Hemorrhoid Treatment with Infared Photocoagulation

By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
updated on 06/06/2006 at 04:47PM

What is Infrared Hemorrhoid Treatment Photocoagulation?

Infrared Photocoagulation, also known as coagulation therapy, is a medical procedure commonly used for hemorrhoid treatment on small and medium-sized hemorrhoids. A device that creates an intense beam of infrared light is used during this procedure to cause a clot to form in the vein. This clot will them cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. The hemorrhoid will die and a scar will form in the hemorrhoid's place that will hold nearby veins in place and ensure that they don't bulge into the anal canal. Infrared Photocoagulation hemorrhoid treatment is typically performed in a doctor's office on an out patient basis.

Advantages of Infrared Photocoagulation

More Permanent Relief: Infrared Photocoagulation is recommended for treatment of small internal hemorrhoids that have not responded well to home treatment.
Fast Relief of Hemorrhoids: Infrared Photocoagulation provides relief of hemorrhoidal symptoms.
Can Be Performed On The Elderly: Patients older than seventy years of age who have fragile veins, or patients who are in poor health can undergo this procedure may safely that Rubber Band Ligation or Hemorrhoid Surgery.
Repeat Procedures Are Rarely Needed: Most people who undergo this procedure report improvement and do not need further medical treatment.

Disadvantages of Infrared Photocoagulation

Can Be Painful: This procedure can cause considerable pain. Your health care provider will likely prescribe a pain reliever to alleviate the symptoms.
Not As Effective on Large Hemorrhoids: Infrared Photocoagulation is often used on small internal hemorrhoids. Large hemorrhoids are usually treated with rubber band ligation.
Cannot Be Used For Multiple Hemorrhoid Treatment: This procedure is limited to one hemorrhoid at a time. Typically, your health care professional will treat additional areas at ten to fourteen day intervals.
Expensive Procedure: Infrared Photocoagulation is an expensive procedure but it is still less expensive than surgery. And it does not require the lengthy hospital stay and postoperative recovery that occurs with hemorrhoid surgery.
Not A Hemorrhoid Treatment Cure: Infrared Photocoagulation is not a cure for hemorrhoids and it is still possible for hemorrhoids to return at any time.

How Is Infrared Photocoagulation Hemorrhoid Treatment Performed?

Your health care provider will likely advise you not to take any medication that can cause bleeding, such as aspirin and coumadin. If you are taking steroid medications, have an immune system deficiency, or have an implanted prosthetic device, such as an artificial limb, your doctor will prescribe a preoperative antibiotic. You will then be given an enema to clear the rectum of any stool.

The most common position for this procedure is the left lateral position where you lay on you left side with your knees drawn to your chest and the buttocks projecting over the edge of the table. Once positioned, your health care provider will insert a warmed and lubricated proctoscope into the anal canal. Your doctor can then grasp the hemorrhoid with a forcep and using a special device to create an intense beam of infrared light, a clot can be formed at the base of the hemorrhoid. The clot will cut off circulation to the hemorrhoid and cause it to die. The success of infrared photocoagulation largely depends on your health care provider's expertise with the procedure and on your ability to make dietary changes that will ease the passage of stools.

Recovery From Infrared Photocoagulation Hemorrhoid Treatment

Mild aching and discomfort is common after the procedure, and can be treated with conventional or herbal pain relievers. You may also feel as if you need to have a bowel movement. Your health care provider may prescribe a lubricant suppository and a stool softener to prevent any straining during bowel movements that might further aggravate the sensitive area. You may experience rectal bleeding approximately seven to ten days after the procedure when the hemorrhoid falls off. The bleeding should be minimal and will stop on its own. Sitting in a warm sitz bath for ten to fifteen minutes, two to three times daily may help to relieve some of the discomfort.

Risks Associated With Infrared Photocoagulation

Serious complications from Infrared Photocoagulation are rare, but they include:

Pain: Severe or sharp pain that occurs during the procedure. Mild pain or a feeling of pressure is normal and should subside within a few hours.
Bleeding: some bleeding may occur with the first bowel movement after the procedure. Severe bleeding is very rare and occurs in less than one percent of cases.
Infection and Pelvic Sepsis: This is a rare complication but still very serious and potentially life threatening. Both cases should be immediately evaluated and treated by a medical professional.
Incontinence: Infrared photocoagulation may cause a temporary inability to urinate. Check with your doctor if this symptom persists for more than a few hours.

Who Should Try Infrared Photocoagulation?

Infrared Photocoagulation hemorrhoid treatment is only effective for treating small internal hemorrhoids.

Who Should Not Try Infrared Photocoagulation?

Infrared photocoagulation is not appropriate for large hemorrhoid treatment. Rubber band ligation should be used on these cases.