For the vast majority of people, hemorrhoids cause little-to-no discomfort and resolve on their own with minimal treatment. However, there is a subset of people who have an entirely different experience. For people that fall into this category, more aggressive treatment, such as surgery, maybe the best solution for long-term management.
Previous Treatment Failure
Generally, an individual is only considered a candidate for surgical hemorrhoid removal after other non-invasive treatment methods have failed. Surgery is rarely the first option. Suppositories, medicated creams, and steroids are just some of the non-invasive treatments that are prescribed as a first measure. For many people, these treatments work.
Excessive Bleeding
A hemorrhoid that bleeds excessively is a cause for concern. A common symptom of these growths is small bits of blood that are often visible in the toilet bowl or on toilet paper. However, when the bleeding becomes excessive it could be an indication that you have a large thrombosed hemorrhoid that needs to be safely removed to prevent it from bursting in the future. You may consider talking to a general surgeon if you fall into this category.
Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
An internal hemorrhoid that has significantly prolapsed, or dropped, from the inside of the anus to the outside generally is best treated with surgery. Often, this type of hemorrhoid can be seen hanging down a distance around the anus. Since this type of hemorrhoid will not retract back inside the anus and heal itself, often the best course of action is to surgically remove it.
Pain and Discomfort
Whenever a hemorrhoid is impacting your day-to-day life, it is always a good idea to consider a more aggressive treatment method, such as surgery. It is normal for hemorrhoids to cause minimal discomfort, but for most people, this discomfort is centered around their bowel movements. However, there are some people who have a hard time walking, sitting, and doing anything else that puts pressure on the anus.
Internal and External Hemorrhoids
Multiple hemorrhoids on both the inside and outside of the anus often make a person a candidate for surgery. The presence of internal and external hemorrhoids often means that some of the internal hemorrhoids have prolapsed, even without you being aware. There is a risk that the existing internal hemorrhoids could follow a similar course of action, so removal may be a good idea.
If you have a hemorrhoid that is causing a concern, make sure you make an appointment with a medical professional to determine if surgical removal is the best option.