Hemorrhoid Treatments
Do you have hemorrhoids? Many people do, and although hemorrhoids are one of the most common conditions of mankind, they aren’t easy to talk about, so most people avoid the topic. This is unfortunate since unattended hemorrhoids can cause pain, swelling, itching and discharge (soilage). Over the years, the symptoms tend to intensify and the hemorrhoids may even fall out of the rectum — which is why early treatment is so important.
Over-the-counter suppositories offer only temporary relief and surgery can be painful and expensive. Fortunately, cost-effective, nonsurgical treatments exist today, which allow for quick resolution of symptoms with a minimum of discomfort or downtime.
To relieve the suffering without the need for painful surgery, Dr. Osorio performs two procedures — hemorrhoidlysis and infrared coagulation. Both procedures are quick, painless, bloodless and give excellent, long-lasting results. Nonsurgical treatment is a fraction of the cost of traditional surgery and is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.
The following provides information on these treatment options, in a simplified question and answer format.
What is hemorrhoidlysis?
- Hemorrhoidlysis incorporates a proven device that applies a safe and painless microcurrent to the base of the hemorrhoid. This method does not burn or cauterize the tissue, but rather induces a chemical reaction that gently dissolves the diseased veins. After treatment, the problem hemorrhoids shrink and recede. This is combined with a special topical medicine and an oral plant-based nutrient. This unique, synergistic combination eliminates the hemorrhoids and can help prevent them from coming back. Hemorrhoidlysis is an excellent treatment option because it is quick, effective and virtually problem-free. Even large, high-grade hemorrhoids can be treated with this powerful yet gentle device.
What is infrared coagulation?
- Infrared coagulation shrinks problem hemorrhoids by exposing them to a burst of infrared light. This method is as safe and comfortable as hemorrhoidlysis, but is used for smaller, lower grade hemorrhoids. Infrared coagulation is very quick — the actual procedure takes only a few minutes. You return to your normal activities immediately after treatment.
How do hemorrhoidlysis and infrared coagulation compare to other procedures available?
-
| |
IRC/ Hemorrhoidlysis |
Surgical Hemorrhoidectomy |
| Effectiveness |
High |
High |
| Where Performed |
Office |
Operating room |
| Anesthesia |
None |
General |
| Pain During Procedure |
Minimal |
None |
| Pain After Procedure |
Minimal |
High |
| Downtime |
None |
High |
| Side Effects |
Minimal |
Bleeding & infection |
| Cost |
Low |
High |
Covered by Medicare
and Most Insurance |
Yes |
Yes |
| IRC/ Hemorrhoidlysis |
| Effectiveness |
High |
| Where Performed |
Office |
| Anesthesia |
None |
| Pain During Procedure |
Minimal |
| Pain After Procedure |
Minimal |
| Downtime |
None |
| Side Effects |
Minimal |
| Cost |
Low |
Covered by Medicare
and Most Insurance |
Yes |
| Surgical Hemorrhoidectomy |
| Effectiveness |
High |
| Where Performed |
Operating room |
| Anesthesia |
General |
| Pain During Procedure |
None |
| Pain After Procedure |
High |
| Downtime |
High |
| Side Effects |
Bleeding & infection |
| Cost |
High |
Covered by Medicare
and Most Insurance |
Yes |
Is there any special preparation required before hemorrhoidlysis or infrared coagulation?
- No. These procedures require no fasting, no special prep or enemas. You are awake and comfortable throughout the procedure. No anesthesia is required.
What should I expect during the procedure?
- Before the procedure, Dr. Osorio will conduct a gentle anoscopic exam to document your hemorrhoidal disease. The examination takes just a few minutes. The procedure is then performed. Treatment is done above where the rectal sensory nerves are, to keep discomfort to a minimum. Most patients feel pressure, but no sharp pain. Depending on the severity of your hemorrhoids, treatment time will last from five to 10 minutes.
How many treatments are required?
- Depending on the severity of your hemorrhoid, three to five visits are usually required. They are typically scheduled about two weeks apart.
Can I be treated if my hemorrhoids are actively bleeding?
- Yes. We will identify the bleeding hemorrhoid and treat above the bleeding area. This typically improves the bleeding very quickly.
Can I have the treatment if I am on medication?
- In most cases, yes. During your initial consultation, we will determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. Additionally, depending on the location or grade of your hemorrhoids, we will determine if infrared coagulation or hemorrhoidlysis would be better for you.
What about after the procedure?
- Immediately after the treatment, you are free to resume your normal activities. There is typically no discomfort and no need for pain medicines after the treatment.
Long term, we encourage you to eat a high fiber diet and drink plenty of fluids to help prevent new hemorrhoids from forming.
How can I get started?
Modern hemorrhoid therapy is quick and easy. Many patients wonder why they waited so long to get treated! Schedule your appointment today — 480-844-VEIN (8346).