Infrared photocoagulation for haemorrhoids: advantages and disadvantages of the procedure

Infrared photocoagulation is one of the leading methods of haemorrhoids treatment. This is a low-traumatic, non-invasive procedure aimed at removing inflamed haemorrhoids. The photocoagulation method is highly effective and can be used as the main or auxiliary method of treatment, depending on the form and severity of the disease.

Principle of the photocoagulation method

Infrared photocoagulation is a procedure in which the blood vessels supplying the haemorrhoid are exposed to heat. An infrared coagulator is used during the operation. The device creates a focused infrared beam, the impact of which causes a local thermal burn of the mucous membrane.

In the area that has been exposed to heat, a scar is formed, preventing the flow of blood into the haemorrhoid. As a result, it is gradually depleted and rejected. To achieve the result, up to 3 haemorrhoids are subjected to coagulation per session. This operation to remove haemorrhoids does not require direct invasive intervention and is therefore considered one of the safest treatment methods.

Methodology

Photocoagulation is usually performed as an outpatient treatment. 

Main stages of the procedure:

1. Preliminary cleaning of the rectum with an enema.
2. Drying the intestinal mucosa.
3. Insertion of an anoscope through the anus.
4. Insertion of an infrared coagulator into the lumen of the rectum through an anoscope.
5. Placing the tip of the device near the vascular pedicle.
6. Spot cauterization of tissues for 1-3 seconds.

The total duration of the procedure when treating several pathological areas does not exceed 30 minutes. When performing coagulation, the risk of bleeding, deep burns and the formation of large scars is eliminated.

Having determined how haemorrhoid surgery is performed, it is worth noting that discomfort is possible after the procedure. During the day after the operation, a feeling of heaviness, discomfort, and a sudden urge to defecate is noted. Low-intensity bleeding is possible 7-10 days after photocoagulation, which indicates that the haemorrhoid has begun to slough. This symptom is characteristic of many procedures aimed at removing haemorrhoids. If necessary, a repeat photocoagulation session is carried out after 14 days.

Indications and contraindications

The infrared photocoagulation method is most effective in the early stages of haemorrhoids. During this period, patients do not experience intense haemorrhoidal bleeding, prolapse of nodes and other aggravating phenomena. Photocoagulation is combined with drug therapy or procedures are performed in cases where medications for haemorrhoids are ineffective.

In the later stages of haemorrhoids, infrared photocoagulation is not used as an independent treatment method. The procedure is combined with other therapeutic measures in order to have a comprehensive effect on the affected area.

The possibility of infrared coagulation is determined after examination, taking into account the shape of haemorrhoids, symptoms and concomitant conditions. Old age in itself does not exclude the procedure, but requires an assessment of the general condition. During pregnancy and lactation, there is no universal permission for any intervention: conservative measures are discussed first, and the procedure is considered individually according to medical indications. Expected benefits, limitations and possible complications are explained before treatment.

Contraindications include:

• severe inflammatory process of the rectal mucosa;
• severe forms of external haemorrhoids;
• combined haemorrhoids;
• anal fissures;
• fistulas in the rectal area;
• thrombosis of haemorrhoids;
• cryptite.

Before performing infrared photocoagulation, a comprehensive examination is required. When performing diagnostics, proctologist will make sure that there are no contraindications or other restrictions for performing the procedure.

Advantages and disadvantages

Infrared photocoagulation is used in selected patients with internal haemorrhoids, often in the early stages. The method can reduce bleeding and other symptoms, but does not exclude their recurrence or the need for additional treatment. The choice of procedure depends on the examination, the severity of the prolapse and previous therapy.

Main advantages of the procedure:

1. Efficiency. Infrared photocoagulation may reduce bleeding and other symptoms in suitable patients with internal haemorrhoids. Sometimes several sessions are required. Complete elimination of all nodes and absence of relapse are not guaranteed; the need for repeated or other treatment is determined during observation.
2. No traumatic events. When carrying out infrared coagulation, a targeted effect is applied to the tissue. Other areas of the mucous membrane are not affected. There are no deep burns or large scars.
3. Feelings during and after the procedure. The effect is performed on the tissue above the dentate line, where the sensitivity differs from the sensitivity of the skin of the anal canal. This may reduce the severity of pain, but discomfort, pain and bleeding may occur. Severe or increasing symptoms after intervention require contacting a doctor.
4. Minimum execution time. Preparation and execution of the operation takes no more than 30 minutes. This eliminates the need for permanent placement. Almost immediately after the operation, the patient can return to normal daily life.
5. Lack of specific training. Before photocoagulation, you do not need to follow a strict diet, refuse to work or avoid physical activity. Preparation comes down to a preliminary examination and bowel cleansing, which is carried out immediately before the operation.
6. Minimum rehabilitation restrictions. The risk of complications after photocoagulation is minimized. Full recovery after the procedure requires no more than a day. For several days, patients are advised to observe a number of rehabilitation restrictions aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the procedure.

Despite its many advantages, there are also several disadvantages of infrared photocoagulation. The main disadvantage is that the described procedure does not guarantee the absence of relapses. The operation is aimed at removing the affected haemorrhoids, but does not eliminate the cause of their appearance. Therefore, after surgery, patients need to visit a proctologist to assess the effectiveness of treatment and timely identify signs of relapse.

Infrared photocoagulation may be accompanied by unpleasant sensations during the insertion of the anoscope through the anus. If the mucous membrane in the anal area is inflamed, this procedure may cause mild or moderate pain.

If the technique for performing infrared photocoagulation is violated, blood flow to the haemorrhoid may be maintained. This is fraught with the development of complications in the form of thrombosis, which will require additional treatment in the future. Therefore, only a qualified and experienced doctor should perform the procedure.

Rehabilitation period

After infrared coagulation, the patient does not need to stay in the clinic. To speed up recovery after haemorrhoid surgery, it is recommended that you avoid intense exercise, strength training and similar forms of activity.

To shorten the recovery period, patients are advised to sit less. It is recommended to stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. No special diet is required after haemorrhoid surgery. Only those foods that can cause constipation should be eliminated from the diet. These include foods high in fiber and starch. Drinking plenty of fluids is recommended.

The rehabilitation period is usually not accompanied by severe pain. Therefore, pain medication is not required after haemorrhoid surgery. In individual cases, a proctologist may prescribe a painkiller for a one-time or short-term use.

How much does surgery to remove haemorrhoids cost

The price of surgery to remove haemorrhoids is determined taking into account numerous factors. To find out the cost of infrared coagulation, you should consult a proctologist.

The price depends on the following factors:

• stage of haemorrhoids;
• severity;
• age and other individual characteristics of the patient;
• total number of sessions.

In complex treatment, in addition to the cost of infrared coagulation, prices for accompanying therapeutic measures are taken into account.

Consultation at the Haemorrhoid Treatment Center

Details of infrared photocoagulation can be discussed at a consultation at the Haemorrhoid Treatment Center. The doctor will assess whether the method is suitable for your case, compare it with other options and tell you about the expected recovery. The cost of consultation and examinations is indicated on the prices page; The composition of the reception and the final amount are specified when registering. No method guarantees the same result and complete absence of pain in all patients.

Questions and answers