By Dr Kaushik Vora, MS. Proctologist , Apollo Clinic,Bora Service ,Ulubari GS road,Guwahati.
Are you preparing for piles (haemorrhoids) surgery? Feeling anxious is completely normal — but the best way to reduce anxiety is to know exactly what to expect.
This guide covers:
- Pre-operative instructions
- Common issues you may face on the day of surgery
- What happens after piles or fistula surgery
- How long recovery usually takes
When you know what may happen, you feel more confident, calm, and prepared.
Pre-Operative Instructions for Piles Surgery
1) Do I need to take any medicine the evening before surgery?
Yes. You will be advised to take a prescribed laxative (commonly Dulcoflex) — usually 2 or 3 tablets with soda water around 6 PM.
If you are suffering from constipation issues, inform your doctor. You may need additional laxatives for proper bowel clearance.
2) When will the laxative start working?
It works the next morning, not immediately.
3) Is abdominal pain normal after taking the laxative?
Yes. Mild crampy abdominal pain is common and temporary.
4) What should I eat after taking the laxative?
You may have dinner. A vegetarian, fibre-rich meal is recommended.
5) Should I continue my regular BP, Diabetes, or Thyroid medicines?
- Blood Pressure and Thyroid medicines are usually continued.
- Diabetes medicines are generally avoided because you will be fasting.
Always confirm with your doctor.
6) Can I take my gastric medicines?
Yes. Medicines like Pantoprazole or Rabeprazole may be taken with a few sips of water, at least 4 hours before surgery.
7) How long should I fast before surgery?
A minimum of 4–6 hours of fasting is required. You may have a light breakfast if it is 6 hours before your scheduled surgery time.
What to Expect After Piles or Fistula Surgery
1) Will I be able to pass stool normally after surgery?
Yes — you will be able to pass stool normally. Passing stool is a natural reflex, and surgery does not damage this ability.
The first motion may feel different, but it is safe.
You may feel:
- Mild discomfort
- A stretching sensation
- A burning feeling for a few seconds
These are normal and improve quickly.
Laxatives help
A gentle laxative is usually prescribed to ensure:
- Soft stool
- No straining
- Comfortable wound healing
Learn about bowel movements after piles surgery.
2) How long will I need to stay in the hospital?
If all tests and insurance approvals are complete, the stay is usually:
✔ 1 night / 2 days
3) How many days of leave will I need from work?
It depends on:
- The type of disease
- The procedure performed
- Your work style
- Whether you can work from home
General guidance:
- Resume household activities (walking, washroom use, stairs) from Day 2.
- If your job requires continuous sitting:
- Piles & Fissure surgery: ~ 14–20 days leave
- Fistula surgery: ~ 3–4 weeks leave
- If you can work with short sitting intervals (30–60 minutes with breaks), 1 week is usually enough.
4) I am unable to pass urine after surgery. It has been 6 hours and my bladder feels full. What should I do?
Difficulty passing urine after piles or fistula surgery can happen because anaesthesia and pain temporarily affect bladder function.
But if your bladder feels full and it has been around 6 hours, you should inform the doctor or nursing team immediately.
To relieve the bladder safely, the doctor on duty may gently pass a small, well-lubricated tube (urinary catheter) through the urethra to empty the bladder. This procedure is quick, safe, and gives immediate relief.
Piles Surgery Options in Guwahati (Minimally Invasive)
Patients in Guwahati commonly undergo modern, minimally invasive piles procedures, including:
- ✔ Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) + Chivate Trans-Rectal Suture Haemorrhoidopexy
A minimally invasive laser procedure used to shrink piles from within. Benefits include:
- Less pain
- Minimal bleeding
- Faster recovery
- No major cuts or stitches