What is the difference between laser piles treatment and radio frequency treatment for piles and haemorrhoids

Laser Piles Surgery vs Radiofrequency Treatment for Piles and Haemorrhoids

Hemorrhoidectomy procedure

A Haemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic to remove haemorrhoids. There are three main methods of performing a haemorrhoidectomy:

Open Haemorrhoidectomy – An open haemorrhoidectomy involves leaving the wound open following haemorrhoid removal.
Closed Haemorrhoidectomy – A closed haemorrhoidectomy involves removing the haemorrhoid and then closing any incisions.
Stapled Haemorrhoidectomy – A stapled haemorrhoidectomy is typically only performed on more severe types of haemorrhoids. A specialised surgical tool is used to remove the haemorrhoid before the skin tissue is then pinned/stapled to avoid prolapse.

Find out more about Haemorrhoidectomy procedures here.

Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty procedure

Laser Haemorrhoid Surgery is a type of closed haemorrhoidectomy surgery. A closed haemorrhoidectomy is when the surgeon removes the haemorrhoid using either a scalpel, scissors, electrocautery, or laser before the wound is then closed.

Laser surgery for piles uses a narrow laser beam to shrink or remove the affected haemorrhoid from the inside out. The laser fibre is placed into the middle of each haemorrhoid which causes them to return to their normal size.

The laser fibre also seals in the blood tissues and vessels which greatly reduces the risk of blood loss and infection.

The procedure is generally performed under general anaesthetic, but our expert surgeons can discuss with you whether a general anaesthesia, a spinal epidural, or a local anaesthetic is suitable based on your situation.

The recovery time required following laser haemorrhoid surgery is a lot less than traditional haemorrhoid surgery as you will not require stitches which can be uncomfortable and take around a month to heal.

Most patients following laser haemorrhoid surgery are back to their usual activities within 1-2 weeks.

Rafaelo Haemorrhoid Procedure

Rafaelo haemorrhoid procedure is the radio frequency ablation of haemorrhoid or piles under local anaesthetic. The minimally invasive procedure can be performed in-clinic and only takes around 15 minutes to complete. There is minimal chance of recurrence and patients are able to return to their daily activities immediately.

The treatment involves a small probe being inserted into the anus which then emits radio frequency heat energy which reduces blood flow to the area and causes them to shrink. This does not affect any surrounding blood vessels or bowel/bladder function. Performed under local anaesthetic, patients will be pain-free throughout the procedure. No incisions or stitches are required as once the haemorrhoids clear, a mucous membrane will cover the area.

The recovery time following Rafaelo treatment for haemorrhoids is very quick with many patients being able to return to daily activities within a week.

Find out more about Rafaelo treatment here.

What is the difference between laser piles/haemorrhoid surgery and Rafaelo treatment?

Rafaelo treatment for haemorrhoids/piles is not the same as Laser piles surgery.

The Rafaelo uses state of the art Radiofrequency to treat haemorrhoids and is performed under local anaesthetic in-clinic.

Laser piles removal may require general anaesthetic and will need to be carried out in a hospital theatre. The treatment uses laser fibre to remove haemorrhoids.

What is the difference between open piles surgery and laser surgery?

The biggest difference between open piles surgery and laser piles surgery is how the procedure is finished.

If having open piles surgery, the haemorrhoids will be surgically removed from the body usually by a scalpel. The incision or wound will be left open to heal naturally.

Laser piles surgery involves using laser specifically to remove the haemorrhoids and the wound is then closed with a suture if required.

Pros and cons of laser haemorrhoid surgery

Pros

Laser haemorrhoid surgery is a great alternative to conventional open haemorrhoid surgery as no tissue is cut or removed.
Minimal blood loss as the blood supply is sealed after the procedure.
The procedure only takes around 30-60 minutes to perform.
Blood supply is cut off reducing the risk of recurrence.
Does not damage surrounding muscles or tissues.
Less painful compared to open hernia surgery with scalpel removal.
Quicker healing time in comparison to open haemorrhoidectomy.

Cons

The cons of laser are that it is often a higher priced procedure due to the advanced equipment required and the experience of the surgeon.
Not all surgeons offer laser treatment so finding a surgeon who specialises in this can take some research.
There is also a risk of tissue fissures following laser piles surgery as laser beams can cause tissue fibrosis. Your surgeon should provide information about all the risks associated with laser haemorrhoid surgery at your consultation.

Pros and cons of haemorrhoid surgery

Pros

A highly effective method of resolving haemorrhoids by removing them from the body.
Ideal for more problematic haemorrhoids.
Performed as a day case procedure.

Cons

Recovery can take around a month.
Risk of long-term complications such as damage to the anal sphincter and scarring.

Pros and cons of Rafaelo haemorrhoid treatment

Pros

Performed under local anaesthetic.
Can be carried out in clinic.
15 Minute walk in walk out procedure.
Minimal post-operative pain and aftercare.
Able to return to daily activities immediately.
90% success rate.
Cheaper treatment cost

Cons

Not suitable for all types of haemorrhoids.

Laser Haemorrhoid Surgery Doctors

We have a team of expert haemorrhoid surgeons at The Private Clinic.

Consultant Laparoscopic General and Colorectal Surgeon, Mr Amit Patel, BSc, MD, MBBS, FRCS (Plast), GMC Number: 4737010
Laproscopic, General and Colorectal Consultant Surgeon, Mr Piero Nastro, MD, MRCS, FRCS (Eng), GMC Number: 6037215

Mr Amit Patel provides consultations and treatment at our Birmingham and Manchester clinics. He consults for all types of haemorrhoids and can perform Rafaealo radiofrequency treatment in clinic or advise on alternative treatments.

Mr Piero Nastro provides consultations at our clinic in London Harley Street. He is able to provide treatment for all types of haemorrhoids and other issues including fissures and skin tags. Rafaelo treatments can be performed in clinic but laser haemorrhoid surgery or other types of haemorrhoidectomy procedures would be carried out at our privately owned London hospital located on Fitzroy Square.

How long does piles laser surgery take to heal?

An advantage of laser surgery piles is that the recovery time following the procedure is relatively pain free in comparison to haemorrhoidectomy surgery.

There will be some discomfort one 1-3 days following the procedure which can be managed with painkiller medication and rest. Many patients can resume their regular life within 2 weeks.

We advise that it can take around 6 weeks for you to fully heal following piles laser surgery. At this stage you will visit your surgeon for your follow-up appointment to assess your results.

How long does Rafaelo treatment take to heal?

The recovery time for patients who have had Rafaelo treatment is around 1 week. Each case will be different depending on the severity of the haemorrhoids treated but in most cases, patients return to work 1-2 days following treatment.

Is laser treatment for piles effective, does it work?

Laser surgery for piles is an effective treatment method for piles and has a great success rate.

The downside is that is usually required general anaesthetic which can increase recovery time.

At our clinic in London Harley Street and Birmingham, we prioritise, where suitable, Rafaelo treatment which instead uses radiofrequency. This treatment can be performed in-clinic under local anaesthetic and has a reduced recovery time and 90% success rate.

However, if you are unsuitable for Rafaelo treatment then laser piles surgery is a great alternative.

Laser treatment for piles price

The cost of haemorrhoidectomy with laser treatment starts from £3,750.

Rafaelo radio frequency treatment for piles prices start from £3,150.

The costs will vary depending on the type of procedure being performed and whether general anaesthetic, local anaesthetic or sedation is used.

Our Consultant Colorectal surgeons will be able to confirm these details following your consultation and a more accurate quote for your treatment costs will be provided.

Before and after haemorrhoid laser surgery

The symptoms of haemorrhoids can vary from patient to patient depending on the severity of them. But for many, they cause a great deal of discomfort which has led them to seeking treatment.

At around 6 weeks post procedure, patients express feeling relieved from their symptoms of haemorrhoids.

The results from a study of laser haemorrhoid surgery concluded that the laser treatment of haemorrhoids was effective in pain alleviation and that patients have a much more comfortable postoperative course in comparison to open haemorrhoidectomy procedures. [1]

At The Private Clinic, we would always prioritise our Rafaelo radio frequency haemorrhoid treatment as we believe it is effective solution for patients with haemorrhoids who do not want surgery.

Patients treated with Rafaelo treatment are treated under local anaesthetic, have minimal downtime in comparison to surgery and have a very high 88% success rate. [2]

Haemorrhoid surgery reviews

“I have had a very positive experience at The Private Clinic Harley Street. I had previously visited a private hospital in Great Missenden and been told I would need a hemorrhoidectomy surgery which can be extremely painful and probably a very long recovery.

I have chronic pain so I was very anxious about the prospect of having this surgery. I visited Mr Nastro who put me at ease and offered me a much less intrusive option, something I have never heard of – mucopexy and rafaelo procedure.

