Removal Options for Hemorrhoids

Non-Surgical (or Fixative) procedures are less invasive than surgery, and are best suited for external hemorrhoids and small internal hemorrhoids that protrude out of the anus during a bowel movement.

One such procedure for external hemorrhoids is Rubber Band Litigation. A rubber band is placed at the base of an external hemorrhoid, cutting off blood supply, and causing the hemorrhoid to shrivel up and fall off. This process takes 4-7 days, and because of its less invasive nature, it's the preferred treatment for older people and those in poor health.

Infrared Photocoagulation is another procedure to treat external hemorrhoids. An infrared light is used to coagulate blood in the large, dilated veins of a hemorrhoid. This, much like Rubber Band Litigation, causes the hemorrhoid to lose its blood supply and shrink. Another process similar in scope is Laser Coagulation. The effect is the same, but the means are different. This time, an electric current is used on the hemorrhoids, shutting down the blood supply, and killing them.

Injection Sclerotherapy is a procedure used for internal hemorrhoids. The process involves injecting a chemical solution into the mucous membrane near the hemorrhoid. The chemical solution causes closure of the veins, thereby cutting of the blood supply to the hemorrhoid and killing it.

If you have long-suffering groups of hemorrhoids, sometimes surgical procedures are necessary to provide permanent relief. The surgical removal of internal hemorrhoid groups is called a hemorrhoidectomy. Below we will discuss two of these hemorrhoid removal surgeries: the "open method" Milligan-Morgan Technique and the "closed method" Ferguson Technique.

The Milligan-Morgan Technique is considered an "open method," because after the removal of hemorrhoid tissue, the incisions are left open to heal as is, in order to avoid stenosis (which is a narrowing of blood vessels that can sometimes occur post-surgery). The Ferguson Technique is an offshoot of the Milligan-Morgan Technique. This method also removes the hemorrhoid tissue, but the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures, which is why the Ferguson Technique is considered a "closed method."

There is some debate on which technique is better, and it is best to ask your doctor which is best in your particular situation. Both require recovery time, but can offer long-term relief from hemorrhoids.

The benefits of stapled hemorrhoidopexy is it that it designed to decrease pain after operation while also evading damage of the complex perianal area. While it sounds complex, the method is quite straightforward--first is the removal of swollen hemorrhoidal tissue from the anal canal and surrounding areas. The remaining healthy tissue is stapled with a circular stapler, which repositioning the tissue back to its original structural position.

The inpatient process can be performed with regional anesthesia and patients can be discharged either the same day or the day following surgery. The post-op level of pain is low, and most patients can return to their normal routine after just a few days.

The Harmonic Scalpel uses a unique form of ultrasonic energy that allows simultaneous cutting and coagulation of hemorrhoidal tissue at the precise point of application. The system is composed of a hand-held ultrasonic transducer and scalpel that serves as the cutting instrument. The ultrasonic technology uses vibration as opposed to heat, so it results in less smoke than is produced by lasers or electrosurgical methods.

The main benefit of the Harmonic Scalpel procedure is that there is no risk of thermal injury, which reduces the post-op discomfort. This procedure is especially useful for the removal of large hemorrhoids that may bleed during surgery--the Harmonic Scalpel reduces blood loss and scarring.

Laser surgery can remove unwanted hemorrhoids with stunning accuracy. Skilled surgeons use an infinitely small laser beam, which gives them acute precision in removal of hemorrhoids and also allows for rapid healing. The laser is inherently remedial, closing off tiny blood vessels, which allow surgeons to operate in a structured and bloodless environment. The laser also seals surface nerve endings which relieves any post-operative discomfort. The result is less need for medication and a quick recovery time.

A study of 750 patients who underwent laser treatment for hemorrhoids reported successful results of 98%.

The most recent procedure for hemorrhoid removal is called atomizing. Atomizing uses a waveform electrical current and probe to atomize the soft hemorrhoidal tissue--reducing it to infinitesimal particles and then vacuuming it away.

The atomizing process allows the surgeon to work with minimal bleeding, giving you an easier, quicker, and less painful post-op result. and the patient gets better postoperative results.

These are the surgical and fixative options for hemorrhoid removal. After having hemorrhoids surgically removed, you still need to prevent them from returning with changes in your diet, lifestyle, and toilet habits. And unless you suffer from long-lasting or chronic hemorrhoids, hemorrhoid removal surgeries should be the last solution for hemorrhoid relief. Most hemorrhoids should respond to changes in lifestyle along with topical hemorrhoid treatments.