Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser Piles Surgery

Globally, about 50% to 85% of people experience haemorrhoids at some point. It can occur in both men and women. It is estimated that about 50% of people will have haemorrhoids by the age of 50, and around 5% of the population has them at any given time.

Piles, or haemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding. These symptoms can disrupt daily life and lower your quality of life.

Knowing the treatment options is important for managing piles effectively. Laser piles surgery is a modern, minimally invasive option with promising results that can reduce symptoms and improve well-being.

Now that you know about laser piles surgery, let’s get a clear overview of what the surgery is and its pros and cons. It will help you make informed decisions about treatment options, should you ever need it.

What Are Piles?

Piles, or haemorrhoids, are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus caused by increased pressure in these areas.

Haemorrhoids can be classified into two main types: internal and external.

• Internal haemorrhoids are located inside the rectum and are usually painless but can cause bleeding.
• External haemorrhoids, on the other hand, are found under the skin around the anus and can be quite painful, often forming lumps.

Haemorrhoids are further classified based on their severity.

• First-degree haemorrhoids are mildly inflamed and may cause occasional bleeding.
• Second-degree haemorrhoids come out during bowel movements but go back in on their own.
• Third-degree haemorrhoids need to be pushed back after they come out.
• Fourth-degree haemorrhoids are always sticking out and can’t be pushed back in, causing a lot of pain and discomfort.

Causes of Piles

Several common factors contribute to this condition:

Chronic Diarrhea or Constipation: These conditions make people strain during bowel movements, put extra pressure on the rectal veins and increase the chance of getting haemorrhoids.

Heavy Weightlifting: Lifting heavy weights can put additional pressure on the pelvic veins, contributing to the development of piles.

Pregnancy: The increased pressure on the pelvic area during pregnancy can cause the veins in the rectum and anus to swell, leading to piles.

Obesity: Excess body weight puts extra pressure on the pelvic veins, increasing the risk of developing haemorrhoids.

Anal Intercourse: This activity can cause strain and pressure on the rectal veins, leading to piles.

Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for long periods, especially on the toilet, can increase pressure on the veins in the rectal area, making haemorrhoids more likely to develop.

Straining During Bowel Movements: Straining to pass stools puts significant pressure on the rectal veins, leading to swelling and pile formation.

Symptoms of Piles

Pain and Discomfort: around the anus, particularly during bowel movements.

Itching or Irritation: In the anal region, which can be constant or intermittent.

Swelling or a Lump: Near the anus, which can be painful and cause discomfort.

Bleeding During Bowel Movements: Often noticeable as bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet.

Prolapsed haemorrhoids: In severe cases, haemorrhoids may protrude outside the anal opening, requiring manual retraction or surgical intervention.

Treatment Options for Piles

There are various ways to treat piles, from simple piles home remedies to surgery. Home remedies and lifestyle changes can greatly reduce symptoms. These include eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly to prevent constipation.

Over-the-counter medicines like creams, ointments, and pain relievers can also help. In severe cases, surgery might be needed. Traditional surgery, called hemorrhoidectomy, involves removing the haemorrhoids. Another option is laser piles surgery, which is a less invasive method that uses laser technology to shrink the haemorrhoids.

Laser Piles Surgery

Laser piles surgery is a minimally invasive procedure to treat haemorrhoids. It uses a focused laser beam to target and shrink the haemorrhoids by coagulating the blood vessels. This precise method causes minimal damage to surrounding tissues, which reduces pain and speeds up recovery.

Compared to traditional surgery, laser piles surgery has several benefits, including less pain, minimal bleeding, faster recovery, and fewer complications. However, it is important to consider the benefits and potential drawbacks when choosing the best treatment option for piles.

Advantages of Laser Piles Surgery

Here are the several benefits of laser piles surgery

Minimally Invasive: Laser piles surgery is less invasive than traditional hemorrhoidectomy. It causes less damage to surrounding tissues, which leads to a quicker and smoother recovery process.

Reduced Pain and Discomfort: Patients typically experience much less pain after laser surgery. This is because the laser seals nerve endings during the procedure, which significantly reduces postoperative discomfort.

Minimal Bleeding: The precision of the laser helps in coagulating blood vessels effectively, resulting in minimal bleeding during and after the surgery. This not only lowers the risk of complications but also accelerates the healing process.

Quicker Recovery: Due to its minimally invasive nature and reduced bleeding, laser piles surgery allows for a faster recovery. Patients can return to their normal activities much sooner compared to those who undergo traditional surgery.

Outpatient Procedure: Laser piles surgery is often done on an outpatient basis. This means patients can go home the same day, avoiding the need for an extended hospital stay and allowing them to recover in the comfort of their own homes.

High Success Rate: The success rate of laser piles surgery is very high, making it an effective treatment option for haemorrhoids. Many patients find lasting relief from their symptoms.

Lower Risk of Complications: The risk of complications, such as infections, is lower with laser surgery.

Disadvantages of Laser Piles Surgery

Every surgical procedure comes with its own set of challenges. Some of the potential downsides to consider are:

Higher Cost: Laser piles surgery is generally more expensive than traditional surgical methods. This is due to the specialised equipment and expertise required to perform the procedure. Patients need to consider the financial aspect when opting for laser surgery.

Limited Availability: Not all medical facilities offer laser piles surgery. Patients may need to travel to specialised centres to receive this treatment, which can be inconvenient and add to the overall cost and effort involved.

Need for Specialized Expertise: The success of laser piles surgery heavily depends on the skill and experience of the surgeon. Because the procedure requires specialised training, outcomes can vary significantly based on the surgeon’s expertise. It is important to seek treatment from a well-qualified and experienced professional.

Risk of Tissue Fibrosis: One possible complication of laser piles surgery is tissue fibrosis. This occurs when scar tissue forms in the treated area, potentially leading to further complications and discomfort.

Prevention of Piles

Preventing piles involves healthy bowel habits and lifestyle changes. Eat a high-fibre diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to prevent constipation and reduce straining. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Avoid prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet, and refrain from straining during bowel movements. Regular exercise promotes healthy bowel function and overall well-being, helping to prevent piles.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Procedure for Hemorrhoids (MIPH) Over Laser Surgery for Piles

1. Reduced Pain: MIPH surgery for piles is typically causes less postoperative pain compared to laser surgery.
2. Faster Recovery: Patients often experience a quicker recovery time with MIPH.
3. Lower Recurrence Rates: MIPH has been shown to have lower recurrence rates of hemorrhoids.
4. Minimal Tissue Damage: This procedure causes less damage to surrounding tissues.
5. Shorter Hospital Stay: MIPH usually requires a shorter hospital stay than laser surgery.
6. Improved Quality of Life: Many patients report a better overall quality of life after undergoing MIPH.

Conclusion

Laser piles surgery is minimally invasive, reduces pain, causes minimal bleeding, and offers a quick recovery with fewer complications. However, it’s more expensive comparatively and requires skilled doctors. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider to find the best treatment, weighing the pros and cons of laser surgery and other options.

If you or someone you know is going through the symptoms of piles, getting the required treatment from the best medical provider is important. So, if you need to go through laser piles surgery, be sure to check out MASSH.

We specialise in minimally invasive procedures at an affordable price point for all patients. Check out our website and request a callback today to learn more about laser piles surgery at MASSH and get the best treatment possible.