My problem was a prolapsing hemorrhoid and other internal smaller hemorrhoids. Mr Nastro was very personable and considering the nature of my problem he made me feel very at ease. Alicia is my patient coordinator and is very helpful and easy to talk to also very personable, as I had several questions after my appointment that I hadn’t asked Me Nastro and she quickly got back to me with any queries, and I even spoke to Mr Nastro on the phone about my questions and anxiety of the procedure.

I was extremely anxious on the day of my procedure and all the staff at the Fitzroy hospital were very reassuring. I arrived at 1.45 and I was able to leave by 6:30 and was given a phone number to call out-of-hours nurse if required. The nurse also called me the following day.

During the first week of my recovery, I was able to speak to a nurse very quickly about worries that I had. I spoke to Bernadette who was very reassuring and a lovely lady which is just what you need! I am 3 and half weeks into my recovery now and Alicia has regularly called me to see if everything is ok. I know that I can speak with a nurse if I need to which is great.

All in all, the procedure was a little painful after but nowhere near as painful as I thought it would be and I actually only had to take paracetamol. Overall, I would definitely recommend The Private Clinic of Harley Street 🙂 I am so relieved I found them!”

Freddy, Buckinghamshire – Previous haemorrhoid removal patient

“I had a procedure at Hagley Road Birmingham. It was carried out by Mr Patel

Despite me being a little anxious the staff helped me relax and Mr Patel was very nice and understanding and explained everything to me, and the whole experience was better than I could have hoped for.

I have recommended The Private Clinic to a friend who later this year will be contacting them.”

Graham, Birmingham – Previous haemorrhoid removal patient

“My visit to The Private Clinic was the best decision I’ve made in a very long time. Wish I’d known about the Private Clinic 5 years ago and saved myself years of pain and embarrassment.

Mr Nastro, Alicia and the rest of the team have helped bring quality to my life- this was to be my last attempt of trying to fix a problem that was slowly breaking me after several let downs by the public hospitals.

I made my consultation with Mr Nastro to have haemorroids removed before I started my IVF treatments to prevent future complications that might have risen with the possibility of pregnancy.

At the appointment, Mr Nastro immediately made me feel relaxed as he quietly listened to my long history of pain with this condition. No doctor had ever given me that much attention, they were always in a rush to give you, their diagnosis.

Leaving the clinic that day, I felt hopeful for the first time. Mr Nastro took his time to liaise with the IVF clinic to ensure that any procedure he wanted to do would not interfere with the IVF process. I felt taken care of. I was given Alicia’s number to call in case I had any concerns.

Communications were prompt and regular updates were given at each stage. I had a deep fissure which is no more. My wound is healing amazing, no more 14 hour pain after each bowel movement and I don’t dread going to the toilet anymore. To Mr Nastro, Alicia, and all the team at the private clinic thank you so much for giving me my life back.”

Millicent, London – Previous Haemorrhoid/Fissurectomy Patient

Summary

Laser piles surgery and Rafaelo treatment for haemorrhoids are different procedures. Laser piles surgery is typically performed under general anaesthetic, whilst Rafaelo is performed under local anaesthetic. Laser piles surgery uses laser fibre to treat haemorrhoids and Rafaelo uses radiofrequency.

Both treatments are effective and have a more advantageous recovery time in comparison to traditional open haemorrhoidectomy surgery. It will be the surgeon’s decision which one is going to be most suitable for your individual case.

Why choose The Private Clinic for private piles treatment?

The Private Clinic has over 40 years of offering the most advanced and effective treatments achieving outstanding results. We work with experienced surgeons, doctors and nurses who are able to provide the best care and aftercare ensuring the patient’s safety and satisfaction every step of the way.

Our private self-pay Rafaelo haemorrhoid treatment option gives you maximum flexibility to avoid patient waiting lists and choose the best treatment to suit you and your lifestyle.

Find out more about our haemorrhoid and other colorectal treatment options.

At The Private Clinic, we offer:

15-minute, in-clinic Haemorrhoid treatment performed under local anaesthetic
Minimal postoperative pain and aftercare
Minimal chance of piles recurrence.
Instant reduction of piles symptoms.
24-hour patient helpline direct to your nursing team and surgeon, which means should you have any concerns we are here to help.
Dedicated post-operative care and appointments with your surgeon and nursing team.
The Private Clinic’s unique comprehensive Patient Guide on Haemorrhoids.
Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to newfound confidence.