What is Laser hemorrhoid ablation (LHA) and how does it differ from traditional surgery?

Laser hemorrhoid ablation (LHA) uses a radial laser fibre to deliver laser thermal energy directly to the to haemorrhoidal veins under ultrasound guidance, ablating the haemorrhoid and shrinking it. It offers several advantages over open hemorrhoidectomy. LHA is minimally invasive, as it shrinks the hemorrhoid from within without tissue excision, resulting in less postoperative pain and quicker recovery. The procedure also causes minimal bleeding because the laser seals blood vessels as it works, reducing the risk of complications like infection. Additionally, patients undergoing LHA can typically return to normal activities within a few days, unlike open hemorrhoidectomy, which requires a longer recovery period. Overall, LHA provides a less traumatic and more comfortable treatment option for suitable cases compared to traditional open surgery. We expect resolution of the haemorrhoids in over 90% of cases. Any residual skin tags as a result of the haemorrhoids can then be dealt with in the confidence that they are unlikely to recur.

How long does the treatment itself take?

LHA takes about 10-15 minutes per haemorrhoid, but preparation time and administering of the local anaesthetic will add a few minutes to that. We normally set aside about an hour for the appointment, which allows us to go through the consent process, complete the procedure and ensure that post-operative instructions are understood.

Is the treatment painful, and what can I expect post-operatively?

LHA is performed under local anaesthesia, which makes the procedure very well tolerated. Patients will experience a degree of post-operative discomfort, as the aim of the laser treatment is to produce thrombosis of the blood vessels in the haemorrhoid, This can be managed with simple over-the counter pain medication and laxatives. There may be some discharge in the first few days following the procedure. These symptoms are however short-lived compared to open haemorrhoidectomy. As the procedure s a closed-procedure, the risks of anal stenosis are avoided. Risks include bleeding, pain or discomfort, infection at the operative site, and temporary urinary retention for a few hours due to swelling or discomfort around the treated area Very occasionally faecal incontinence can occur due to the numbing effects of the local anaesthesia.

Are there any conditions that may make me unsuitable for the procedure?

The following conditions may be contraindications for having the procedure:

Severe Prolapsed Hemorrhoids: Patients with grade IV hemorrhoids, which are severely prolapsed and require surgical excision, may not be suitable for LHA. These need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Coagulation Disorders: Individuals with bleeding disorders or conditions that affect blood clotting (e.g., haemophilia) may face increased risks of bleeding during or after the procedure.
Anticoagulant therapy with Warfarin if your INR is 3.0 or greater.
Infection or Inflammation: Active anal or rectal infections, or severe inflammation, can contraindicate LHA due to the risk of exacerbating the condition.
Conditons such as Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis
Co-existing anorectal tumours
Pregnancy

How much does it cost?

Please look at our pricing guide below for more information on pricing