Can't medical treatment be substituted for surgery? Fistulas and polyps can only be treated surgically. Some superficial fissures and small piles can be treated medically. Internal piles can be treated by injections or banding on occasion but this form of management is not as satisfactory as surgery since recurrence is rather frequently encountered. If symptoms from piles continue or recur despite medical management, then it is wiser to undergo operation. How long is the usual hospital stay?   Piles 1 to 2 days Fissure 1 to 2 days Fistulas 2 to 3 days Polyps  1 to 2 days   Do these operations leave a scar? No, except in cases of fistula in ano when the opening is far out on the skin of the buttocks, there is a visible scar extending from the region of this opening to the anus. After removal of piles, small tabs of skin in the anal area are frequently left behind purposely so that no constriction of the outlet takes place. How soon can one return to work?   After removal of piles  Approximately 1week After removal of fissure About 5 to 7 days After removal of fistula In 1 to 2 weeks After removal of polyp  In 1 to 2 days   What happen if surgery is not performed? Untreated piles may become so painful as to seriously interfere with normal bowel movement. Repeated bleeding may lead to serious anemia. Untreated fissures may extend and form many tunnels, or may become infected and produce multiple abscesses. Untreated polyps may grow into cancer. What are the chances of recurrence after operation? Piles occasionally do recur but more than 90% of patients can be cured permanently. Fissures and fistulas recur occasionally after removal. When completely destroyed, benign polyps do not recur. How long does it take to perform these operations? The average procedure for piles, fissures or fistulas takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. What kind of anesthetic is given? Most surgeons advocate either a small spinal anesthesia. Occasionally general anesthesia is used. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | MAIN PAGE