Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are swollen veins located in the rectum and anus that often cause pain and discomfort during bowel movements. While many individuals find relief through medications or lifestyle modifications, those with more severe cases may need surgical intervention. One advanced and effective piles treatment in Singapore today is laser treatment.
What Is Laser Treatment for Piles?
Laser treatment for piles is a minimally invasive procedure in which a focused beam of light (laser energy) is used to target and cauterise haemorrhoidal tissue, effectively reducing its size. This procedure is often recommended for individuals with Grade II or Grade III internal piles that protrude outside the anus during bowel movements.
What Are the Different Types of Laser Piles Treatment?
The three main types of laser treatment for piles include:
- Haemorrhoidal Laser Procedure (HeLP): In this procedure, a Doppler ultrasound is used to locate the arteries supplying blood to the piles. Once identified, a laser fibre will be introduced to seal the vessels, causing the haemorrhoids to shrink over time.
- Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty (LHP): This specialised procedure involves applying concentrated light energy to the affected area to contract haemorrhoidal cushions. It helps prevent piles from protruding and causing discomfort.
- Laser Haemorrhoidectomy: This procedure employs laser energy to destroy and excise problematic haemorrhoidal tissue. It is typically reserved for large or prolapsed haemorrhoid cases.
How Is It Better Than Conventional Surgery?
Many individuals choose laser treatment for piles over conventional surgical methods for a variety of advantages, such as:
- Minimally Invasive Approach: Unlike conventional surgery which is performed through incisions in the anal area, laser treatment uses concentrated light beams to target piles. This results in fewer wounds and minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues.
- Reduced Pain: Most patients report less pain and discomfort following laser treatment, thus making it a more comfortable option compared to conventional procedures.
- Minimal Bleeding: The precision of the laser effectively seals the blood vessels, which minimises bleeding during and after the procedure.
- Quicker Recovery: With minimal tissue trauma, patients typically resume normal activities within a day or two, significantly reducing downtime.
- Lower Risk of Complications: The precise nature of laser treatment often minimises the risks of other complications, such as infection or anal stenosis (narrowing of the anus).
- Outpatient Procedure: A laser procedure takes around 30 minutes to one hour to complete and can be done on an outpatient basis, eliminating the need for an extended hospital stay.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate?
Laser treatment for piles is suitable for:
- Individuals diagnosed with Grade II or III internal haemorrhoids
- Individuals who have previously tried conservative methods without any success
- Individuals who are looking for a minimally invasive alternative to conventional open piles surgery
Patients with severe Grade IV haemorrhoids, characterised by large, prolapsed, or thrombosed piles, or those with bleeding disorders and other complex medical conditions, may require traditional surgery or alternative treatments. A thorough consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is essential to determine if laser treatment is the most suitable option for your specific case.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The laser treatment for piles typically involves the following key steps:
- Anaesthesia: Before the procedure begins, patients will receive anaesthesia to numb sensations and ensure comfort throughout.
- Positioning: Once anaesthesia is administered, patients will be asked to lie on their back with legs wide apart (lithotomy position) for easy access to the treatment site.
- Proctoscopy: The surgeon gently inserts a specialised instrument (proctoscope) with a Doppler probe into the anus to locate the arteries that supply blood to the piles.
- Laser Treatment: Once the artery is identified, the surgeon will guide the laser fibre through the protoscope, and laser energy is applied towards the haemorrhoidal tissue.
- Shrinkage: The size of the pile often decreases by 60-80% within approximately six weeks, though individual results can vary.
Recovery and Aftercare
Using laser techniques to treat haemorrhoids generally results in a significantly shorter and more comfortable recovery period compared to conventional surgery.
Following the procedure, patients should take adequate rest for one to two days and refrain from strenuous activities for one week. It is normal to experience post-procedure pain and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain relievers. Additionally, patients may notice blood in their stools or discharge from the anus, which often resolves within about two weeks.
To facilitate smooth recovery and prevent complications, it is vital to follow a few aftercare instructions from your doctor. These post-operative care instructions include:
- Gradual increase of fibre intake to avoid constipation and reduce strain during bowel movements
- Maintain proper hydration by drinking water to support healing
- Take a doctor-prescribed stool softener or laxative to keep a soft stool
- Gently clean the surgical area using mild soap and water to prevent infection
- Frequent sitz baths to help manage swelling and alleviate discomfort
Remember to contact your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms during your recovery period.
Laser therapy has made significant advancements in piles treatment in Singapore. This approach provides a safe and less invasive alternative to conventional surgery with a faster recovery time, which makes it a feasible solution for individuals seeking effective relief from chronic piles symptoms.
Get the colorectal health care that you deserve from our dedicated team at Colorectal Practice. From prompt consultations to treatment, we help our patients achieve optimal outcomes and improved quality of life. Call us at 6262 1226 to schedule your appointment today.
About Our Piles Specialists
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510