Laser Treatment for Piles in Chennai, Procedure, Benefits & Cost

Laser treatment for piles is a non-invasive surgical procedure that uses high-intensity laser beams to shrink the piles (the swollen veins in the rectum that cause severe discomfort and bleeding). Piles are caused by chronic constipation and straining at stools. While lifestyle modifications and dietary changes are a major part of the piles' treatment, you may need medical intervention in severe cases. Most treatment options are invasive and painful, with a long recovery process. Laser treatment allows you to get rid of your piles in a painless, quick procedure with a fast recovery. 

Piles are a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. Piles are swollen veins formed inside and outside your anus and rectum. They appear as small, discolored lumpy structures. In severe cases, you can see them hanging from your anus. Piles cause extreme pain, discomfort, itching, and burning during and after stools. Blood streaks on the stools are also a common symptom of people having piles.

Piles are prominent and visible after a bowel movement. Most of the time, they can be pushed back inside. If they cannot be pushed back, you need to visit your doctor and get them treated.
Your surgeon may recommend non-surgical treatment methods such as sclerotherapy, banding treatment, and coagulation, or surgical treatment options such as hemorrhoidectomy, depending on the size of the piles. Laser treatment for piles is among the most preferred forms of treatment among surgeons and patients. This is a quick procedure that is completed in under 30 minutes. The surgeon uses laser beams to shrink the piles. It is done as an outpatient procedure. 

You will be administered general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia (a procedure where the numbing medicine is injected directly into your spine, making the lower part of your body completely numb)and can go home the same day once the effects of the anesthesia wear off. It is a painless procedure as there are no cuts and sutures involved. Laser treatment for piles has a faster recovery compared to open surgery. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks to recover fully from this procedure. You can speed up the healing by following all the post-operative instructions diligently.

Your surgeon will recommend Laser treatment for piles after a thorough clinical assessment. The procedure will be recommended in the following cases-

• Piles with symptoms such as:
  • Burning after passing stools
  • Itching around the anus, especially after passing stools
  • Presence of bright red streaks of blood on the stools or the po
  • Severe pain during and after stools
  • Inability to sit due to the pain after stool
• Piles that are not visible from the outside but are symptomatic (Grade I piles)
• Piles that are visible at the anus but recede on their own after passing stool (Grade II piles)
• Piles that come out of the anus while passing stools but can be pushed back manually (Grade III piles)
• Piles that come out of the anus while passing stools but cannot be pushed back inside (Grade IV piles)

Here is how you can prepare for the surgery-

• Your medical and personal history will be discussed in detail.
• You should inform your surgeon about
  •  The medications or herbal supplements you are taking currently, especially blood thinners and anti-diabetic medicines. You will be asked to stop them a week or two before the procedure to prevent bleeding during and after surgery.
  • Your allergies, especially medicine allergies.
• Your surgeon will perform a per rectal examination by inserting gloved and lubricated fingers inside your anus to understand the location of the piles.
• You will be asked to quit smoking and avoid alcohol a week or two before surgery for better healing.
• You can ask your surgeon to explain the procedure's details, outcome, and prognosis. You will be asked to sign an informed consent form agreeing to proceed with the surgery.
• The following tests will be recommended by your surgeon:
  • Anoscopy- This test involves inserting a tubular device fitted with a camera that helps to view your anus and rectum
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy- In this procedure, a tube known as a sigmoidoscope is inserted into your anus to help the surgeon visualize the anus and rectum. This procedure is recommended if you are under 45 years and have no risk factors for developing colon cancer and intestinal diseases.
  • Routine tests like a complete blood count, X-ray, ECG (electrocardiogram), and routine urine tests.
• You will be advised to fast for 8 to 12 hours before the surgery.
• You can go home on the same day as the surgery. You will be asked to arrange for a friend or relative to drive you home after the surgery.

Laser surgery for piles is a non-invasive procedure performed by a proctologist (a doctor specializing in diseases and surgeries of the anus and rectum) or a general surgeon. The procedure is done under spinal or general anesthesia and is completed in about 30 minutes. Here is what will happen to you during the procedure-

• An enema will be given to you 2 hours before the start of the procedure. This is a method of emptying your bowels.
• You will be asked to lie in a lithotomy position (on your back with legs wide apart) as this position gives the best view for the surgery.
• You will be administered spinal or general anesthesia to numb you to the pain.
• A proctoscope will be inserted into the anus. This tube fitted with a Doppler probe helps locate the end arteries that supply blood to the piles. The surgeon will gently rotate the proctoscope clockwise until the end artery is found.
• Once the artery is located, a laser fiber is inserted into the anus through the same tube.
• The surgeon then applies laser shots on the identified piles. The laser helps to shrink the blood vessels that supply the piles. This leads to the cut-off of the blood supply and the piles' shrinking. 

Laser surgery for piles takes about 30 minutes to complete. You can go home the same day once the effects of anesthesia wear off. 

You can get back to your daily activities a day or two after the surgery. Recovery from the procedure takes about 6 to 8 weeks. Here is what you can expect during the recovery period.

• Once the surgery is completed, you will be moved to a recovery room where your vitals, i.e., your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, will be monitored.
• The effects of the anesthesia will take about 6 hours to wear off. You may experience headaches during this period.
• During the procedure, the bladder and rectum muscles go into spasm. So you may have difficulty in passing urine. If required, a catheter may be placed to evacuate your bladder.
• You will have pain and blood in your stools for 7 to 10 days after the surgery. This is expected and will resolve on its own in a few days with medication.
• Once your vitals are stable, you will be discharged and sent home.

While being discharged, you will be given a detailed list of instructions regarding post-operative wound care. Here are some suggestions to help hasten the recovery process at home-

• You can resume your daily routine after a day or two of rest. But take care not to overexert yourself.
• Take frequent Sitz baths. This is a technique that helps to reduce the pain and swelling in the anal area. You have to sit in a shallow tub or basin filled with warm water for fifteen to twenty minutes at a time. You may add a betadine solution for extra protection. A Sitz bath is beneficial for the following reasons-
  • Pain relief
  • Improvement in blood flow to the anal region, ensuring better healing
  • Relaxation of the muscles affected during the process
• Take the prescribed stool softeners and laxatives regularly to keep your stools soft.
• Do not hold your stools for long. Go as and when you feel the urge. Also, do not sit in the toilet for long or strain stools.
• Avoid using tissues after bowel movements. Instead, use mild soap and water and pat dry the area well. 
• Avoid spicy, oily, and salty food. Include a lot of fibrous food in your diet as they help prevent constipation and prevent constipation and ensure free motion.
• Ensure you stay hydrated by drinking a good amount of water.
• The piles start to shrink gradually, and after about 6 weeks, they are reduced to less than 10% of their original size.

Laser treatment for piles is a very popular choice as it gives quick results and has several benefits. But you must understand the risks involved too. This will help you to make a well-informed decision before opting for this surgery.

 Benefits of laser treatment for piles

• Quick procedure, gets completed in 30 minutes.
• Does not involve a hospital stay
• Painless procedure, no cuts and sutures involved
• Faster recovery compared to open surgery
• Not much blood loss
• Low chances of post-surgical infections
• Low recurrence rates

 Risks of laser treatment for piles

• Pain and bruising in the anal area
• Pain while passing stools
• Difficulty passing urine
• Possibility of infection in the surgical site

Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty task of finding the best hospital, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest cost. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health and recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!