When Surgery Bills Hit ₹82,000: A Doctor’s Warning About a Common Habit That Fuels Hemorrhoids

Last month, a 42‑year‑old office worker from Delhi walked out of the operating theatre with a bill that made his eyes widen – a staggering ₹82,000 for a standard haemorrhoid excision. The procedure itself was nothing out of the ordinary, but the cost, coupled with the patient’s own confession, sparked a broader conversation.

Dr. Arvind Mehta, a senior gastroenterologist at Apollo Hospital, sat down with us to unpack the story. ‘The surgery was straightforward, but the underlying problem could have been avoided,’ he said, leaning back in his chair. ‘What surprised me most was the habit the patient disclosed – spending prolonged periods on the toilet, scrolling through his phone, and even attempting to read while the bowel moves.’

It may sound trivial, but Dr. Mehta explained that the habit of “toilet surfing” – sitting for more than 15‑20 minutes without actually passing stool – can increase intra‑abdominal pressure. Over time, that pressure forces the veins in the rectal area to swell, setting the stage for haemorrhoids to develop or flare up.

“Think of it as sitting on a garden hose and squeezing it tighter every time you sit down. The longer you stay, the more strain you put on the delicate vessels,” he illustrated. “And it’s not just the time; the posture matters too. Leaning forward, straining, or trying to multitask while on the loo can all exacerbate the problem.”

In the Delhi case, the patient’s haemorrhoids had progressed to Grade III, meaning they prolapsed and required surgical removal. While the operation was successful, the cost – ₹82,000 plus post‑op medicines – left the patient rethinking his bathroom routine.

Dr. Mehta offers a simple checklist to keep haemorrhoids at bay:

• Limit toilet time to under 10 minutes. If you’re not passing stool, stand up and try again later.
• Adopt a squat‑like posture using a footstool; it aligns the rectum and reduces straining.
• Stay hydrated and consume a fibre‑rich diet to keep stools soft.
• Avoid heavy lifting and prolonged sitting in general – take short walks throughout the day.

These lifestyle tweaks may sound modest, but they can dramatically cut down the risk of a costly surgery later on. “Prevention is far cheaper than treatment,” Dr. Mehta emphasized. “If you catch the problem early, medical therapy or a simple outpatient procedure can resolve it for a fraction of the price.”

For those already battling haemorrhoids, the doctor recommends seeking medical advice before resorting to home remedies. Over‑the‑counter creams and sitz baths can provide relief, but persistent symptoms warrant a professional evaluation.

In a country where out‑of‑pocket health expenses still pose a heavy burden, a tiny habit change on the bathroom floor could translate into thousands saved. As Dr. Mehta puts it, ‘Don’t let a scrolling habit turn into a surgical scar.’