Dealing with haemorrhoids can be a challenging and often uncomfortable experience. These swollen veins in the anus can lead to pain, itching, and bleeding, significantly impacting your quality of life. While many individuals find relief through lifestyle changes and non-surgical haemorrhoids treatments, some may require surgical intervention for lasting comfort. Surgery can be difficult to think about but by understanding what it entails, you can make an informed decision about your health.
Haemorrhoid surgery refers to procedures used to remove or reduce symptomatic haemorrhoids. The goal of surgery is to relieve symptoms such as pain, bleeding, and prolapse that haven’t responded to conservative treatments like creams, diet changes or office-based procedures.
There are several surgical techniques available. Your doctor will have to review your situation to recommend a suitable one.
This office-based procedure involves placing a small rubber band at the base of an internal haemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply. The haemorrhoid shrivels and falls off within a few days. This technique is suitable only for small haemorrhoids (grades 1 & 2 haemorrhoids).
A chemical solution is injected into the haemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and harden. The tissue will eventually reduce in size. This technique is suitable only for small haemorrhoids (grades 1 & 2 haemorrhoids).
Heat from infrared light is applied to internal haemorrhoids to cause scarring and reduce blood flow, making the haemorrhoid shrink.
This is a surgical removal of external or large internal haemorrhoids. It’s the most effective treatment for severe haemorrhoids but comes with a longer recovery period.
A circular stapling device is used to reposition and secure the haemorrhoidal tissue back inside the rectum. At the same time, the blood supply to the haemorrhoids is also removed. This procedure typically results in less pain than a traditional haemorrhoidectomy and a faster recovery.
Surgery is usually recommended if:
You have grade 3 or 4 haemorrhoids (prolapsed and cannot be pushed back)
You experience repeated bleeding or severe discomfort
You have external haemorrhoids with thrombosis (clot formation)
Previous non-surgical treatments have failed
Haemorrhoids are interfering with daily life or bowel movements
The procedure type will determine the setting and anaesthesia:
While anyone can develop haemorrhoids, certain factors increase your risk:
The cost of haemorrhoid surgery in Singapore varies based on the type of procedure required and other individual factors. Quoting from the Ministry of Health Doctors Fee Benchmark, the doctors’ professional fees are as follows:
Surgeons’ fees generally range from $3,000 to $3,800 (excluding GST).
Surgeons’ fees typically range from from $3,400 to $4,200 (excluding GST).
These figures reflect only the surgical fees. The final hospital bill will also depend on:
All procedures are Medisave-claimable, which can help you cover part of the cost. Additional support may be available through your integrated shield plan or private insurance. For a cost estimate tailored to your situation, please consult with your hospital’s financial counsellor or care team.
Some wound pain is expected, especially with traditional haemorrhoidectomy. However, pain management techniques and minimally invasive options like stapling can help reduce pain.
Recovery can take a few days to 2 weeks, depending on the procedure. You may resume light activities within a few days, but full healing may take longer.
A high-fibre diet with plenty of fluids is recommended to prevent straining. Avoid spicy and hard foods that could irritate the rectal area.
Yes, if risk factors like constipation and poor dietary habits persist. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercises, and follow-up care can reduce recurrence.
Yes. In early stages, haemorrhoids can be managed with fibre supplements, creams, lifestyle adjustments, and non-invasive procedures. Surgery is reserved for more advanced or persistent cases.
Most patients take about a week off for recovery, but this varies. Your surgeon will provide personalised advice based on your job type and procedure.
You can take daily sitz baths, gently clean your wound area and avoid straining during bowel movements. You can also use any pain relief medications and stool softeners your doctor prescribes.
If you’re struggling with the discomfort and challenges of haemorrhoids, know that you’re not alone, and there are effective solutions available. At Nexus Surgical, we prioritise your well-being and our surgeons are dedicated to providing personalised care and evidence-based treatments to address your specific symptoms and concerns.
Colorectal & General Surgeon
Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric & General Surgeon
Nexus Surgical provides comprehensive financial services to ensure a seamless and pleasant experience.
Our clinics will be closed from 16 – 18 Feb for CNY
Our clinic at Mt Alvernia Medical Centre A will be relocating from #06-05 to #03-03 (within the same building) on Friday, 26 Sep afternoon.
Our telephone line 6353 4855 will be temporarily unavailable from 12:00pm – 6:00pm on 26 September. During this period, you may reach out to our other clinics for assistance:
We will begin operations at our new premises (#03-03) from Tuesday, 30 Sep onwards.
We look forward to serving you at our new clinic!
Nexus Surgical clinics at Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Parkway East Medical Centre and Mt Alvernia Medical Centre will be closed on 28 January 2025 for Lunar New Year celebrations, while our clinic at Mt Elizabeth Orchard Medical Centre remains open from 0900-1300 hours on 28 January 2025.
Please leave a message in our voice mails and we will respond to you as soon as we can when we resume our clinics on 31 January 2025. If you require any urgent assistance, kindly go to the Urgent Care Centre of any hospitals or contact your doctor through the Emergency Answering Service. Our team at Nexus Surgical would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Happy & Prosperous Lunar New Year with good health in the Year of the Snake!
Nexus Surgical will be away from 17 to 20 October 2024 for our Annual Company Retreat. The aim of our retreat is to review and to recharge, so that we may serve you better.
Our clinics at Mount Elizabeth Orchard, Mount Elizabeth Novena, Mount Alvernia and Parkway East hospitals will therefore be closed during this period. In the meantime, if you require any urgent assistance, kindly contact us through our Answering Service at +65 6333 5550.
We thank you for your understanding and patience for any inconvenience.
