GEORGE P. ILIAS MD, PhD
GENERAL SURGEON PhD
University of Athens Medical School
Athens: 121 V. Sofias Av., GR 115 26, Αthens
Τel. +30 216 7001513 | Mob.: +30 6977 970082, +30 6972 800399
Chalkida: 14 Iseou Str., Gr 341 00 Chalkida
Τel. +30 22210 27884
Immediate and painless solution with LASER. Hemorrhoids are no longer a taboo
What are the haemorrhoids;
Haemorrhoids are a very prevalent condition: they occur in both sexes, even as early as in childhood, but they are more common in men. More than half of men and women above 50 years of age suffer from haemorrhoids, while about 80% of the population suffers at least once in his life from the painful consequences of the condition of haemorrhoids (itching, tingling, pain, slime, bleeding, etc.). Etymologically “haemorrhoids“, as a term, derives from the description of the most important symptom of the disease, that is the flow of blood. Haemorrhoids come in the form of bags and their presence helps to protect the anal tube and control of stools. Haemorrhoids contain vessels of upper and lower rectal plexus and are divided into external (below the dentate line) and internal (above the dentate line).
Why are haemorrhoids created;
The Haemorrhoidopathy comes as a consequence of failure (non proper functioning) of haemorrhoids vessels, which allows the mucosal prolapse and the creation of haemorrhoids nod- ules projecting into the anal canal. It is not clear what causes haemorrhoids, but most commonly, the disease is attributed to constipation, heredity and lifestyle (diet, sedentary lifestyle, etc). The Haemorrhoidopathy may refer to inner, outer or both haemorrhoids nodules.
Diagnosis
In many cases (especially at early stage) Haemorrhoidopathy may occur without any symptoms. In case of symptoms of disease (loss of blood, mucus secretion, pain, etc.) the patient must go through a direct examination by a specialist in order to exclude the possibility of more severe disease (e.g. cancer) with similar the patient must be driven on direct examination by a specialist in order to exclude the possibility of more se- vere disease (e.g. cancer) with similar symptomology. In addition, in the case of haemorrhoids: failing to a timely treatment of the disease it will greatly increase the chances of complica- tions (necrosis, infection, anemia, confinement, etc.).
Morphology and Categories of Haemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are divided into external and internal. Depending on the morphology and medical history of the patient they can classified into:
1. First Degree When haemorrhoidal nodules make their appearance causing slight bleeding.
2. Second Degree When the haemorrhoid nod- ules bleed and bulge from the anal tube during bowel movement and then goes back inside by itself.
3. Third Degree When the haemorrhoid nodules bleed and bulge from the anal tube during bowel movement and they require assistance to go back inside.
4. Fourth Degree When the haemorrhoid nodules bleed and protrude constantly from the anal tube, causing pain, irritation and bleeding.
Haemorrhoids treatment options
In the initial stages, treatment of haemorrhoids is carried out with conservative means, such as a special Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fibres and/or with medication. Conservative treatments may improve temporarily the patient's condition, but the painful symptoms of itching, tingling and pain tend to reappear, because the problem has not been solved.
“At times and depending on the case of Haemorrhoidopathy various treatments have been applied (sphincterotomy, haemorrhoidectomy, dilation, rubber band ligations etc). Despite their contribution to disease response efforts, the methods that have already been applied have not managed to solve some major problems such as the postoperative pain, significant rates of failure and related complications, as well as the issue of the cost“. The HeLP (Haemorhoid Laser Procedure) method is an innovative development in the treatment of haemorrhoids. It is endoscopic, pain-free and simpler than any other available technique: it does not require excision of the tissue and undertakes the sealing of the haemorrhoidal artery, with photocoagulation, without any needles and sutures.
HeLP: The painless treatment of hemorrhoids with LASER Doppler
The HeLP method is highly indicated for the treatment of the second and third degree hemorrhoids. It is performed by the use of laser under ultrasound guidance through a special proctoscope to ensure easy access to the rectal tube. The procedure is completely pain-free as: "On the upper or inner region of the anus there is no sensation of pain, because there are no pain receptors."
HeLP: How does it work:
1. We insert a proctoscope using lubricant.
2. We identify with the doppler sensor the arteries that supply the haemorrhoidal nodules.
3. We apply controlled laser energy in each branch of haemorrhoids arteries causing shrinkage and coagulation of haemorrhoidal artery, clamping of the mucosa and the surrounding tissues.
4. We continue the treatment by applying laser energy to the remaining parts.
5. After treatment the haemorrhoids shrink and gradually disappear. The arteriovenous flow is modified by contracting and withdrawing of hemorrhoids nodules in the days following the treatment.
The targeted and the in-depth controlled use of laser cuts (ligates) the feeding of the dilated hemorrhoids leading to their shrinkage and tight- ening of the muscle layer beneath them. As a result of the haemostatic action of laser, we observe a reduction of bleeding within 7-14 days, while hemorrhoidal nodules begin to shrink. This process continues for a period lasting up to 10 weeks.
The treatment with HeLP system can also be performed in outpatient clinics, is endoscopic, painless and seals the arteries that carry blood, without sutures or any tissue injury.
LHP: Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty without incisions, sutures or wounds
For optimal preservation of the rectum line tissue and mucosa
Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) is a modern, 1uick and non-invasive treatment for shrinking the haemorrhoidal tissue to each degree of haemorrhoids. The Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) is particularly indicated for the shrinkage and reduction of prolapse of the third and fourth degree hemorrhoids as it offers impressive clinical results.
Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) is performed under an appropriate local or general anesthesia, following a minor puncture and the use of a special fibre tip emitting cyclically (3600) laser energy to the inner wall of haemorrhoids node. By applying, with a controlled and uniform manner, the laser energy into the submucosa, we generate an immediate contraction of the haemorrhoidal cushions and simultaneously protect the mucosa or the sphincter. The fibrosis caused creates new connective tissue, which ensures that the mucosa follows the underlying tissue, preventing any relapse and a new prolapse.
Advantages of Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty (LHP)
The haemorrhoids treatment of the third and fourth degree with LHP Haemorrhoidoplasty has significant advantages when compared to clas- sical surgery:
1. No incisions or sutures are required
2. No clamps are required
3. Musoca remains intact
4. No damage is caused to the Sphincter
5. It poses no danger to stenosis
6. It enables the deployment (anew) of a connective tissue by preventing wider prolapse
7. It is performed under local or regional anaesthesia
8. Lack of post-operative pain, accompanied by an immediate recovery, and the patient returns to daily activities in a very short time.
HeLP: The painless treatment of haemorrhoids
In conclusion:
The HeLP method is indicated for the treatment of second and third degree pathological hemorrhoids is performed using a specific laser, under the direction of a high-frequency doppler and offers significant advantages to the patient as:
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It does not usually require the use of anes- thesia or analgesia
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It makes possible the daily treatment of haemorrhoids
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It makes possible the bloodless and painless treatment, with precision and safety
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It minimizes the possibility of complications and postoperative discomfort
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It has a shorter recovery than any other technique currently applicable
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It is accompanied by excellent results, both in the short and long term
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It is clinically proven with high acceptance and satisfaction from the patients
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The procedure lasts 10-15 minutes and after a brief medical check the patient is able to return home.
