Laser Surgery Treatment for Piles

General Surgery | by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Nemani | Published on 01/04/2020

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. They occur when the veins in the rectum and anus become swollen and inflamed, causing discomfort, pain, and bleeding. While mild cases of piles can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as a high-fiber diet, exercise, and sitting in warm water, more severe cases may require medical intervention. One such treatment option is laser treatment for piles.

Laser treatment for piles is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to shrink or eliminate hemorrhoids. It is a safe and effective treatment that offers several benefits over traditional surgical options. This blog contains information about laser surgery for piles treatment and its benefits.

What Are The Different Laser Surgeries Available?

Most laser surgeries are minimally-invasive, non-complicated, and easy procedures that help cure the problem of piles while ensuring minimum after-effects, low risk, lesser pain, shorter recovery time, and low relapse probability. Here are some of the major forms of laser surgeries used to treat piles - 

• Haemorrhoidal LASER Procedure (HeLP) - This is a very pain-free form of treatment that can quickly cure piles of grades 1, 2, and 3. This surgery can be performed in an outpatient facility and requires the patient to be under the influence of anesthesia. This method uses a Doppler transducer, mounted on a proctoscope – to identify terminal branches of the higher rectal artery. Once the terminal branches are identified, controlled heat from the electric current destroys the abnormal tissue and interrupts the blood flow to the haemorrhoidal. This heat used to destroy the tissue is by a diode fiber LASER and is carried on in all directions per clockwise direction. This method of laser surgery is less time-consuming and is also easy to perform. 

Moreover, this surgical procedure helps in the generation of new tissue to keep the mucosa in the underlying tissue, preventing relapse or recurrence of piles. This process does not use any clamps or cause any wounds in the area. The healing process after the procedure is fast since there are no stitches or wounds. 

• Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) - This method of laser treatment is used to cure piles that have advanced to a greater stage such as Grade 3 and Grade 4. In this form, the patient is placed under anesthesia, and laser energy is directly centrally to shrink the haemorrhoidal nodes. This form of treatment uses controlled energy to shrink the nodes internally without causing any harm to the mucosa and sphincter structure. This form of treatment directly removes the tissues in the haemorrhoidal nodes. It also closes the arteries escaping the haemorrhoidal cushion to protect the surrounding muscles, anal lining, mucosa, and the natural anatomical structure.
• Laser Hemorrhoidectomy - In this laser surgery, the doctor passes a laser fiber via the anal opening and then uses controlled laser energy to treat the haemorrhoidal mass. The laser energy is directed at the sub-mucosa area to shrink the haemorrhoidal mass. This method is very safe, and since it uses controlled laser energy, there is no damage to the surrounding tissues, and also there are low chances of any follow-up bleeding post-surgery. Further, this surgery is followed by a fibrosis reconstruction which helps generate new tissues. 

 

• FILAC technique - This procedure involves the treatment of advanced piles by placing the patient under anesthesia and then centrally directing the energy of the laser radially 360° into the haemorrhoidal node; the technique applies laser energy as per the size of hemorrhoid to avoid damaging the anoderm or mucosa.

Recovery After Laser Piles Treatment - 

Patients may experience discomforts, such as pain and bleeding, for a few days after laser piles treatment. However, most patients can resume their normal activities within a few days after the procedure. 

Doctors often prescribe medications and suggest post-recovery tips like following a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding straining during bowel movements. Additional prescriptions of pain medications or stool softeners can help manage the symptoms.

What Are The Benefits Of Laser Piles Treatment?

Laser treatment for piles offers several benefits over traditional surgical options. Here are some benefits of modern laser procedure - 

• It is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that it causes less pain, bleeding, and scarring

• The procedure is quick, typically taking only 15-20 minutes to complete

• Patients can resume their normal activities within a few days after the procedure
• The success rate for laser treatment for piles is high, with most patients experiencing significant relief from their symptoms

Conclusion:

Laser treatment for piles is a safe and effective treatment option for those who suffer from hemorrhoids. It is a minimally invasive procedure that offers several benefits over traditional surgical options, including less pain, bleeding, and scarring. While recovery may take a few days, most patients can resume their normal activities soon after the procedure. If you are suffering from piles, talk to your doctor to see if laser treatment is right for you.

FAQ

 

Is laser surgery for piles painful?

No, laser pile surgery is not painful. The patient is given general anesthesia before the procedure which ensures almost no pain. However, you may feel slight discomfort after the procedure as the effect of anesthesia wears off. 

Is laser treatment for piles safe?

Yes, pile laser surgery is very safe. However, minor complications may arise depending on the patient’s medical health, the severity of the condition, the surgeon’s expertise, etc. Discuss your medical condition with the doctor before the procedure to know about the risks and benefits of the surgery. 

What are grade 1 piles?

Grade 1 piles refer to the first stage where there is no prolapse or slip down of hemorrhoids. It may cause minor symptoms which can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes.

How to cure piles without operation?

Depending on the severity and grade of piles, the doctor may recommend medications and lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms of piles. Medications such as pain relievers, stool softeners, etc. can reduce pain. Additionally, lifestyle modifications and dietary changes can also help manage pile symptoms and prevent the condition from progressing further. 

How effective is laser treatment for piles?

Pile laser treatment involves minimal invasion, negligible bleeding, and almost no chances of complication. This makes it a very effective procedure for relieving symptoms of piles for long-term health benefits.