When a laser is used in a very narrow focused beam, it is capable of pinpoint accuracy which makes it an excellent tool for the surgical cutting of hemorrhoids. This procedure is essentially the same as the hemorrhoidectomy which uses a scalpel to remove the hemorrhoid, except that a laser is used to do the cutting. This procedure is usually used on larger hemorrhoids, for smaller hemorrhoids, rubber band ligation or infrared coagulation may be more appropriate.
Benefits of Hemorrhoid Laser Surgery
- Due to the very focused beam, potential damage to surrounding tissue is minimized.
- The laser beam cauterizes the wound as the cutting is done so that bleeding is minimal to nonexistent.
- This procedure doesn’t produce smoke or other emissions that could potentially block the doctor’s vision during the procedure.
- Most patients are back to their regular routine in 3 to 5 days.
- Only 1 out of every 200 patients has symptoms after the hemorrhoid laser surgery.
- The success rate is very high at 98%
Potential Disadvantages of Hemorrhoid Laser Surgery
- Probably the biggest disadvantage is that this procedure hasn’t shown to be any better than the traditional hemorrhoidectomy.
- Pain levels, potential risk factors and success rate are basically the same as when the hemorrhoids are removed with a scalpel.
- Laser use also creates a minimal risk of fire.
