Piles are very uncomfortable and often painful. Fortunately, there are a lot of remedies available right now – ranging from home remedies to over-the-counter drugs to surgical procedures. Mild cases subside on their own as long as the cause has been eliminated. Home remedies and creams help speed up the healing process a bit. For more severe cases, surgical procedure offer the fastest way to remove piles. For mild to moderate cases, photocoagulation for hemorrhoids is a non-surgical medical procedure that offers effective and fast treatment.
Photocoagulation for hemorrhoids uses high-intensity infrared light to remove hemorrhoids and it is also called infrared coagulation. The patient lies on his side with knees drawn towards the chest and the doctor inserts a proctoscope in the anal canal. The hemorrhoid is grasped and an intense beam of infrared light is directed to its base. The light forms scar tissue that forms a clot. This clot blocks blood flow and suffocates the hemorrhoid until it dies and falls out. The scar tissues also hold together the affected veins and prevent them from bulging out of the anus.
This treatment option offers permanent and fast relief to most patients. People who have undergone infrared coagulation have rarely had to come back for further treatments. Those who have suffered from piles but have not found home remedies effective find relief with this option. Results are fast and symptoms go away quickly. It is also safe to perform on elderly or sickly patients, which is not always the case for other medical procedures.
However, this option is painful and costly. It is expensive but it is a bit cheaper compared to surgery. The actual process is painful and you might experience discomfort after, especially when it comes to urinating and defecating. You may also experience bleeding from the anus after undergoing this treatment. Infrared coagulation is effective but bear in mind that piles may develop again. It is also important to note that this treatment is recommended for small piles and only one hemorrhoid is treated at a time. An interval of 10-14 days in between procedures is advised.
If you are considering this treatment option, ask your doctor about it first. Depending on your case, there may be other options that you should consider before opting to undergo this procedure. The doctor’s expertise in performing this is also important and success of the whole process depends mainly on this. Serious infection may occur from the procedure so take the time to look for a qualified doctor with proper equipment.
Aspirin intake is also discouraged 5 days before and after infrared coagulation. Bleeding occurs up to 10 days after the procedure and you will need to take some time off work for this. Your stool should be softened to avoid further discomfort. To do this, increase your fiber intake or use other stool softeners. To relieve pain, taking sitz baths can help. Your doctor may also prescribe you with pain relievers if necessary.
Just like with any remedy, photocoagulation for hemorrhoids come with risks. It is important for you to weigh the pros and cons before undergoing any procedure. Depending on the case of your piles, infrared coagulation may prove to be the best option for you.
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