External hemorrhoids, also commonly known as piles, are basically swollen veins of the rectal area. In cases of aggressive pressure, the swollen veins may burst and cause bleeding, which may appear as bleeding stools. Initially, external hemorrhoids may show signs and symptoms like minor itching and discomfort in the anal area.
This condition is thought to be cause from chronic constipation, lifting heavy objects and severe coughing. Depending on the severity of this condition, different treatments may be required. Mostly, natural treatments and medications are enough to treat this condition, but in case when the hemorrhoid is severe, surgery may be required.
However, with the introduction of new technologies, alternatives to surgery have now been developed. Read on to find more about laser surgery for external hemorrhoids.
Laser Surgery To Treat External Hemorrhoids
Before The Surgery
Firstly, prior to the surgery, your doctor will first analyze your condition to evaluate the severity of hemorrhoids. Medications would first be suggested to test the efficiency and to detect if surgery would be required or not. The duration for which the hemorrhoids have been present is also a great determining factor for the surgery.
The Surgery
Laser surgery for external hemorrhoids is known as hemorrhoidectomy. If your doctor decides that laser surgery would be effective for you, you will be given an appointment. The doctor will then put you through general anesthesia to numb the area and stop any possible pain that might occur during the surgery.
Sometimes, local anesthesia can be given instead of general anesthesia, wherein the patient is awake when the surgery is being carried out. Laser light will then be targeted on the particular area which causes the inflamed veins to burn and get destroyed, which then stops the bleeding and discomfort associated with the condition.
After The Surgery
After this, you would be kept in the hospital and prescribed some medications. This is usually for around 3-5 hours and being an outpatient surgical procedure, the patients are allowed to go home the same day as the surgery.
Though this surgery relieves all the symptoms associated with hemorrhoids, you may feel discomfort and tenderness in the targeted area. It is best to stick to medications during this time. Adequate bed rest is also recommended.
Benefits Of The Surgery
One of the major benefits of laser surgery that it is a non invasive technique, which is why there are very less chances of excessive bleeding. Also, there are very little chances of infections developing after the surgery. Furthermore, it is very less time consuming, both for the patient and the surgeon. Quick recovery is also one of the major plus points of this surgery.
Disadvantages Of The Surgery
Though very rare, there may be scarring and wounding of tissues after the surgery, which may need to be treated immediately. Also, some people tend to develop severe allergic reactions to anesthesia and other medications that may be injected before or during the surgery.
Also, the chances of bleeding and infections cannot be ruled out. In short, laser surgery is far more better and effective at treating external hemorrhoids than other surgeries and treatments.
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