Private Hemorrhoid Surgery

Hemorrhoid surgery is a procedure to treat swollen veins in the lower rectum or around the anus that cause bleeding, pain, itching, or lumps. When creams, fibre, or rubber band treatments aren’t enough, a surgeon can remove or shrink these veins so they stop bothering you.

There are a few ways to do it:

• In a hemorrhoidectomy, the surgeon carefully cuts out the problem hemorrhoids.
• In a stapled procedure, they use a circular stapler to pull up and reduce internal hemorrhoids higher in the rectum.
• Some cases use energy devices (like cautery or ultrasound-guided sealing) to separate tissue and control bleeding while removing the hemorrhoid tissue.
• For smaller internal hemorrhoids, banding in a clinic might still be used, but surgery is chosen when issues are larger, more frequent, or complicated

Shorter wait times

• Consults and procedure dates are typically scheduled in weeks—not months—so bleeding, pain, and itching are relieved sooner.

Choice and control

• Choose a colorectal or general surgeon with high-volume hemorrhoid experience (excisional, stapled, Doppler‑guided/THD).
• Select the clinic location (usually out-of-province) and dates that fit exams, deadlines, or family needs.

Certainty

• Private pathways usually provide a confirmed date, so you can plan time off, childcare, and support.

Preventing further decline

• Symptom progression: Recurrent bleeding, prolapse, and pain often worsen over time; earlier treatment limits flare-ups and anemia risk.
• Complexity creep: Enlarging or recurrent hemorrhoids can require more extensive procedures and longer downtime if delayed.
• Emergency avoidance: Heavy bleeding, thrombosis, or strangulated prolapse is more stressful and costly than planned care; faster access reduces the “waiting period” risk.
• Overall health impact: Less time avoiding activity, straining, or restrictive diets; supports better energy, mood, and daily function.

1. ‍Confirm your diagnosis. Most patients start with a family doctor or specialist who confirms that hemorrhoid surgery is advisable, but your surgeon can also confirm if needed.
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2. Research. Explore surgeons who specialize in private hemorrhoid surgery.
   • You can find surgeons in Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Toronto, Ontario; and Montréal, Québec on our app, and review qualifications, as well as pricing.
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3. Schedule an initial consultation. Most surgeons offer in-clinic and online consults.
   
   • Consultations are usually booked within days or a few weeks.
   • Note: expect a consultation fee between $150 - $350.
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4. Consultation. The surgeon will review your condition, symptoms, and any previous treatments or diagnostics, such as x-rays or MRIs.
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5. ‍Post consultation. The surgeon will then review your case and provide surgical options based on your needs; review the risks and expected outcomes; and present pricing and scheduling options.
   
   • Because the procedure is not covered by your provincial health plan when done privately, you’ll need to review the quoted cost and consider payment options (out-of-pocket, private insurance, or financing).
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6. Schedule your surgery date. Once you confirm the procedure and payment, the clinic will schedule your surgery—generally within a few weeks.
   
   • Plan for travel and accommodation, since the surgery will likely take place outside your home province.
   • Expect pre-surgery preparation, and possibly some pre-surgery tests.

Most hemorrhoid surgeries take about 20–60 minutes. Plan a few extra hours at the centre for check‑in, anesthesia, and recovery before going home.

Basic steps

• Check‑in and plan
  • You meet the team, confirm the plan (excisional, stapled, or Doppler‑guided/THD), and change into a gown.
• Anesthesia
  • You’ll get general anesthesia (asleep) or deep sedation; sometimes a local numbing injection is added for comfort.
• Position and prep
  • You’re positioned safely on the table. The area is cleaned and covered with sterile drapes.
• Exam and visualization
  • A gentle exam and a lighted scope help the surgeon see exactly which hemorrhoids are internal vs external and how much they prolapse.
• Treat the hemorrhoids (depends on your case)
  • Excisional hemorrhoidectomy: The surgeon carefully removes the problematic hemorrhoid tissue and seals blood vessels (with sutures or energy devices).
  • Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: A circular stapler lifts/repositions internal hemorrhoids higher in the rectum and reduces blood flow to shrink them.
  • Doppler‑guided/THD: Using ultrasound to find feeding arteries, the surgeon ties them off and may add a stitch to lift prolapsing tissue.
• Hemostasis and final check
  • Bleeding points are sealed. The surgeon checks the area for proper closure and comfort.
• Dressings
  • A light dressing or small packing may be placed to absorb minor oozing.
• Wake‑up and instructions
  • You go to recovery (PACU), get simple at‑home instructions about pain meds, stool softeners, bathing, and follow‑up, then head home the same day.

Every person heals differently—follow your surgeon’s plan. Taking the instructions seriously usually means a smoother recovery.

Week 1

• Reality check: strong soreness with bowel movements, burning, swelling, and some spotting/bleeding. Sitting can be uncomfortable.
• Goals: control pain and swelling, keep stools soft, protect the area.
• Activities: take pain meds as prescribed; start stool softeners and plenty of fluids; warm sitz baths 2–4 times/day (and after bowel movements); gentle walking; keep dressings/pads clean and dry; avoid straining and heavy lifting.

Weeks 2–4

• Still annoying but improving.
• Goals: reduce pain with bowel movements, maintain soft, regular stools, resume light daily tasks.
• Activities: continue sitz baths; fibre and fluids daily; short walks; return to desk/school as comfort allows; avoid long sitting on hard surfaces; follow instructions for any ointments or suppositories. Minor bleeding with bowel movements can still happen.

