Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty (LPH)

Hemorrhoids are cavernous structures made of blood vessels and connective tissue. They are located around the anal canal. In a large part of the population, they may cause bleeding or bulge outside the anal canal. The development of hemorrhoidal disease is often attributed to factors such as constipation, straining during bowel movements, prolonged periods spent on the toilet, a history of pregnancies, and natural childbirth.

The main symptoms of hemorrhoidal disease are bleeding from the rectum (blood on the underwear and toilet paper) and the prolapsing of hemorrhoids outside the anal canal. Often patients feel pain as well as burning and itching around the rectum.

The decision to perform surgery is made by a physician during the qualification visit. Based on the test results and the patient’s general condition, a decision about the surgery is made and the date is set. Laser treatment of hemorrhoids is minimally invasive and safe. It is performed in outpatient setting under infiltration anesthesia.

The procedure of hemorrhoid laser treatment is usually conducted under local or epidural anesthesia, so that it is possible to have it done as same-day-surgery. A radial laser fiber is introduced into the hemorrhoid and then gradually pulled back. During the removal, the 1470 wavelength laser light closes the vessels of the hemorrhoidal venous bundles causing a constriction of connective tissue.

Directly after the procedure the patient may feel slight pain. Initially, edema around the hemorrhoids may occur that will gradually resolve. It is associated with the thermal energy used during the procedure. The risk of damage to the anal sphincters is extremely low and it practically never happens. After the procedure mild bleeding can occur that may persist for about 2 weeks. After hemorrhoid treatment the patient’s quality of life improves significantly. Bleeding is eliminated, pain significantly reduced or eliminated, and bowel movements stop being uncomfortable.