Haemorrhoid Surgery in Limassol, Cyprus
Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in and around the back passage — common, benign and very treatable. When they are advanced, persistent or recurrent, surgical treatment offers a definitive solution. Dr. Koulouteris performs conventional haemorrhoid surgery as well as a minimally invasive laser option (LHP®), advising which approach best suits your case.
- Technique
- Surgical haemorrhoidectomy or rubber-band ligation, depending on the grade
- Anaesthesia
- General or regional anaesthesia
- Procedure time
- Approx. 30–45 minutes
- Hospital stay
- Day-case or a short stay, depending on the case
- Return to routine
- Usually 1–2 weeks
- Private or through GESY
- These operations are covered both within GESY and privately and/or through insurance funds.
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels inside or around the anus and lower rectum. Normally they act like a cushion that helps the anus close smoothly; over time they enlarge and, depending on the stage, prolapse out of the anus.
Haemorrhoidal disease is very common: it affects more than 50% of both sexes over the age of 50, and around 80% of people will experience it at least once at some point in their lives.
The main predisposing factors are gastrointestinal disorders, a sedentary lifestyle, heavy work, age, pregnancy, obesity, chronic cough and spending long periods on the toilet. The right treatment depends on the grade: mild cases may settle with lifestyle measures and simple office treatments, while persistent, bleeding or prolapsing haemorrhoids often need surgery. Dr. Koulouteris offers both conventional surgical removal and a minimally invasive laser alternative (LHP®).
Stages of haemorrhoidal disease
Haemorrhoidal disease is classified into four grades. The grade guides the most appropriate treatment.
- 1st degree (stage I) — No prolapse. Only protruding blood vessels.
- 2nd degree (stage II) — Prolapse, but with immediate (spontaneous) reduction.
- 3rd degree (stage III) — Prolapse that requires manual reduction with a finger.
- 4th degree (stage IV) — Prolapse that cannot be reduced.
Signs & symptoms of haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoid symptoms are common and easily assessed. If any of the following are affecting you, an evaluation is worthwhile:
- Bright red bleeding during or after a bowel movement
- Itching, irritation or a burning feeling around the anus
- A soft lump or swelling at or near the back passage
- A feeling of fullness or incomplete emptying after going to the toilet
- Discomfort, aching or pain when sitting
- Mucus discharge or difficulty keeping the area clean
Always have rectal bleeding checked
While haemorrhoids are the most common cause of rectal bleeding, bleeding should never be assumed to be harmless. Any rectal bleeding — particularly a change in bowel habit, dark blood, or bleeding with weight loss — should be assessed by a doctor to exclude other conditions.
How haemorrhoid surgery works
Surgical treatment is tailored to the grade and your symptoms. Lower-grade haemorrhoids may be treated with rubber-band ligation, while larger or prolapsing haemorrhoids are usually treated with a haemorrhoidectomy — the surgical removal of the haemorrhoidal tissue. Dr. Koulouteris will explain which approach is right for you.
- 01
Consultation & assessment
A clinical examination — including a digital rectal examination and proctoscopy — confirms the diagnosis and the grade; a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy may be advised to exclude other causes, especially when there is bleeding. The technique, anaesthesia and any preparation are then discussed and agreed with you.
- 02
Anaesthesia
Haemorrhoidectomy is carried out under general or regional anaesthesia. Rubber-band ligation of lower-grade haemorrhoids is usually performed in the clinic without anaesthesia.
- 03
Surgical removal
In a haemorrhoidectomy the enlarged haemorrhoids are carefully removed and the area is left to heal. In rubber-band ligation, a small band is placed at the base of the haemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply so that it shrinks and falls away.
- 04
Recovery room
You are monitored after the procedure and, for a day-case operation, usually return home the same day with clear aftercare advice.
What to know before your surgery
- 01You may be given simple bowel-preparation instructions to follow before the procedure.
- 02Tell the Doctor about all medication you take — some blood-thinning medicines may need to be paused.
- 03Arrange for someone to drive you home, particularly if sedation or general anaesthesia is used.
- 04A high-fibre diet and good hydration before and after surgery support a smoother recovery.
What recovery looks like
Recovery after haemorrhoid surgery depends on the technique used and the extent of treatment. Conventional haemorrhoidectomy involves more post-operative discomfort than the laser option but is highly effective for advanced disease. The timeline below is a general guide.
Day 1–3
Some pain, especially on opening the bowels, is normal after a haemorrhoidectomy and is managed with prescribed pain relief, stool softeners and warm baths.
Week 1–2
Discomfort gradually settles. Most people return to desk-based work within one to two weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and prolonged sitting.
Weeks 2–4
The area continues to heal. A follow-up appointment confirms healing is progressing well.
Beyond 4 weeks
Most patients are back to their full routine. A high-fibre diet and good bowel habits help protect the long-term result.
Contact the clinic if you notice
- •Heavy or persistent bleeding
- •Fever, or pain that increases rather than improves
- •Difficulty passing urine
- •Significant swelling or signs of infection
Frequently asked questions
No. Many haemorrhoids settle with lifestyle measures or simple office treatments. Surgery is usually reserved for advanced (3rd–4th degree), persistent, recurrent or significantly bleeding haemorrhoids. Dr. Koulouteris will advise on the best option for your case.
Discuss haemorrhoid treatment with Dr. Koulouteris
You do not have to live with the discomfort of haemorrhoids. Book a consultation for a discreet, professional assessment and a treatment plan — surgical or minimally invasive — suited to you.
This information is reviewed by Dr. Eleftherios Koulouteris, General & Laparoscopic Surgeon. It is for general guidance only and does not replace a personal medical consultation.