- Haemorrhoid Treatments at The Private Clinic offer safe and reliable haemorrhoids/piles removal with lasting results
- Treatments are available at our London Harley Street & Birmingham clinics
- Expert Colorectal NHS Consultant Surgeons
What’s on this page
Medically reviewed by Mr Piero Nastro, MD, MRCS, FRCS(Eng). GMC Number: 6037215, Laparoscopic, General & Colorectal Consultant Surgeon for The Private Clinic of Harley Street, London.
Last Reviewed June 6th 2024
Related Treatments
Haemorrhoids
Although haemorrhoids are actually very common and their symptoms do often disappear on their own after a few days, there are cases where symptoms such as soreness and bleeding can become severe and unfortunately don’t go away. In these cases, haemorrhoid removal treatment is needed to treat them.
What are Haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids, hemorrhoids or piles are vascular structures in the anus. When these structures become swollen, they can cause a huge amount of discomfort with symptoms including, but not limited to: itchiness, bleeding and soreness.
There are 4 clinical grades of Haemorrhoids.
- 1 Degree – No prolapse, just prominent blood vessels. At this stage you may not be feeling any pain but in some cases a mild discomfort and itching can be present.
- 2 Degree – Prolapse emerges with strain but spontaneously reduces and returns. You will most likely be experiencing pain and irritation at this stage.
- 3 Degree – Prolapse emerges with strain and needs to be pushed back in. Haemorrhoids at this stage will cause a high level of discomfort, and pain and there may be a risk of bleeding.
- 4 Degree – Prolapse emerges and cannot be reduced or pushed in. At this stage, you will be in a lot of pain and will be prone to bleeding.
They are very common with up to 50% of the population potentially suffering from symptomatic haemorrhoids at some point in their lives (source: Haemorrhoids: diagnosis and management. Am Surg 75 (8): 635–42). The root cause of haemorrhoids is down to increased pressure in the abdomen which can be the result of a variety of factors including chronic diarrhoea or constipation, pregnancy, obesity, low-fibre diets and genetics.
How do I treat haemorrhoids?
For many, the condition can be treated with over-the-counter treatments, GP-prescribed medication or a change of diet. However, if left untreated haemorrhoids will need surgical treatment.
Haemorrhoid treatments at The Private Clinic are available at our clinics in Birmingham and London Harley Street.
At The Private Clinic, we have a team of expert Colorectal Consultants who are able to offer patients the revolutionary Rafaelo® procedure. This is a safe and reliable haemorrhoid removal treatment with lasting results as seen in The Daily Mail.
Rafaelo Treatment for Piles
The Rafaelo procedure uses radiofrequency ablation to treat and remove internal haemorrhoids. The 15-minute procedure can be performed in-clinic and patients are able to return to their daily activities immediately with minimal post-treatment pain or aftercare.
Our Rafaelo treatment is suitable for most patients, however, in the circumstances where our Colorectal consultants feel you are not suitable for treatment, they will endeavour to offer you an alternative haemorrhoid treatment to help you achieve the best results.
THD Haemorrhoid Procedure
Transanal haemorrhoid dearterialization (THD) is an effective haemorrhoid treatment for haemorrhoids approved by NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). The procedure works to reduce the size of the haemorrhoids by suturing their blood supplying arteries via a doppler guided ultrasound device. The THD procedure is classed as minimally invasive surgery since the surgeon does not need to cut or remove any tissue. Patients tend to have a much faster recovery.
Haemorrhoidectomy Surgery
Haemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of the haemorrhoids. We most commonly perform a Closed Haemorrhoidectomy procedure which is where the surgeon will remove the haemorrhoid/s using a scalpel, scissors, electrocautery, or laser before then closing the wound with a suture.
Our Haemorrhoidectomy procedures are performed in our discreet state of the art hospital using the most advanced techniques.
Visiting The Private Clinic for your haemorrhoid removal treatment means that you are in the best of hands.
What other Proctology treatments / Colorectal surgery do you offer?
Haemorrhoids are often wrongly self-diagnosed and many patients who come to see us often find out that they instead have another proctology issue such as anal skin tags. This is why all our consultations include a free proctoscopy exam to ensure a correct diagnosis before deciding on the best form of treatment.
We can provide treatment for Anal fissures, Anal skin tags and Anal warts at our clinics. Visit us for a consultation to find out more.
Why choose The Private Clinic for Haemorrhoid removal treatment?
- Expert Colorectal NHS Consultant Surgeons
- Our 15 minute, walk-in, walk out Rafaelo procedure is our first choice in haemorrhoid treatment.
- No overnight stay.
- Free Protoscopy Exam (usually priced additionally at £100-150 at most clinics and private hospitals) included in all clinic consultations.
- Treatment is carried out in our discreet clinics or hospitals in London & Birmingham.
- 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. We are here to give you the best experience.
- The Private Clinic provides patients with a 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 a newfound confidence.
Ask us a question
Haemorrhoid Treatment Options
Rafaelo Haemorroids Removal Treatment
What is Rafaelo® treatment?
The Rafaelo® procedure is a safe and effective internal piles treatment. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic in our discreet clinics where you would have had your initial consultation.
The consultant will inject the base of the haemorrhoid with local anaesthetic via an anoscope. Once numb a metal probe will be inserted into each haemorrhoid and radio frequency energy is applied which reduces the blood flow to the area forcing it to shrink and eventually disappear. Once they disappear, a scar or mucous membrane will cover the old site of the haemorrhoid or piles.
