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Haemorrhoidectomy (piles surgery)

Surgery to remove haemorrhoids that are causing difficult symptoms

Doctor-and-nurse-suture-patient-in-emergency-room
A haemorrhoidectomy is an operation to remove haemorrhoids. Also known as piles, these are lumps that can form just inside your back passage (anus) that bleed easily and can cause itching and pain. You won't normally need surgery for piles, because they can usually be controlled with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. However, some people have very severe haemorrhoids that don't go away and cause significant pain and discomfort. If this is the case, your consultant might recommend a haemorrhoidectomy.

If you are living with the difficult symptoms of chronic piles and would like to explore treatment options for your haemorrhoids, our specialists are ready and waiting to help you. Call us or book online today and you could be having your initial consultation in as little as 48 hours.

What are haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are soft fleshy lumps just inside the back passage (anus). They occur when the blood vessels in your anus become swollen, making them more likely to be irritated. When swollen, haemorrhoids bleed easily, usually causing fresh bright-red bleeding when you pass a stool (have a poo).

Haemorrhoids aren't usually painful but they are often itchy. If you have large piles, they can pass through the anus, and you might feel them as a lump when you clean yourself after having a poo. This is known as a prolapsed pile or prolapsed haemorrhoid.

Haemorrhoids develop gradually, often over a long period of time. They are associated with constipation, often run in families and can be made worse by pregnancy.

This type of surgery will remove the haemorrhoids, so you should no longer have any of the symptoms that haemorrhoids can cause.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

There are many non-surgical alternatives to a haemorrhoidectomy. Haemorrhoids can often be successfully treated by simple measures such as eating more fibre and drinking more fluid. You can also get ointments or pessaries from your pharmacist that can help to treat the piles.

If these simple measures are unsuccessful, haemorrhoids can usually be treated successfully using non-surgical treatments such as rubber band ligation or 'banding' (where a band is tied around the piles until they fall off), or sclerotherapy injections (which inject a liquid that makes the piles shrink).

A haemorrhoidectomy is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. The operation takes about 20 minutes.

Your surgeon will remove your haemorrhoids either by cutting them away or using a staple gun. They will make sure that the blood vessels that supplied the haemorrhoids have stopped bleeding.

You may be able to go home the same day or you might need to stay in hospital for a night or two. This varies from person to person, and will also be different depending on what technique your surgeon used to remove your piles. Your consultant will let you know what to expect ahead of time.

We might ask you to stay in hospital until you have had your first bowel movement (poo).

During your recovery, you should drink plenty of fluids and increase the amount of fibre in your diet to avoid constipation. The wounds often take several weeks to heal completely and you may need to wear pads until then, though there are no open wounds with the stapled technique.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

As with any surgery, there are potential risks to piles surgery, however the chance of complications is low. General complications of any operation include:

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection in the surgical wound
  • Blood clots

Specific complications of this operation include:

  • Incomplete haemorrhoidectomy
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Anal stenosis
  • Developing skin tags
  • Developing an anal fissure
  • Incontinence

The cost of a haemorrhoidectomy depends on various factors including which hospital and which consultant you choose. If you would like a tailored quote, give one of our friendly advisors a call.

Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 14.9% APR.

If you have private health insurance, haemorrhoidectomy may be covered by your provider. Speak to your insurer directly to find out.


The cost of surgery for excision of abnormal skin around the anus (local anaesthetic)

Please be aware that the following prices are a guide price. Your final price will be confirmed in writing following your consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests.

Patient pathway Initial consultation Diagnostic Investigations Main treatment Post discharge care Guide price
Hospital fees N/A Not included £2,050 Included £2,050
Consultants fees from £200 N/A Included Included £200
Guide price £2,250

The cost of surgery for removing haemorrhoids / Piles

Please be aware that the following prices are a guide price. Your final price will be confirmed in writing following your consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests.

Patient pathway Initial consultation Diagnostic Investigations Main treatment Post discharge care Guide price
Hospital fees N/A Not included £3,350 Included £3,350
Consultants fees from £200 N/A Included Included £200
Guide price £3,550

At Circle Health Group we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:

  • Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
  • The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
  • Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
  • Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
  • Private ensuite rooms as standard
  • A range of delicious healthy meals
  • Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
  • Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about haemorrhoidectomy and other treatments for piles, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in March 2023. Next review due March 2026.

  1. Piles (haemorrhoids), NHS
  2. Haemorrhoidectomy, Milton Keynes University Hospital

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