Laser haemorrhoid surgery (Laser HaemorrhoidoPexie - LHP)

The LHP procedure allows the treatment of second- and third-degree haemorrhoids in a much gentler way than conventional surgery – especially with regards to pain and missed days from work. With this technique, laser energy is directed into the appropriate hemorrhoidal node, thus sparing the sensitive skin and mucous membrane as much as possible.

Haemorrhoids are most often indicated by the following symptoms:

• painful defecation
• characteristic streaks of blood on toilet paper
• itching in the anus
• protrusion of hemorrhoidal nodes in an advanced state
• bloody, mucous-stained stool
• long-term constipation

However, it is important to emphasize that the listed symptoms can also occur in the case of other rectal diseases (such as polyps or anal fistulas), so it is recommended to consult a proctologist as soon as possible.

In the case of internal haemorrhoids, and taking into account the size and progression of the nodes, we distinguish 4 stages, which, however, do not necessarily reflect the severity of the complaints.

stage 1: bleeding may occur, but the nodes do not fall forward and there is no pain

stage 2: with increased pressure (defecation), the vascular node falls forward, but spontaneously retracts

stage 3: in case of abdominal pressure, when defecating, the nodes fall forward and can only be put back with the help of fingers

stage 4: the veins are broken, emptying them is impossible, acute pain occurs, the hemorrhoidal nodes are excluded

There can be several triggering factors for haemorrhoids, the most common of which are the following:

• hereditary connective tissue weakness
• straining in case of constipation
• diarrhoea (frequent defecation dilates the veins)
• incorrect, low-fiber diet, obesity (the cause of haemorrhoids is abdominal pressure)
• pregnancy (an enlarged uterus can put pressure on the vascular cushions in the anus)
• a sedentary lifestyle

The procedure is primarily suitable for the treatment of second- and third-degree (stage) haemorrhoids. The homogeneous laser radiation of the LHP® fiber, which is necessary for this process, ensures:

• tissue shrinkage in the hemorrhoidal node
• closure of the arteries supplying the hemorrhoidal node
• maximum preservation of muscle, skin and mucous membrane
• restoration of natural anatomy

The procedure allows laser coagulation of single and multiple hemorrhoidal nodes during one procedure. Controlled delivery of laser energy in the hemorrhoidal cushions causes the nodes to contract. In addition, the connective tissue under the mucosa regains its original position in the rectum. This eliminates prolapse and helps prevent its reappearance, i.e. repeated protrusion through the anus.

Laser haemorrhoid surgery has several advantages over conventional surgery:

• no incontinence, i.e. stool retention disorder
• a 3 mm puncture only in the skin next to the anus
• no foreign bodies (such as rubber or metal clips)
• no risk of stenosis
• the recovery is excellent, because compared to conventional surgeries, there is no incision, only a very small, 3 mm incision in the mucosa, the haemorrhoid is accessed through this small opening
• no stitches
• the procedure does not cause wounds in the anal skin area or inside the anal canal, as a result, the patient has less postoperative pain and the patient can return to work and normal everyday life in a short time

During the preoperative consultation, your proctologist will provide detailed information about the necessary tests before the surgery, as well as the course of the surgery and its risks.

The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, as follows:

• The laser fiber is guided directly into the centre of the hemorrhoidal node under visual control.
• The LHP® laser fiber shrinks the haemorrhoid from the inside out.
• As a result of the treatment, the haemorrhoid shrinks and slowly regresses.

The surgery takes 10-15 minutes. The patient stays in the hospital for an average of 1 day, after which the recovery time is only a few days.