Weeks 5–8

• The work phase.
• Goals: minimal pain, normal bathroom routine, build confidence with activity.
• Activities: gradually increase activity and time sitting; reintroduce low-impact exercise; keep fibre and hydration consistent. Avoid heavy lifting or intense core/leg straining until cleared.

Weeks 9–12+

• Refining comfort and routine.
• Goals: comfortable bowel movements without fear; full return to normal activities.
• Activities: progress exercise and work/sport as approved. Keep good bathroom habits (don’t strain, don’t linger).

Return to activities

• School/desk work: often 3–7 days, depending on pain and sedation.
• Driving: only when off strong pain meds and sitting is comfortable.
• Exercise: walking right away; light cardio by ~2–3 weeks; heavier lifting only when cleared.

Red flags—call your care team or seek urgent care

• Heavy bleeding (clots, soaking pads), severe or worsening pain not controlled by meds
• Fever, chills, foul drainage, or spreading redness
• Difficulty urinating, inability to pass stool/gas, or severe swelling
• Dizziness/fainting or shortness of breath

In Canada, private clinics charge between $1,500 to $6,000 for hemorrhoid surgery. Higher end for multiple/external hemorrhoids, stapled procedures, or Doppler-guided/THD in premium facilities

Costs vary so much because of location, surgeon experience, facility type, complexity, and included services (some clinics offer all-inclusive, while others charge separately for anesthesia, followup care, etc.).

What’s included in the cost

• Surgeon/procedure fee (excisional, stapled hemorrhoidopexy, or THD)
• Facility and nursing fees
• Standard anesthesia/sedation and monitoring
• Routine supplies, dressings, and immediate post-op recovery
• Basic follow-up visit and written instructions

What’s usually not included

• Anesthesiologist-administered deep sedation/propofol vs local + light sedation
• Operating room time beyond standard blocks
• Treatment of additional hemorrhoid columns beyond the plan
• Pathology (if tissue is sent), extra medications, or special dressings
• Unplanned imaging, ER transfer, or hospital admission
• Travel, accommodation, work notes, or extended follow-ups beyond the bundle

Insurance and financing options

• Private health insurance: Some plans may cover part of the costs, such as hospital fees. It’s important to check your policy directly.
• Financing plans: Many clinics offer monthly payment options to help spread out the cost. Learn more about your financing options here.‍
• Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC): This is a non-refundable credit that reduces your taxes when you pay out-of-pocket for eligible medical expenses. Learn more about how to claim METC for private surgeries.

Choosing your surgeon is a major benefit of going private—use it to your advantage.

What to look for

• Experience and volume
  • Ask how many hemorrhoid surgeries they perform per year and their case mix: excisional hemorrhoidectomy, stapled hemorrhoidopexy (PPH), Doppler‑guided/THD, combined internal–external cases, and management of thrombosed/prolapsed hemorrhoids.
  • Higher volume and standardized outpatient pathways often correlate with smoother care and fewer complications.
• Credentials and training
  • Verify licensure with your provincial college (CPSO Ontario, CPSBC BC, CPSA Alberta, etc.).
  • Look for FRCSC/FRCPC colorectal or general surgeons with dedicated proctology/endoscopy experience and hospital privileges.‍
• Accreditation of the clinic or hospital.
  
  • Make sure the clinic is accredited by national bodies such as Accreditation Canada or the Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (CAAASF).
• Surgical plan and techniques
  
  • Which procedure and why for you: excisional vs stapled hemorrhoidopexy vs Doppler‑guided/THD; plan for mixed internal–external disease.
  • Pain control strategy: local anesthetic blocks, multimodal meds, and bowel regimen to keep stools soft.
  • If unexpected findings (fissure, skin tags, fistula) are discovered, how will they be handled and billed?

Questions to ask during your hemorrhoid surgery consultation

Surgeon and surgery plan

• How many hemorrhoidectomies, stapled procedures, and THD cases do you do yearly? For my grade/type?
• Recent outcomes: bleeding, infection, urinary retention, unplanned return to OR, recurrence/persistent symptoms.
• Which procedure do you recommend for me and why? What are the trade‑offs (pain, recurrence, prolapse control)?
• What anesthesia will be used, and what’s your pain‑control plan (local blocks, multimodal meds)?
• Same‑day discharge? Any chance I might need an overnight stay?

Preparation and medications

• Do I need enemas or a specific bowel prep? Should I stop blood thinners/iron, and who coordinates that?
• What diet and stool‑softener plan do you recommend before and after?

Recovery and aftercare

• Timeline to: comfortable bowel movements, desk work, driving, light exercise, heavy lifting.
• Dressing care, sitz bath schedule, and activity limits.
• Red flags that should prompt a call/ER visit (heavy bleeding, fever, worsening pain, urinary retention).
• Who is my post‑op contact (direct phone/email), typical response time, and how many follow‑ups are included?

Costs and logistics

• What exactly is included in the quote (surgeon, anesthesia, facility, supplies, pathology, follow‑ups)?
• What could add cost (treating more columns, stapler/THD disposables, longer OR time, unexpected findings)?
• If I’m traveling, which follow‑ups can be virtual? Will you share the operative note and aftercare plan with my family doctor?