laser hemorrhoidectomy or hemorroidoplasty
What is laser hemorrhoidectomy or hemorroidoplasty?
Laser hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat more advanced internal or external hemorrhoids. It involves removing hemorrhoids using a laser device.
The laser is a focused beam of energy that cuts and seals blood vessels at the same time, reducing the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure.
Laser hemorrhoidectomy has some advantages over other surgical techniques, such as less bleeding, less postoperative pain, and faster recovery.
How does laser hemorrhoidectomy work?
Laser hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove hemorrhoids using a laser beam. Here's how it generally works:
Anesthesia: Before the procedure, the patient is usually asleep with general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. This allows the patient not to feel pain during the procedure.
Position of the patient: The patient is placed in the lithotomy position, that is to say on the back with the legs raised and held in stirrups to allow easy access to the anal area.
Insertion of the instrument: A proctoscope or other instrument is inserted into the anus to expose the hemorrhoids. This allows the surgeon to visualize the hemorrhoids and treat them more easily.
Applying the laser: The surgeon then uses a laser to perform the procedure. The laser beam is applied to the tissues of the hemorrhoids, which vaporizes them and removes them.
Blood Vessel Coagulation: Laser is also used to coagulate blood vessels to reduce bleeding during and after surgery. procedure.
Sutures: In some cases, sutures may be needed to close the wounds caused by the extraction of hemorrhoids.
After the procedure: After the laser hemorrhoidectomy, the patient is monitored for some time before being cleared to go home. Pain medication, laxatives, or other medications may be prescribed to help with healing and pain management.
What are the advantages of laser hemorrhoidectomy over traditional methods?
Laser hemorrhoidectomy has several advantages over traditional methods of treating hemorrhoids. Here are some of the notable benefits:
Less Invasive Procedure: The use of laser allows for a more precise and less invasive incision resulting in less bleeding and postoperative pain.
Shorter Recovery Time: Due to its less invasive nature, patients who have undergone laser hemorrhoidectomy tend to recover faster compared to traditional methods. This means a reduction in hospitalization time and a faster return to daily activities.
Fewer complications: The use of laser reduces the risk of postoperative complications, such as infection and bleeding excessive.
Increased precision: The laser allows the surgeon to specifically target the areas affected by hemorrhoids, which reduces the risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Less recurrence: Results show that laser hemorrhoidectomy may offer a lower recurrence rate compared to traditional methods.
Less pain: The laser procedure generates less postoperative pain, which reduces the need for pain medication.
Are there any risks or complications associated with laser hemorrhoidectomy?
As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications associated with laser hemorrhoidectomy. Although these risks are generally rare, it is important to be aware of them:
Pain: After the procedure, some patients may experience pain, burning or discomfort in the area of the treated area. However, these symptoms can be alleviated with pain medications prescribed by the doctor.
Bleeding: Although the laser may reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure, slight bleeding may occur after the procedure. surgery. This should usually subside within days of the procedure.
Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection. However, laser procedures tend to reduce this risk as they are less invasive and provide faster recovery.
Allergic reaction: In rare cases, allergic reactions to products used during the procedure may occur. It is important to report any known allergies to the doctor before the procedure.
Anal Stenosis: A rare complication of laser hemorrhoidectomy is anal stenosis, which is characterized by narrowing of the the anus. This can cause difficulty with bowel movements. Fortunately, this complication is rare and can be treated if it occurs.
Is laser hemorrhoidectomy painful after the procedure?
Laser hemorrhoidectomy is generally considered less painful than conventional methods such as traditional surgical excision. However, the pain varies from person to person and also depends on the extent of the procedure.
After the procedure, it is normal to feel some discomfort or pain in the treated area. Your doctor will likely prescribe painkillers to ease the pain. It is important to follow your doctor's postoperative instructions to minimize pain and promote rapid healing.
What criteria must be met to be a candidate for laser hemorrhoidectomy?
To be a candidate for a laser hemorrhoidectomy, it is usually necessary to meet certain criteria. However, it is important to consult a medical specialist who can assess your case individually. Here are some criteria that can be taken into account:
Accurate Diagnosis: The doctor must confirm that your symptoms are caused by hemorrhoids and not by another medical condition.
Failure of conservative treatments: If you have tried non-surgical treatments such as creams, suppositories or changes in lifestyle, and these have not improved your symptoms enough, you may be considered for surgery.
Severe or recurring symptoms: If you suffer from severe symptoms such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, frequent prolapse hemorrhoids, or if you have recurrent episodes of hemorrhoids despite conservative treatment, a hemorrhoidectomy may be recommended.
Good overall health: Before undergoing surgery, it is important to be in good general health. Your doctor will assess your overall health and may ask you to have pre-operative tests such as blood tests or an electrocardiogram to ensure that you are fit for surgery.
Absence of contraindications: Certain medical conditions such as blood clotting disorders, uncontrolled heart disease or pregnancy may contraindicate laser hemorrhoidectomy. Your doctor will consider these factors before recommending this procedure.
Personal Expectations and Preferences: Your opinion and preferences will also play a role in the decision to go for a hemorrhoidectomy at the laser or other treatment options.
What are the long term results of laser hemorrhoidectomy?
The long-term results of laser hemorrhoidectomy vary from person to person, but generally this procedure has shown positive benefits. Long-term results may include:
Reduction or elimination of symptoms: Laser hemorrhoidectomy aims to treat hemorrhoids and relieve symptoms such as pain , bleeding and rectal discomfort.
Less risk of recurrence: The laser can seal the blood vessels and reduce the risk of recurrence of hemorrhoids compared to traditional methods.
Improved Quality of Life: By eliminating or reducing bothersome symptoms, laser hemorrhoidectomy can improve the quality of life by allowing better daily comfort.
Faster Recovery: Laser may cause less tissue trauma, which may result in faster recovery compared to lasers. conventional methods.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery time after a laser hemorrhoidectomy can vary depending on several factors, including the technique used, the severity of the condition, and the patient's individual response. In general, here is what you can expect in terms of recovery phases:
First days after surgery (1 to 2 weeks): During the first days after the procedure, you may feel discomfort, pain, and maybe even some bleeding. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help manage the pain. You may need to follow a mild diet and avoid strenuous physical activities.
Subsequent weeks (2-4 weeks): As the days pass, the pain and discomfort should decrease. You may gradually return to your daily activities, but it is important to avoid heavy lifting or engaging in activities that could put excessive pressure on the operated area.
Full Recovery (up to 6 weeks or more): The full recovery period may take up to six weeks or more, depending on individual healing. At this point, most patients should experience a significant improvement in comfort and mobility. It's always important to follow your doctor's instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress.