aser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) is a sophisticated, effective and less invasive option for treating hemorrhoids that offers a number of advantages over traditional Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy. Dr. Salama talks about the important details in this interview.
What is laser hemorrhoid treatment and what are the benefits?Dr. Salama: Laser haemorrhoid treatment (LHP) is a minimally invasive treatment that is performed on an outpatient basis and helps to gently reduce haemorrhoids. Everyone has a so-called hemorrhoidal cushion. A key aspect of this treatment method is the preservation of the anatomical structures and functions of the anorectal area, which leads to a better postoperative result and greater patient satisfaction.
By using a 1470 nm diode laser, LHP enables precise shrinkage of the hemorrhoidal nodes without damaging the surrounding tissue or the sphincter muscle. This targeted energy output leads to a controlled shrinkage of the hemorrhoidal tissue under the mucous membrane. Due to the selective absorption by the haemoglobin, the diode laser is less damaging to the surrounding tissue compared to other types of laser, which minimizes the risk of injury to the sphincter muscle.
Another major advantage of the LHP method compared to conventional surgical methods is that it forms a type of scar tissue that allows new connective tissue to develop. This ensures that the mucosal layer is firmly attached to the underlying layer. This method does not affect the normal anatomy of the anal canal and haemorrhoids, which means that in the event of a recurrence, further invasive surgical treatment is possible without being restricted by old interventions.
What advantages does the method offer the healthcare system?
Dr. Salama: In addition, LHP is an easy-to-learn and reproducible technique that can be safely applied after only 3 to 5 cases. This facilitates the adoption of this method by surgeons and contributes to the wider availability of this gentle treatment.
LHP is an excellent option for outpatient procedures, which is why no hospital stay is necessary. This method allows patients to have the procedure performed in a day clinic and then return home within a few hours. This not only reduces the costs and risk of infection associated with a hospital stay, but also significantly reduces the disruption to patients' everyday lives. Thanks to less postoperative pain and rapid recovery, patients can resume their normal activities within a very short time. Offering LHP as a day clinic procedure therefore represents a significant advance in patient-centered care and increases the accessibility and acceptance of this effective treatment method for haemorrhoids.
