Anorectal Care

Infra-Red Coagulation

What are hemorrhoids?
Everyone has blood-filled sacs with vein complexes that cushion the anal canal. Chronic trauma and straining during bowel movements can damage the internal tissue support of these sacs, causing them to swell and further fill with blood. When the sacs get bigger and protrude from the anal canal, they become hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids form inside the anal canal, whereas external hemorrhoids form outside the anal canal or on the external skin.

What causes hemorrhoids?
The exact cause of hemorrhoids is unknown, but a number of factors are known to contribute to hemorrhoidal disease:
• Aging
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Pregnancy
• Heredity
• Faulty bowel function due to overuse of laxatives or enemas; straining during bowel movements
• Spending long periods of time (e.g. reading) on the toilet

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
You may have hemorrhoids if you notice any of the following symptoms:
• Bleeding during bowel movements
• Protrusion during bowel movements
• Itching in the anal area
• Pain
• Sensitive lump(s)

What is infra-red coagulation?
Infrared coagulation (IRC) was first introduced twenty years ago and has since become the world's leading office treatment for hemorrhoids. This non-surgical treatment is fast, well tolerated, and complication-free. A small probe is placed in the base of the hemorrhoid, and a few bursts of infrared light are applied. The vessels that provide the hemorrhoid with blood are then congealed, and the hemorrhoids shrink away. It may take a few weeks for all the hemorrhoids to shrink completely.

How long is the procedure?
Each treatment lasts about three to five minutes, but the severity of the hemorrhoid as well as your comfort level is considered.

Does it hurt?
It is usually completely painless. You'll probably feel a brief sensation of heat rather than any actual pain. This treatment is available to be done during a regular office visit and does not require any special preparation, anesthesia, or medication or salves.

How should I prepare for the procedure?
You may take three 200-mg Ibuprofen tablets with some food about 1-2 hours before the procedure. Also, try to have a bowel movement 30 minutes before coming into the office.

Are there any after-effects?
Typically, there are no post-treatment effects. You'll most likely do the treatment and resume normal everyday activities immediately afterward. However, there may be slight spot bleeding a few days later. Avoid heavy straining, lifting, and aspirin.

How many visits are required?
This depends on how severe the hemorrhoid problem is, the location of the hemorrhoids, and your individual response to the procedure. Most patients require 3-4 visits every two or three weeks.

Will the hemorrhoids come back?
Recurring hemorrhoids in different locations may occur, although rarely. If this happens, infra-red coagulation, rubber band ligation or repeat hemorrhoidectomy in the next few years may be necessary. Also, a sensible diet, moderate exercise, and proper bowel habits are helpful.

Do you offer other treatment options?
An expert in proctology, Dr. Shu does almost a thousand hemorrhoid treatments every year. He offers rubber band ligation and hemorrhoidectomy for the most severe cases if necessary. He also treats other anorectal diseases such as anal fissure, anorectal abscess, anal polyp and anal warts.