Haemorrhoid Surgery (Haemorrhoidectomy) Melbourne ＆ Regional Victoria
Rapid access to haemorrhoid surgery with advanced, patient-focused care.
Understanding Haemorrhoids
If you’ve been dealing with the pain and discomfort that haemorrhoids often bring, you’re not alone. As an experienced haemorrhoid surgeon, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam sees this problem often and is ready to help.
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are a normal part of the anal canal, but when the haemorrhoidal tissue becomes enlarged, irritated, or prolapsed, they may cause bleeding, itching, or pain.
No matter your symptoms, it’s important to seek care if you notice any signs of external or internal haemorrhoids. With prompt care, often within one week of referral, you may be able to address the condition early and find relief sooner.
Symptoms of Haemorrhoids
While symptoms may differ from person to person, the most common symptoms include:
- Bright red blood on toilet paper after you wipe (typically painless bleeding)
- Itchy anus (perianal itch)
- Anal skin tags
- Lumps around the anus
- Discomfort during bowel action
In some cases, external haemorrhoids may develop blood clotting (thrombosis), which often causes sudden and painful swelling until the clot dissolves.
Causes of Haemorrhoids
- Ageing
- Chronic constipation
- Pregnancy
- Straining during bowel movements
- Spending too much time on the toilet
- Overusing laxatives or enemas
When Should You See a Surgeon?
If you suspect you have haemorrhoids, seeking medical advice may be a sensible first step. However, if you notice any of the following signs, prompt professional assessment is recommended:
- Rectal Bleeding
- Prolapsing Haemorrhoids
- Persistent Itching
- Painful Lumps
- Swelling and Inflammation
- Recurrent Thrombosed Haemorrhoids
- Symptoms Not Responding to Medication
- Symptoms Not Responding to Dietary Modification
Options for Haemorrhoid Treatment
At first, many patients may benefit from conservative treatment options like increasing dietary fibre and hydration, using stool softeners, and avoiding sitting on the toilet for too long. These lifestyle changes may reduce pressure on the rectum’s blood vessels and potentially relieve mild symptoms.
For persistent cases, minimally invasive surgical procedures are available. Thankfully, advancements that may treat haemorrhoids have come a long way in recent years. Surgical procedure options include:
- Rubber band ligation, which aims to cut off the blood supply to the haemorrhoidal tissue
- Haemorrhoid artery ligation, which aims to reduce blood flow to the affected veins
- Formal haemorrhoidectomy (complete removal) for both internal and external haemorrhoids
Which Piles Treatment is Right for You?
The most appropriate treatment for you will depend on factors like the severity of your condition. Below are some of the most common treatments for different symptom presentations.
Rubber Band Ligation
Typically used to address bleeding haemorrhoids, this minimally invasive procedure places a small band around the haemorrhoid.
Formal Haemorrhoidectomy
Often recommended for prolapsing, large external, or combined haemorrhoids, this surgical procedure aims to remove the haemorrhoidal tissue.
Urgent Treatment Planning
If your haemorrhoid has developed a blood clot or a swollen vein (also known as a thrombosed haemorrhoid), urgent assessment and management planning may be needed.
What Happens at Your First Appointment?
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is an experienced consultant general surgeon who combines diagnostic and surgical procedures with compassionate care to help every patient feel comfortable.
Following your referral, his approach follows a clear process:
1. Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will discuss your concerns to help determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
2. Examination and Diagnosis
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam may perform a respectful examination to diagnose your haemorrhoids. If needed, a colonoscopy may also be performed to rule out other causes such as bowel cancer.
3. Treatment Planning
Treatment planning will be developed with your input, beginning with conservative methods where possible.
4. Surgical Intervention
If needed, he will perform surgery using advanced procedures aimed towards reducing blood flow or restricting blood supply to the haemorrhoids.
Following Haemorrhoid Surgery and Recovery
Following your surgery, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will follow up with you until you are discharged and will see you at your post-operative appointments.
He will continue working with you through your recovery and will remain available for any questions you have or support you may need as you recover. Below is an estimated recovery timeline.
Return to Work
1-2 weeks
Return to Exercise
6-8 weeks
Full Recovery
1-2 months
Ready to address your haemorrhoids with a caring, experienced surgeon close to home?
Your Haemorrhoid Surgery Melbourne Questions Answered
What is the difference between internal haemorrhoids and external haemorrhoids?
Internal haemorrhoids occur inside the rectum and often cause painless bleeding, mucus, or prolapse during bowel movements. External haemorrhoids form under the skin near the anus and are more likely to be painful, swollen, itchy, or create a lump, especially if a blood clot develops. Both types result from increased pressure on the rectal and anal veins.
Are haemorrhoids the same as varicose veins?
Haemorrhoids are similar to varicose veins in that they’re caused by blood vessels becoming swollen due to increased pressure. However, varicose veins typically occur in the legs, while haemorrhoids occur in the rectum and anus. Both conditions involve weakened vein walls and poor blood flow, but are addressed with different treatment options.
Do haemorrhoids lead to bowel cancer?
Haemorrhoids do not cause bowel cancer or increase your risk of it. However, they do share similar symptoms, such as rectal bleeding and difficulty with bowel movements. If you notice symptoms such as these or any other changes, you should see a GP for investigation.
Can haemorrhoids heal without surgery?
In some cases, mild haemorrhoids may improve with conservative treatment. However, persistent or severe haemorrhoids may need surgical procedures like rubber band ligation or haemorrhoid artery ligation in an effort to reduce pain and discomfort.
Will haemorrhoid surgery be painful?
Some discomfort is expected after haemorrhoid surgery, particularly with a formal haemorrhoidectomy. Pain levels vary between individuals, and Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam will provide medication and aftercare advice to help manage discomfort during recovery.
Can haemorrhoids come back after treatment?
Haemorrhoids may recur after treatment, though recurrence rates vary depending on the procedure and lifestyle factors. Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam is happy to discuss strategies to help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Do I need a referral for haemorrhoid surgery?
A referral is not always required to arrange an appointment. However, a referral from your GP may be needed to access Medicare rebates, depending on your individual circumstances.
How quickly can I be seen?
Most patients are seen within one week of referral, with urgent cases prioritised. With consulting locations across Melbourne and regional Victoria, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam aims to make timely care accessible wherever you’re based.
Where can I have haemorrhoid surgery in Melbourne or regional Victoria?
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam consults and operates across multiple locations in Melbourne and Shepparton, including Knox Private Hospital, Holmesglen Private Hospital, Williamstown Specialist Centre, John Fawkner Private Hospital, Forest Hill Medical and Dental Centre, Maude Street Specialist Centre, and Better Health Medical Centre.
Where are you located?
We have clinics across Melbourne and regional Victoria including:
Why Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam?
FRACS-qualified
With over 15 years of surgical experience in both the UK and Australia, Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam has worked with countless patients experiencing complex haemorrhoids and related conditions.
Rapid Access
Most patients are seen within one week of referral, with urgent cases prioritised. With multiple consulting locations across Melbourne and regional Victoria, patients may access the care they need on their schedule.
Post-Operative Support
Dr Roshan Ariyaratnam offers patient-centred care long after the surgery itself, with follow-up appointments and ongoing support and advice designed to help patients fully recover.
Our Clinic Locations
Book Your Haemorrhoid Removal Appointment Today
Haemorrhoids are known to cause pain, bleeding, and discomfort, but this doesn’t have to be your new normal. With the appropriate approach, many patients may experience lasting relief and return to normal daily life. With rapid access to support, you’ll be able to take the first steps towards a treatment plan tailored to your needs.