How to arrange your diet after hemorrhoid surgery

Aug 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

Dietary arrangements after hemorrhoid surgery should focus on mild, easily digestible foods that promote recovery. Generally, patients should start with a liquid diet in the early postoperative period, gradually transitioning to semi-liquid foods. During the first 1-2 days after surgery, when gastrointestinal function has not fully recovered, it is advisable to choose liquid foods such as rice broth, lotus root starch, and vegetable or fruit juices. These foods are thin in texture, easy to digest and absorb, and can reduce irritation to the intestines and surgical wound.

After hemorrhoid surgery, dietary arrangements should focus on being mild, easily digestible, and promoting recovery. This generally includes consuming mainly liquid foods during the initial postoperative period, gradually transitioning to semi-liquid diets, increasing dietary fiber intake, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, and ensuring adequate water intake. A detailed breakdown is as follows:

1. Focus on liquid foods during the early postoperative period: During the first 1-2 days after surgery, gastrointestinal function has not fully recovered, so liquid foods such as rice broth, lotus root starch, vegetable juice, and fruit juice are recommended. These foods are thin in texture, easy to digest and absorb, can reduce irritation to the intestines and wound, and alleviate pain during bowel movements.

2. Gradually transition to semi-liquid diets: From days 3 to 5 after surgery, transition to semi-liquid foods such as porridge, soft noodles, and steamed egg custard. These foods provide more nutrition without overburdening the intestines, help maintain normal intestinal motility, and lay the foundation for subsequent dietary adjustments.

3. Increase dietary fiber intake: During the middle and later stages of recovery, consume more fiber-rich vegetables and fruits such as celery, spinach, apples, and bananas. Dietary fiber promotes intestinal motility, prevents constipation, reduces strain on the wound during bowel movements, and aids in faster wound healing.

4. Avoid spicy and irritating foods: Spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, ginger, and garlic can stimulate local blood vessels in the intestines and anus, potentially causing congestion, swelling, increased wound pain, or bleeding. These foods should be strictly avoided during the postoperative recovery period to prevent interference with the healing process.

5. Ensure adequate water intake: Drink sufficient warm water daily to maintain proper hydration. Adequate water intake helps keep stools soft and easy to pass, preventing injury to the wound from hard stools, and supports normal metabolic function, promoting recovery.

Dietary adjustments after hemorrhoid surgery should be gradual, adjusting progressively according to individual recovery status. If bloating, abdominal pain, or abnormal bowel movements occur after eating, inform your doctor promptly and adjust the diet plan under medical guidance to ensure nutritional balance and optimal wound healing.

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How many days are required for recovery after hemorrhoid surgery, and when can one return to work?

Minimally invasive procedures, such as stapled hemorrhoidopexy, are associated with small trauma, minimal bleeding, and relatively mild postoperative pain. Most patients can largely take care of themselves 3–5 days after surgery. If there is no significant pain or bleeding, individuals may return to work with light duties within about one week. However, prolonged sitting or standing should be avoided; appropriate rest during work intervals is recommended to prevent pressure on the wound and interference with recovery. Complete recovery usually takes approximately 1–2 weeks.

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How much does a painless hemorrhoid surgery cost?

Under normal circumstances, the general reference price for painless hemorrhoid surgery ranges from 3000 to 12000 yuan per session. Noticeable improvement is usually observed within 1-2 weeks after surgery, while complete recovery typically requires 4-6 weeks. However, the exact cost may vary depending on factors such as the type of surgery, anesthesia method, preoperative examination items, postoperative care plan, and regional price differences. This procedure should be performed at a正规 hospital.

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What to eat after hemorrhoid surgery

In general, patients are advised to consume foods such as bananas, spinach, lean meat, millet, and yogurt after hemorrhoid surgery. Additionally, medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diosmin tablets, lactulose oral solution, cefixime dispersible tablets, and Venoruton tablets may be taken as directed by a physician. After hemorrhoid surgery, the diet should be light, easily digestible, and nutritionally balanced. Spicy, greasy, and hard foods should be avoided.

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How much does hemorrhoid surgery cost?

The general reference price range for hemorrhoid surgery is 3,000–10,000 yuan. Gradual recovery usually takes 2–4 weeks after surgery, and localized pain or discomfort during bowel movements may occur during the recovery period. The specific cost depends on factors such as the surgical method, regional economic level, preoperative examination items, postoperative care requirements, and the severity of the hemorrhoids.