What to Expect After Piles Surgery: Recovery & Tips

If you are preparing for piles surgery, you may be wondering whether the discomfort will be manageable or how long it may take before you can return to your usual routine. These are common concerns, and understanding what lies ahead can make the experience far less daunting.

This guide walks you through the typical healing process, offers practical suggestions for daily care, and helps you recognise situations where you may need further medical advice. Read on to gain a clearer picture of what recovery involves and how you can play an active role in supporting your own healing.

Understanding Piles Surgery

Piles surgery is usually recommended when symptoms become difficult to manage or when non-surgical approaches stop helping. You may be advised to consider a procedure if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent bleeding, pain or discomfort despite medication and lifestyle changes
• Haemorrhoids that remain prolapsed and cannot be gently pushed back in
• Issues such as recurrent prolapse or thrombosis involving blood clots

Surgical options vary depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s needs. These may include traditional haemorrhoidectomy, laser piles surgery or minimally invasive techniques designed to reduce pain and recovery time. A detailed discussion with your colorectal specialist helps determine the most appropriate option for your condition. This sets the stage for the next part of your journey, which is understanding what happens right after the surgery.

What to Expect Immediately After Surgery

It is normal to experience some discomfort as your body begins healing. These sensations vary depending on the type of procedure performed and the severity of your piles.

Common Post-Surgery Experiences:

During the first few days after piles surgery, you may notice several temporary changes as your body repairs the affected area. These usually ease with proper rest and care.

• Mild to moderate pain around the anus. This can be relieved with prescribed medication and warm sitz baths.
• Swelling or a sense of fullness that typically settles within a few days.
• Light bleeding during bowel movements as the tissues continue to heal.
• Temporary difficulty passing stool due to sensitivity. A diet rich in fibre, along with good hydration, can make this easier.

Most people return home on the same day or the next, depending on their procedure and initial recovery. Your surgeon will give you clear aftercare instructions to help you manage symptoms, reduce stress on the area and support steady healing.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Healing after piles surgery involves a mix of medical guidance and everyday habits that protect the surgical site. The suggestions below can help you stay comfortable and encourage steady progress.

1. Manage Pain and Discomfort

Take pain medication as instructed by your doctor to stay comfortable during the early stages. Warm sitz baths can also relieve soreness and improve circulation. If you tend to sit for long stretches at work or home, try breaking up these periods with short walks or stretches to minimise pressure on the healing area.

2. Maintain a High-Fibre Diet

What you eat plays a major role in recovery. A diet rich in fibre helps soften stools and reduces strain during bowel movements. Include a mix of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your meals. Remember to drink enough water throughout the day to keep your stools comfortable to pass.

3. Resume Physical Activity Gradually

Begin with light activities such as short walks to boost circulation and reduce stiffness. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until your doctor advises that it is safe. If you must sit for long periods, take regular breaks to stand, stretch and move around to prevent pressure buildup and support healing.

4. Attend Follow-Up Appointments

Your follow up visits are important. These allow your surgeon to assess your healing, address any concerns and adjust your care plan when needed. Keeping to these appointments ensures you are progressing well and reduces the likelihood of complications.

Potential Complications to Watch For

While most people recover without difficulty, it is helpful to know when to seek medical help. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice:

• Heavy or persistent bleeding that does not subside
• Signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, pus or fever
• Severe pain that does not improve with prescribed medication
• Difficulty urinating or significant changes in bowel movements

When to Return to Work or Normal Activities

Recovery times differ depending on the type of procedure, the severity of the condition and your body’s natural healing pace. Many people return to lighter tasks within one to two weeks, although full recovery can take longer. Your surgeon will guide you on when you can resume work, driving and exercise.

Average Recovery Timelines

Recovery varies across piles treatments methods. Below are general guidelines, though your experience may differ depending on your overall health and how closely you follow your care instructions.

• Rubber Band Ligation (RBL): Mild discomfort or fullness may last two to five days. Light bleeding may occur when the banded pile falls off. Most people return to work within one to two days.
• Sclerotherapy: Recovery usually takes one to three days. Normal activities can often resume almost immediately.
• Ultrasound-Guided Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (HAL): Healing generally takes one to two weeks. Mild pain or swelling may occur for a few days. Strenuous activity should wait at least a week.
• Haemorrhoid Energy Transfer (HET): Most patients return to work within one to two days. Slight tenderness or light bleeding may occur temporarily but resolves quickly.
• Laser Piles Surgery: Recovery typically takes two to four weeks, depending on the severity of the condition. Pain and swelling are expected initially but improve with proper care and follow up.

Recovery from piles surgery takes time and involves a combination of good self-care, healthy dietary habits and regular follow-up visits. By knowing what to expect and following medical advice closely, patients can support a smoother healing process and minimise the risk of complications.

For comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr Ho Kok Sun at HKS Piles Clinic to receive care tailored to your personal recovery needs.

About Dr Ho Kok Sun

Dr Ho Kok Sun
Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), M Med (General Surgery) (Singapore)
FRCS (General Surgery) (Edinburgh), FAM (Singapore)

Dr Ho Kok Sun has dedicated more than a decade to the management of piles and haemorrhoids, offering both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. He is the past President of the ASEAN Society of Colorectal Surgeons and the Society of Colorectal Surgeons (Singapore), and a founding member of the Eurasian Colorectal Technologies Association.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr Ho has been actively involved in training medical students and residents and has contributed extensively to medical literature through journal publications and book chapters. He believes that every patient’s treatment should be individualised, focusing on safety, comfort and long-term results.