Reliable tips for effective management of pain and other issues during THD recovery period

THD or Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization is a relatively non-invasive method for treating bleeding haemorrhoids. Even through the surgery itself is far less complicated and painful than the open surgery, it would be wrong to claim that it is totally painless.

In fact, the pain and discomfort suffered by patients during the recovery period is almost at par with what they have to endure with an open procedure. The only difference is that recovery is relatively faster and often free from any complications associated with the conventional surgical methods. In order to help the patients better manage the pain and discomfort during the recovery period, most surgeons provide them with time tested tips. The most important and useful of these are discussed below:

• • Applying ice packs to the affected area has been one of the most effective methods for post operative pain management. However, the regular ice packs available in the market do not prove much helpful as their design prevents them from reaching the surgical site.
  • As such the patients should create their own custom designed ice packs to get the relief they need exactly where they need it. This can be done by filling an appropriately sized diaper with 3-4 cups of water and freezing it after placing it in a ziplock bag. These frozen diapers curve perfectly in accordance with the patients’ anus area and provide them with much relief from pain and discomfort.
• Use Squirt Bottles for Anus Cleaning:
  • The patients should avoid using toilet paper or even wet baby wipes to clean their anus after bowel movement. This is because the area is extremely raw after the THD surgery and even a slight abrasion might result in a major complication. Rather the patients should make use of squirt bottles for cleaning their anus area after every bowel movement.
  • This will not only avoid the unnecessary disturbance of the surgical site but will also minimize any chances of further injury in the area resulting from an unintentional harsh rub or even a protruding fingernail.
• Apply Lotion to Avoid Itching:
  • It is not uncommon for the patients to feel a deep itching sensation at the surgery site, especially after they have used the washroom. Although this is an integral part of the healing process, the inability to itch can be quite frustrating and even distressing. In such cases, the patients should apply a lotion prescribed by their surgeon to avoid scratching the raw surface of the surgical site. This will not only help them to overcome the itching sensation but also ease the pain that they might feel right after using the toilet.
• Consume the Right Foods:
  • In order to properly manage the pain and discomfort after during the recovery period, it is essential for the patients to consume the right foods.
  • They should eat a lot of vegetables and soups, especially during the first couple of weeks after the surgery. This not only speeds up the recovery process but also provides the patients with adequate nutrients and energy to resume their normal lifestyle.
  • It is important to avoid all types of starchy and binding foods at least for a month after the surgery.
• Stay Hydrated:
  • Drinking large amounts of liquids is essential to maintain the appropriate hydration level of the body during the recovery period. Remaining hydrated is essential for not only dissipating the heat generated by post operative medications but also to maintain the softness of stools and avoid constipation.
  • Hard stools and constipation can enhance the pain and discomfort experienced by the patients quite significantly and this can in turn extend their recovery period further.

Adhering to the above tips can ease the pain and discomfort during THD recovery, significantly.