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Piles Surgery Singapore (Haemorrhoidectomy)
Dr. Sulaiman Bin Yusof
MbChB (Sheffield)
M.Med (Surg)
FRCSEd (Gen Surg)
蘇萊曼·尤索夫博士
A haemorrhoidectomy, commonly referred to as piles surgery, is a procedure used to address haemorrhoids – swollen veins in the rectum or anus that often cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding.
This surgery is usually recommended for patients with severe haemorrhoids or when less invasive treatments have not provided sufficient relief. By removing the affected veins, haemorrhoidectomy aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent potential complications.
Indications for Haemorrhoidectomy
This procedure may be recommended for individuals experiencing ongoing symptoms or specific issues with haemorrhoids.
- Pain and Discomfort: Surgery may be needed when haemorrhoids cause significant discomfort that affects daily life and does not improve with other treatments.
- Bleeding: Persistent or heavy bleeding from haemorrhoids that does not respond to conservative measures can be treated with haemorrhoidectomy.
- Prolapsed Haemorrhoids: Haemorrhoids that extend outside the anus and are challenging to manage with non-surgical options may be removed surgically.
- Recurring Haemorrhoids: Frequent flare-ups that persist despite changes in diet or lifestyle may benefit from surgical removal.
- Non-Responsive to Other Treatment: Haemorrhoids that do not improve with medications, dietary adjustments, or less invasive procedures may require surgery.
Benefits of Haemorrhoidectomy
For those with severe or recurring haemorrhoids, haemorrhoidectomy provides several benefits. These include:
Pain Relief
Surgery reduces the discomfort associated with haemorrhoids, allowing individuals to go about their day more comfortably.
Lower Risk of Health Issues
Removing haemorrhoids reduces the chance of complications such as anaemia from bleeding or infections linked to prolapsed haemorrhoids.
Easier Bowel Movements
Surgery can lessen the strain and discomfort during bowel movements, which can also help prevent further issues.
Reduced Recurrence
Haemorrhoidectomy lowers the likelihood of future haemorrhoid episodes compared to non-surgical treatments.
Types of Haemorrhoidectomy
There are several surgical approaches to treating haemorrhoids, chosen based on the severity of the condition and individual patient requirements. All procedures are performed under anaesthesia as day surgery and are MediSave-claimable.
Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty
Laser haemorrhoidoplasty fills a specific clinical gap. It is the right option for patients whose haemorrhoids are too large or symptomatic for rubber band ligation — where ligation has failed or is unlikely to work — but who do not yet have the degree of prolapse that makes conventional surgery necessary.
A small opening is made to introduce the laser fibre into the haemorrhoidal tissue, which coagulates and shrinks it from within. This wound typically heals within seven to ten days. Post-operative discomfort is significantly less than conventional haemorrhoidectomy, and most patients return to normal activity within a few days.
Laser haemorrhoidoplasty is billed under the same MOH table code as conventional haemorrhoidectomy (TOSP SF836A). Cost figures reflect private hospital day surgery.
Before MediSave and MediShield Life payouts. Actual out-of-pocket costs may be lower depending on Integrated Shield Plan coverage.
Stapled Haemorrhoidopexy
Stapled haemorrhoidopexy uses a circular stapling device to reposition prolapsed haemorrhoid tissue back into the anal canal and reduce its blood supply, rather than removing it entirely. It is particularly suited for haemorrhoids with circumferential prolapse combined with significant Grade 3 prolapse.
The result is less post-operative pain and a faster recovery than conventional haemorrhoidectomy. Some studies report higher long-term recurrence rates compared to conventional haemorrhoidectomy.
Cost figures are drawn from MOH recommended fees and transacted bill data (TOSP SF837A), reflecting private hospital day surgery.
Before MediSave and MediShield Life payouts. Actual out-of-pocket costs may be lower depending on Integrated Shield Plan coverage.
Conventional Haemorrhoidectomy
Conventional haemorrhoidectomy is the most definitive option and carries the lowest long-term recurrence rates. LigaSure vessel-sealing technology reduces intraoperative bleeding and post-operative discomfort compared to older techniques. It is the procedure recommended for Grade 3 to Grade 4 haemorrhoids, large or thrombosed external piles, and cases where other treatments have not provided lasting relief.
Most patients experience pain around 4 to 5 out of 10 in the first week, settling to 2 to 3 out of 10 by the second week. After that, most patients notice mild discomfort of 1 to 2 out of 10 mainly during bowel movements. A yellowish mucoid discharge for two to three weeks is normal as the wound heals.
Cost figures are drawn from MOH recommended fees and transacted bill data (TOSP SF836A), reflecting private hospital day surgery.
Before MediSave and MediShield Life payouts. Actual out-of-pocket costs may be lower depending on Integrated Shield Plan coverage.
Preparing for Surgery
Medical Evaluation: A thorough medical evaluation is conducted to assess the patient’s overall health and suitability for the procedure. This may include blood tests, a review of current medications, and an assessment of any existing medical conditions. The evaluation helps identify and manage potential risks before surgery.
