Clinic services

Infrared photocoagulation treatments for bleeding hemorrhoids

Infrared photocoagulation is an effective and well-tolerated office method of treating bleeding hemorrhoids. It is as good or better than rubber banding, and in many clinics that can afford infrared technology, it has replaced rubber-banding procedures.

The infrared machine creates a very high intensity heat-producing light that creates a localized burn in the lining of the rectum. The light is directed just above the hemorrhoid where the bowel is very insensitive. This leads to scarring and obliteration of the hemorrhoid and its blood vessels. A series of 3 to 5 treatments is given at 8-week intervals.

Each treatment takes only a few minutes. Most people experience only mild discomfort during the treatment. No sedation or pain medication is required so you can drive back home or to work immediately following treatment. Heavy lifting or exertion for the first 72 hours should be avoided. Mild discomfort in the rectal area for 24 hours following treatment is normal, and can most often be managed by plain Tylenol if required. A small amount of bleeding from day 2 to day 6 following treatment is common and rarely of significance.