoid surgery actually worth it?

Surgery might be worth thinking about if you’re really desperate to get rid of your hemorrhoids and get back to your normal life. It’s not anyone’s first choice, but for some people, it’s the option that finally brings real, lasting relief.

When the pain just won’t quit

If you’ve tried all the creams, cushions, and lifestyle changes and you're still wincing every time you sit down—or dreading every bathroom trip—it’s okay to consider something more permanent.

Constant severe pain, persistent rectal bleeding, and hemorrhoids that just won’t stay put (grade 3 and 4 prolapsed hemorrhoids) are all signs it might be time to explore a surgical option.

When nothing you try seems to stick

Sometimes, you get a little relief... only for the symptoms to sneak back in again (and again). That pattern can be frustrating and exhausting, physically and mentally. If you’re stuck in an endless loop of flare-ups even after giving conservative treatments a solid shot, surgery can offer a fresh start.

When hemorrhoids are running your life

Hemorrhoids can mess with more than just your bathroom routine. Maybe you’ve started avoiding social plans, sex, certain foods, or even taking time off work because the pain or bleeding is just too much.

If hemorrhoids are dictating your choices, your schedule, or your mood, it’s okay to want more freedom.

What are your other options?

If the idea of hemorrhoid surgery makes you wince a little, you're not alone. The good news? There are gentler, less invasive procedures and treatments that might work wonders without the downtime or stress of an operation.

Prescription Treatments

Before jumping into procedures, let’s talk about prescription treatments. For many folks, these can be a total game-changer, especially if you're dealing with early symptoms or want to avoid surgery altogether.

Prescription-strength creams and suppositories can help ease inflammation, soothe discomfort, and support healing when over-the-counter stuff just isn’t cutting it. A quick online consult can get you set up with a treatment plan that fits your needs (and your schedule), no awkward waiting rooms required.

Rubber band ligation

For internal hemorrhoids that just won’t quit, rubber band ligation can be a total lifesaver. A provider places a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, which cuts off its blood flow so it eventually shrivels and falls off (yep, kind of like a skin tag).

It’s quick, done right in the office, and usually doesn’t even require anesthesia. You might need more than one round for full results, but most patients find relief with minimal fuss, and just some mild discomfort.

Sclerotherapy and other targeted treatments

Sclerotherapy involves a quick injection that helps shrink the hemorrhoid over time. It’s a great option for smaller internal hemorrhoids that cause bleeding. And if you’re looking for even more choices, other in-office medical treatments—like infrared coagulation or cryotherapy—might be on the table too.

These treatments tend to work best for milder symptoms and don’t require recovery time like surgery does.

Fiber, hydration, and some habit tweaks

Let’s not forget the power of the basics. A high fiber diet (think fruits, veggies, legumes, and whole grains) and staying hydrated can help keep things moving smoothly—literally. Fewer hard stools mean less straining, which can ease pressure on sensitive veins.

Pair that with regular movement, not ignoring the urge to go, and avoiding long toilet sits, and you’ve got a gentle, long-term game plan.

Deciding if hemorrhoid surgery is right for you

Whether or not hemorrhoid surgery is “worth it” depends on how much your symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life. If you've tried all the creams, changed your diet, done the sitz baths, and you're still dealing with pain, bleeding, or prolapsed hemorrhoids, then yeah, surgery might be the next best step.

That said, surgery isn’t the only way forward, even for severe hemorrhoid symptoms. Less invasive options, like rubber band ligation or prescription treatments, can offer real relief, especially if your symptoms are mild or just starting out. Ultimately, the question "Is hemorrhoid surgery worth it?" is going to have a different answer for everyone.

Talking to a healthcare provider can help you figure out what’s going on, what’s realistic, and what next steps actually make sense. Surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix, but it can be a game-changer for the right person.

Curious if prescription treatment could help before considering surgery? Start a consult with Wisp today and get expert care on your terms. Discreet, judgment-free, and delivered straight to your door.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Is it worth having hemorrhoids removed?

Hemorrhoid removal can really be worth it if other treatments haven't worked, since it can (finally) provide some relief from severe symptoms like pain and bleeding.

At what point does a hemorrhoid need surgery?

When they’re large, painful, bleeding a lot, or just not responding to other treatments, surgery becomes a strong option to consider.

Can I live with hemorrhoids without surgery?

Totally. Lots of people manage them with diet, fiber, lifestyle shifts, and prescription meds—especially if symptoms aren’t super intense

What are the disadvantages of hemorrhoid removal?

There’s a recovery period, and you might deal with pain, tenderness, or temporary changes in how things feel down there. But for many, the long-term relief makes it more than worth it.

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided here.