Is laser treatment safe and effective for piles?

Dear Anees Grewal ji,

Yes, laser treatment can be a safe and effective treatment option for piles in suitable patients. However, whether it is the right treatment for your father depends on the type, size, grade, bleeding, prolapse, and other health conditions.

Laser treatment is not required for every case of piles. A surgeon should examine your father first and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

What Are Piles?

Piles, also called haemorrhoids, are swollen blood vessels around the anus or lower rectum. They can cause

• Bleeding during or after passing stool

• Pain or discomfort

• Itching or irritation around the anus

• A lump or swelling near the anus

• Piles coming out during bowel movements

• Difficulty sitting comfortably in severe cases

When Can Laser Treatment Be Considered?

Laser treatment be considered when piles are causing persistent symptoms or have not improved with conservative treatment.

It may be suitable for certain internal piles, particularly when the piles are causing bleeding or beginning to prolapse. The surgeon will decide after examining your father whether laser treatment is appropriate.

For large or advanced piles, another procedure may sometimes be more suitable than laser treatment.

How Is Laser Piles Treatment Done?

During laser treatment, the surgeon uses laser energy to treat the affected haemorrhoidal tissue and reduce its blood supply. The procedure is generally performed under anaesthesia.

The exact technique depends on the type and grade of piles.

Is Laser Treatment Safe?

Laser treatment is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced colorectal or general surgeon in an appropriate patient.

Possible benefits can include

• Smaller treatment area

• Less postoperative discomfort in selected cases

• Less bleeding compared with some conventional procedures

• Relatively quick recovery

• Earlier return to normal activities

However, laser treatment can still have risks such as pain, bleeding, infection, swelling, recurrence, or difficulty passing stool. The risks vary from patient to patient.

Is Surgery Always Necessary?

No. If your father's piles are mild, the doctor may first recommend measures such as increasing fibre and fluids, avoiding straining during bowel movements, and treating constipation.

Surgery or a procedure may be considered when symptoms are persistent, piles are large or prolapsing, or conservative treatment has not provided adequate relief.

What Should Your Father Do Now?

Since your father is considering laser treatment, the best next step is a consultation with a general surgeon or colorectal surgeon. The doctor can determine the grade of piles and check whether laser treatment is suitable.

If your father has heavy rectal bleeding, severe pain, fever, dizziness, or black stools, he should seek medical attention promptly rather than assuming the bleeding is only from piles.

How HexaHealth Can Assist You

We can help you find experienced surgeons and trusted partner hospitals for your father's piles treatment.

We can assist with

• Finding a suitable piles specialist

• Booking a consultation

• Finding a hospital offering appropriate piles procedures

• Guiding you about the required evaluation

• Helping you understand laser and other treatment options

• Coordinating treatment or surgery if recommended by the doctor

• Providing guidance about estimated treatment costs and applicable insurance options

For your father's specific case, please share his age, main symptoms, how long he has had piles, and whether the piles come out during bowel movements. This will help determine which treatment options may be considered.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth