USING LASER IN THE TREATMENT OF HEMORRHOIDS (LASER HEMORRHOIDECTOMY)

For the first time in Al-AHSA Using Laser in the treatment of hemorrhoids (laser hemorrhoidectomy)

The treatment of hemorrhoids varies according to the case severity, although there are many modern techniques, traditional surgery is still prevalent in our societies due to the absence of trained and experienced physicians in conducting such operations.

As usual Almoosa Specialist Hospital keens to track and adopt all that is new in the medicine, so for the first time in the region we introduce the latest laser technology to treat hemorrhoids and anal fistula in proctology unit in the General Surgery department. It is a German-made device; its idea is to launch high-frequency beams in the form of concentrated thermal energy to shrink the hemorrhoids without hurting other areas around. This device is the first of its kind not only in the Al-AHSA region, but in the eastern region as a whole.

Dr. Mohamed Chour, Consultant General and Proctologic Surgery at Almoosa Specialist Hospital, praised the advantages of this new technique in treating hemorrhoids, explaining that the duration of the operation takes between 20-30 min, the patient is allowed to eat after 3 hours, with no pain and speed recovery, compared to traditional hemorrhoids surgeries, where the opening of the wound is between 2 – 3 millimeters only.

It is also suitable for diabetics, cardiac patients who use blood thinners ( Anti-coagulants) without stopping the treatment because there is no bleeding during the procedure, patient can return to his normal life and work within 2 – 3 days after the procedure, and is suitable for all ages of both sexes.

Dr. Chour added that Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lowest part of the rectum and anus, a buildup of pressure in the lower rectum can affect blood flow and make the veins there swell. It may result from straining during bowel movements or from the increased pressure on these veins during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids may be located inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids), or they may develop under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids), anal problems also include: anal fissures, abscesses, anal fistula and rectal prolapse.

Hemorrhoids have four different stages (grades), the first grade is mild and there are several ways to treat it without surgery, the fourth grade is the most painful and aggravated which requires surgical intervention through conventional surgery or by stapler. The second and third grade hemorrhoids can be treated by laser technology, under regional or general anesthesia and it can be conducted in the one-day surgery department.

At the end, Dr. Chour advises all patients suffering from pain or swelling in the anal area to seek medical consultation from a specialist to diagnose the condition and treat it in its early stages, patients also shall be examined in case of bloody stool to exclude benign or malignant tumors in the anus, rectum or colon. Adding that patients should not be ashamed of their symptoms and they should not resort to folk remedies or take any over the counter medication without consulting the doctor.