* What are the advances in hemorrhoids treatment?

Due to this reputation of being a painful operation, advances in hemorrhoid surgery have focused on making it less painful.  One such operation is stapled hemorrhoidectomy. Using a specially-designed, single-use stapler instrument (which was modified from the staplers used to reconnect intestines during major abdominal surgery), the hemorrhoids are excised and the anus repaired from the inside, something which is difficult to do with traditional surgery.  The end result is that the surgical wound is inside, and no wound is visible outside the anus. Scientific studies have proven that this is less painful than traditional surgery, although with a small recurrence rate.

     Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy                           Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD)

Another advanced surgical technique is Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD).  Using a doppler ultrasound, the blood vessel supplying the hemorrhoid is identified and ligated with stitches.  Deprived of its blood supply, the hemorrhoid then shrinks and shrivels.   Again there is no wound outside and is therefore almost painless.  However, because it is a new technique, not very many studies evaluating its long-term effectiveness have come out.

 All surgical procedures for hemorrhoids, whether traditional or innovative, may sometimes develop complications such as bleeding, infection and stricture. It is important therefore when seeking treatment, to see an expert in anal diseases.