Hemorrhoids Laser Treatment
CO2 Laser Surgery
This is probably not going to be an option available unless the local hospital has a laser and surgeons who are well trained to use it appropriately. Lasers have to be used precisely by competent medical personnel and are costly to install. The procedure can be done as a day case patient on grade 3- 4 hemorrhoids. As long as you are fit and healthy and have support at home who can look after you when you go home for at least the following 24 hours.
It works by cauterising the tissue at the base of the hemorrhoid which seals the nerves and the blood supply the hemorrhoid can then be removed.
The Hemorrhoids Laser Treatment Procedure
- The doctor who is performing the procedure will talk to you explain what they are going to do, and will ask for your written permission to perform the procedure.
- This procedure is performed on grade 2-4 hemorrhoids
- If you are happy that you understand both what procedure you are going to have done and have been told of the risks involved with the procedure then you can sign the relevant document.
- The doctor will have discussed with you prior to the day which form of anaesthetic you will be having this will be either local, Spinal, or a General Anaesthetic. Usually this will be performed with a local anaesthetic
- You will be asked to take your clothes off, put on a gown on and placed in the correct position for the procedure
- You will be positioned either on a couch with stirrups for your feet to go in or on you side on a couch with your knees drawn up to your chest it will depend on the location of the hemorrhoid. ( it will seem all a bit undignified but you will have either a sheet or blanket covering you until the procedure begins
- You will be screened off from the surgeon for your privacy and asked to put on special goggles to protect your eyes the room will be dark and windows covered
- The procedure will take approximately 15 – 30 minutes
- The hemorrhoids treated will be treated with the laser and as the surgeon will be operating in a bloodless situation due to the laser,post operatively you should experience either very little or no bleeding
Post Procedure Pain
You will experience some degree of pain lasting at least 2 weeks especially when passing stools therefore it is very important to maintain a soft stool. This means taking regular pain relief, drinking plenty of fluids and eating food enriched with fibre and possibly the use of a laxative.
Special Precautions
- Ensure you have adequate pain relief available to you.
- Make sure you have someone available to help you should you need it for at least he next twelve hours
- Make sure you are able to urinate easily after the procedure(go for a wee)
- Do not use aspirin for pain relief post procedure as it may encourage bleeding
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Try and do some gentle exercise
- Eat plenty of fibre rich foods so you do not become constipated
- Do not do any heavy lifting for at least four weeks
Healing / recovery time
This is comparative to other treatments and will be 2- 4 weeks
Complications and Risks
- You may experience problems passing urine (going for a wee) after the procedure
- You may experience pain during the procedure
- You may experience perianal itching or a burning sensation
- There is a risk of infection although this is uncommon
- Your hemorrhoids may return
- You may have severe bleeding
- Possible short term incontinence
Research comparing a relatively small group of patients was undertaken comparing laser post op recovery time with conventional hemorrhoidectomy. The findings were such that there were no significant differences between the two operations in the immediate results, regarding post operative pain, complications or healing time.
