Hemorrhoids Treatments

Hemorrhoids Topics

Infrared Photocoagulation For Hemorrhoid

Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and painful. For small to medium-sized hemorrhoids, infrared photocoagulation may be a treatment option.

Coagulation therapy is a medical procedure which is performed by a doctor. Used to treat small to medium-sized hemorrhoids (also known as piles), the doctor will use a device which creates an intense beam of infrared light.

Only one hemorrhoid can be treated at a time with infrared photocoagulation therapy

The infrared light creates a heat which causes scar tissue. This cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid and the hemorrhoid dies and then a scar will form on the wall of the anal canal. The scar tissue holds nearby veins in place so that they don’t shift into the anal canal.
After a hemorrhoid has been treated, another hemorrhoid may be treated in ten to fourteen days. This procedure is completed in the doctor’s office and may be performed in conjunction with other medical devices, such as a laser or electrical current.

Patients may experience some heat or pain during the procedure. Afterwards, the patient will most likely have the sensation of fullness in the lower abdomen or may feel as if they need to have a bowel movement.

After treatment, bleeding will occur within the anus for seven to ten days until the hemorrhoid falls off completely. Bleeding is usually minimal and will stop by itself.

Patients can reduce risks by avoidance of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for four to five days before and after the infrared coagulation. Patients are also recommended to utilize stool softeners containing fiber in order to ensure smooth bowel movements. Avoid straining during bowel movements or hemorrhoids may come back.

When small internal hemorrhoids continue to cause discomfort after home treatment has been completed, doctors will often recommend the use of infrared coagulation therapy as a means of treatment.

Some patients complain of a considerable amount of pain during infrared photocoagulation therapy. Patients also may experience bleeding from the anus, infection in the anal area and may temporarily lose the ability to urinate.

The success rate of coagulation therapy is highly dependent on both the skill of the doctor performing the procedure as well as the dietary and daily changes the patient is willing to make for themselves.

Though coagulation therapy is considered to be somewhat expensive, it is still less expensive than procedures which require patients to stay for two or more days.

Beware that not all doctors have the appropriate experience necessary to properly complete an infrared coagulation procedure. Make sure you talk to your doctor regarding which procedure he or she has performed the most of.