Frequently asked questions

No. The consultation is a meeting with your surgeon. If possible, surgery will be scheduled for a later date during your consultation.

Eat and drink normally before your consultation. You will receive specific instructions about eating and drinking before the surgical procedure.

Check with your insurance company, as this varies among companies.

No, but we offer other treatments for hemorrhoids. Discuss options with your doctor.

If prior approval is needed, we will help you with the process. Check with your insurance company for details.

Bring them to your consultation. If you don’t have them at that time, your nurse will help you complete them at a later date.

You should discuss all options and choices with your doctor.

This varies, depending on the surgery. Discuss this with your surgeon before surgery.

Your surgeon will discuss this with you at your consultation. Your surgeon can tell you how you might feel, and what limitation or restriction you may have in the days, weeks and months following surgery. Ask how long you will be in the hospital. Find out what kind of supplies, equipment and care you will need when you go home. Knowing what to expect can help you feel better faster.

Our highly skilled surgeons perform more than 5,000 surgeries each year. Learn more about our surgeons, 

Most surgeries are performed at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital or Park Nicollet Clinic’s ambulatory surgery center. We also perform surgery at St. Francis Regional Medical Center. Visit our locations page for more information. 

This depends on the type of surgery you are having, and will be discussed at the consultation. Visit our anesthesia page for more information.

This depends on your surgery and will be discussed at your consultation. Visit our surgical services page and select the links on the left side of the page for general information on recovery time for specific surgeries.

Call your surgeon’s nurse to discuss any postoperative concerns. You will be given this contact information at your consultation.

Yes. Office procedures are performed using local anesthesia.

Call your surgeon’s nurse for instructions. You will be given this contact information at your consultation.

This depends on the type of surgery you are having, and can be discussed at your consultation.

Call your surgeon’s nurse. You will be given this contact information at your consultation.

A sitz bath is a type of bath in which only the hips and buttocks are soaked in water or saline solution. It is used for patients who had surgery in the area of the rectum, or to ease the pain of hemorrhoids, uterine cramps, prostate infections or painful ovaries or testicles. Sitting in warm water allows more blood to reach the impacted area, promoting healing and helping with any discomfort. Fill the bath with three to four inches of water. For most conditions, nothing else should be added (no bubble bath or oil). Sitz baths are available at Park Nicollet Health & Care stores, or at most drug stores for about $15. 

Yes. This will improve with time. If you are concerned, call your surgeon’s nurse.