Dietary Advice: Patients may be advised to follow a low-residue diet in the days leading up to the procedure to minimise bowel movements. Fasting is typically required from midnight before the surgery to ensure the digestive system is clear, which reduces complications during the operation.
Medication Adjustments: Certain medications, such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs, may need to be stopped temporarily before surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding. Clear instructions will be provided on which medications to pause or continue to ensure patient safety.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
Pain Management: Most patients experience pain around 4 to 5 out of 10 in the first week, settling to 2 to 3 out of 10 by the second week. After that, discomfort is mainly 1 to 2 out of 10 during bowel movements. Sphincteric spasm contributes significantly — being prepared for this makes recovery meaningfully easier. Pain relief is provided through prescribed medications.
Wound Healing: For conventional haemorrhoidectomy, expect yellowish mucoid discharge for two to three weeks — this is normal as the wound heals.
Resumption of Activities: Patients can typically resume light activities, such as walking, within a few days to a week after the procedure. Full recovery usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the surgical technique used. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided until advised by the surgeon.
Follow-Up Care: A follow-up appointment is scheduled within a few weeks to monitor the healing process and address any concerns. During this visit, the surgeon will check for complications, assess progress, and provide further guidance on activities and care.
Potential Risks and Complications
Haemorrhoidectomy is generally safe, but potential risks include post-operative pain, minor bleeding during bowel movements, infection at the surgical site, and temporary urinary retention. Most risks are manageable with proper care, but persistent symptoms should be promptly reported.
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Dr. Sulaiman Bin Yusof
MbChB (Sheffield)
M.Med (Surgery)
FRCSEd (General Surgery)
蘇萊曼·尤索夫博士
Dr. Sulaiman Bin Yusof is a Senior Consultant colorectal and general surgeon in Singapore with over 15 years of specialist experience across public and private practice. Trained in the United Kingdom and awarded a Ministry of Health Fellowship to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, he has built his practice around complex colorectal surgery, with robotic-assisted technique as his primary surgical platform for colectomy and anterior resection.
Patients consult Dr. Sulaiman for his depth of experience in colorectal cancer and perianal conditions, as well as for consultations that are thorough, unhurried, and focused on giving patients a clear understanding of their options.
Credentials & Fellowship Training
Dr. Sulaiman holds an MBChB from the University of Sheffield, a Master of Medicine in Surgery (M.Med), and a Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh in General Surgery (FRCSEd). He completed a Ministry of Health Fellowship at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, one of the world’s foremost oncology institutions, serves as a Visiting Consultant at Changi General Hospital and has contributed eight peer-reviewed publications to medical literature.
Former Director of Endoscopy, Changi General Hospital
Dr. Sulaiman served as Director of Endoscopy at Changi General Hospital, overseeing one of Singapore’s busiest endoscopy units, and brings that public-sector depth of experience to his private practice. In this role, he led a high-volume diagnostic endoscopy service encompassing colonoscopy and gastroscopy across a broad and diverse patient population.
Academic Appointments & Teaching Awards
Dr. Sulaiman holds concurrent Adjunct Associate Professor appointments at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, and Duke-NUS Medical School. He has been recognised on the Dean’s Honour Roll for Teaching and received the Singapore Health Quality Service Star Award 2023, reflecting his contribution to both surgical education and clinical care.
Contact Dr Sulaiman: Colorectal and General Surgeon in Singapore
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6 Napier Road #06-16
Singapore 258499
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38 Irrawaddy Road, #10-48/49
Singapore 329563
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#05-08, 319 Joo Chiat Place
Singapore 427989
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#08-62, Medical Centre D
820 Thomson Road
Singapore 574623
Connexion
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Singapore 217562
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there non-surgical alternatives to haemorrhoidectomy?
Yes, treatments like rubber band ligation can shrink haemorrhoids or cut off their blood supply. These options are suitable for Grade 1 and Grade 2 cases and may be combined with dietary and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms. When these fail, laser haemorrhoidoplasty fills the gap before surgical options.
How painful is piles surgery?
Post-haemorrhoidectomy pain is real. Most patients experience pain around 4 to 5 out of 10 in the first week, settling to 2 to 3 out of 10 by week two. After that, discomfort is mainly 1 to 2 out of 10 during bowel movements. Sphincteric spasm contributes significantly and catches most patients off guard. For conventional haemorrhoidectomy, expect yellowish mucoid discharge for two to three weeks — this is normal. Being prepared makes a meaningful difference.
Can haemorrhoids recur after surgery?
New haemorrhoids can develop if factors like straining or constipation are not addressed. Conventional haemorrhoidectomy has the lowest long-term recurrence rates. Adopting a healthy diet, staying active, and avoiding prolonged sitting can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
What dietary changes are recommended after surgery?
Post-surgery, a fibre-rich diet combined with adequate water intake is crucial to ensure soft stools and reduce strain. This helps minimise complications during recovery and prevent future haemorrhoid issues.
Can I use MediSave for piles surgery?
Yes. Surgical haemorrhoid procedures are MediSave-claimable and may be covered under Integrated Shield Plans. Confirm your specific coverage with your insurer before the procedure.