Pros and Cons of Using Infrared Light Coagulation for Hemorrhoids
| October 26, 2010 | Posted by GuestPoster under Health and Fitness |
Coagulation is when blood flow is slowed down and a blood clot forms, sometimes coagulation happens naturally such as when you get a small cut and it eventually stops bleeding, but coagulation can also be forced. Forced coagulation has been in use for years as a hemorrhoid treatment, if the blood flow to a hemorrhoid can be cut off, then the hemorrhoid will dry up and no longer be symptomatic.
Clotting can be achieved with cryotherapy (freezing), cauterizing (heat) or electric current. Using infrared light to force coagulation is a newer method in hemorrhoid treatment, one that has a lot of benefits, but like all treatment options there are a few potential negatives as well, this article will give a quick overview of both the benefits and negatives.
Pros
Minimal damage to surrounding tissue because the beam of light is so focused
Coagulation occurs very quickly, so the procedure is fast
This procedure doesn’t interfere with electromagnetic devices such as pace makers
Other procedure can be conducted at the same time
Not as painful as rubber band ligation
Multiple hemorrhoids can be treated in the same session
No hospital stay is required, it’s an office procedure
Works on all but the most serious grade of hemorrhoids, so it’s an option for patients with Grades I-III
Cons
Not a lot of doctors offer this procedure
Several treatments may be needed
The long term success rate of rubber band ligation is better
After one year, hemorrhoid may reoccur (all hemorrhoids have a potential to reoccur regardless of the treatment method used so this isn’t necessarily just a con of infrared coagulation)
There may be minor bleeding after the procedure
As you can see, there are a lot of pros to infrared coagulation; it’s definitely something you should discuss with your hemorrhoid doctor. It may also be a great choice for people who haven’t had any success with some of the other treatment options.
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