Laser hemorrhoid method or Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) is a minimally invasive method without incisions, where laser coagulation aims to stop blood flow to the hemorrhoids. The laser causes the hemorrhoidal blood vessels to close and the hemorrhoids to shrink in size. The reduced hemorrhoids will then fall off on their own during defecation 1-2 weeks after surgery.
What are the advantages of the laser method?
- Lower pain level compared to other methods. It is stated in the journal that the level of pain assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale , the VAS level in the laser method is lower by 2 units. The estimated length of stay for patients with laser procedures is only 1-2 days after surgery. This shows that patients feel comfortable undergoing laser therapy.
- Less post-operative bleeding. The journal states that the laser method can reduce an average of 16.83 ml of intra-operative bleeding. The most bleeding occurs 2-3 days after the procedure with an intensity that almost always decreases, directly proportional to the level of pain. In severe cases, this condition is followed by swelling of the lasered area and will decrease according to the wound healing phase.
- Mobility after surgery is very good. Especially when compared to conventional methods where patients will feel relatively high pain. In patients with laser, if they choose to use general anesthesia, after being fully conscious, patients can immediately practice mobilization and continue activities. So the use of pain medication can be more minimal.
- Smaller wounds. The laser method does not require incisions, only a very small puncture wound as a path for the laser probe to enter. With a small wound, anatomical complications are expected to be fewer than other methods. The most feared complication is stricture/narrowing of the anus, but with the development of laser techniques this can be minimized. Sometimes mucopexy stitches are performed in the laser method. This aims to maintain fixation of the dilation of blood vessels that have been lasered. The risk of infection is also smaller due to the smaller wounds produced.
MYTH
- Laser treatment is only intended for low-grade/small-sized hemorrhoids.
The development of laser technology today makes it possible to perform laser therapy on large hemorrhoids. According to several studies, the results obtained are relatively better.
- Laser treatment is expensive
Indeed, in some places, laser technology is still more expensive than other methods. However, many treatment centers offer laser treatment at a more economical price because of their high treatment quota.
- Laser treatment often relapses
Many studies have shown that the recurrence rate of hemorrhoids with good lifestyle changes is very low. Many factors affect the recurrence of hemorrhoids. If we suppress these risk factors, the results of treatment can be more positive. Consult your doctor about the risk factors for hemorrhoids.
Conclusion
With the development of hemorrhoid treatment technology today, it is very enthusiastic in Indonesia. As a society/patient, it is not recommended to force yourself to get the most modern treatment. The most important thing is the right diagnosis and treatment by a competent doctor. Other methods besides laser can indeed provide positive results. However, lasers currently provide several advantages in terms of pain, rapid healing, recurrence and length of hospitalization. Hopefully with this article, we can prevent hemorrhoids and get appropriate treatment with minimal complications. Let's improve the quality of life without hemorrhoids.
EMC Healthcare has a health facility for handling hemorrhoids complaints that can provide expert and excellent services because they are handled by experienced doctors and expert teams supported by modern medical support equipment, have sophisticated operating room equipment and complete physiotherapy equipment so that they can provide optimal service quality.
Article written by dr. Clement Dewanto, Sp.B (General Surgery Specialist Doctor, EMC Hospital, Tangerang).