Traditional Hemorrhoid Surgery

In many cases hemorrhoids can be treated by dietary modifications, topical medications, and sitz baths (soaking in warm water). There are other non-surgical methods that are worth trying as well. However, in a number of cases surgical procedures are still neceassary for long term relief. Especially cases that involve more serious hemorrhoids such as prolapsed hemorrhoids.

Milligan-Morgan Technique
This procedure was developed in the UK by Dr. Milligan and Dr. Morgan in 1937. In this procedure the three major hemorrhoidal blood vessels are excised. To avoid stenosis, three pear-shaped incisions are left open, separated by bridges of skin and mucosa. This is the most popular hemorrhoid surgery procedure. It is considered the gold standard that other hemorrhoid surgery techniques are compared against.

Ferguson Technique
This technique was developed in the United States by Dr. Ferguson in 1952. It is a modified version of the Milligan-Morgan technique. In this procedure the incisions are totally or partially closed with an absorbable running suture. A retractor is used to expose the hemorrhoidal tissue, which is removed surgically. The remaining tissue is sutured or sealed through coagulation.

The Ferguson technique brings no advantages in terms of wound healing (5-6 weeks), pain. or postoperative morbidity because of a high suture breakage rate.

This is not typically an out-patient surgery like a hemorrhoidectomy. Normally an in-patient stay is required because of the high level of pain experienced after the procedure. This stay is normally about 3 days.