The procedure can be performed on all internal grade 1-3 haemorrhoids. Grade 4 haemorrhoids are usually external haemorrhoids at this stage and are not suitable for the Rafaelo® procedure due to the nervous system. If there is an internal part of a grade 4 haemorrhoid, the Rafaelo® procedure can be used to reduce the size of the haemorrhoid to help improve symptoms, but surgical removal may also be required.
Rafaelo® Aftercare
Once the Rafaelo® procedure is over, you will be briefed again on your aftercare and often provided with painkillers to take home with you.
We usually suggest that the patient allows 1-7 days to recover from the procedure and this will vary depending on the severity of the haemorrhoids. In the majority of cases, most patients have been able to return to work within 1-2 days following the procedure depending on their job role.
To achieve the best results, it is best to stick to a fit and healthy lifestyle post-procedure, eat plenty of fibre, fruit and vegetables and stay hydrated to reduce the risk of constipation.
Patients will be given a follow-up appointment with their surgeon around 6-8 weeks after the procedure to discuss the results of the treatment.
Rafaelo® Haemorrhoid treatment is available at our clinics in London Harley Street & Birmingham.
Haemorrhoidectomy Surgery
Our haemorrhoidectomy procedures are carried out at our discreet London Fitzroy Hospital. You will be given an admission time which is usually an hour before the agreed start time of surgery. Once you have been admitted, our nursing team will record your blood pressure and prepare you ready for surgery. You will meet with your surgeon who will go through the procedure again and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
We offer three types of haemorrhoidectomy procedures:
- Closed Hemorrhoidectomy.
- Open Hemorrhoidectomy.
- Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy
Your surgeon will have briefed you on which procedure is most suitable for you ahead of your surgery.
Consultations for Haemorrhoidectomy procedures are available our London Harley Street clinic
Transanal haemorrhoid dearterialization (THD) Surgery
Transanal haemorrhoid dearterialization (THD) is a minimally invasive doppler-guided ligation surgical procedure for treating haemorrhoids/piles. Like HALO treatment for piles, THD uses a micro-doppler ultrasound device to help guide the surgeon to place sutures across the haemorrhoidal arteries.
The treatment is performed under general anaesthetic and takes around 30-40 minutes to complete. A precise knot and stitch is placed around the haemorrhoid arteries which helps to prevent blood flow to the area. As a result, over time, haemorrhoids will gradually shrink.
As the THD procedure does not cut or remove any haemorrhoidal tissue, post-operative complications are significantly reduced, and postoperative pain and recovery time are also reduced in comparison to haemorrhoidectomy procedures.
Consultations for THD procedures are available at our London Harley Street clinic
Find out more about the THD for haemorrhoids procedures here.
The Private Clinic have collaborated with Chrysalis Finance to offer 0% finance for our patients.*
*Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.
FAQs
You should notice your haemorrhoid symptoms improving almost immediately after Rafaelo® procedure or haemorrhoidectomy surgery.
The recovery time from the Rafaelo® procedure normally takes between one to seven days, but is generally less. This depends on the severity of the haemorrhoids.
Overall, THD does have a shorter recovery period in comparison to a haemorrhoidectomy procedure. Most patients can return to their usual daily activities after 1 week.
The recovery time following haemorrhoidectomy surgery can take 2-4 weeks but most patients are able to return to the majority of their usual activities within 2 weeks.
You will be seen again in clinic between 6 and 8 weeks after your haemorrhoid removal procedure
You will be given painkillers to take home with you after your haemorrhoid removal procedure.
Patients who have had a haemorrhoidectomy may experience some bleeding or discharge from the anus.
Full aftercare instructions will be provided following your haemorrhoid treatment.
Ensure you have plenty high-fibre foods as part of your diet, drink plenty of water or similar fluids, always go to the toilet when you need to, avoid excessive pushing or straining when passing a stool, take part in regular exercise, avoid sitting for extended periods and ask your GP about fibre supplements if required.
Haemorrhoids develop when the veins around your anus are stretched under pressure resulting in them swelling. The swollen veins can develop for a wide range of reasons such as excessive straining during bowel movements and increased pressure due to pregnancy.
Symptoms of haemorrhoids will vary from person to person but they can include;
Bleeding
Itching or irritation around your anal region
Swelling
Soreness or pain from your anus
Most patients are able to return to their daily activities once the Rafaelo® procedure is done but depending on the grade of the haemorrhoids you may wish to have a day or two of rest.
For patients who have had haemorrhoidectomy surgery, it will depend on the type of job role that you have but generally patients take anywhere from 1-2 weeks off work.
Overall, THD does have a shorter recovery period in comparison to a haemorrhoidectomy procedure. Most patients can return to work after 1 week.
The Rafaelo treatment is our first haemorrhoid treatment choice. If you are not suitable for this procedure, then we are also able to offer THD Haemorrhoid Treatment or a Haemorrhoidectomy surgical procedure.
Our expert consultant colorectal surgeons are specialists and will be able to advise on which treatment is best for you.
The Rafaelo® procedure takes 15 minutes to perform.
A Haemorrhoidectomy surgery takes 30 minutes – 1 hour to perform.
A THD Haemorrhoid procedure takes 30-40 mins to perform.
If you are having Rafaelo treatment, there may be some slight discomfort and a sharp scratch when the local anaesthetic is injected but once that takes effect there should be no pain. If required, you will be given a mild sedative to help you relax.
If you are having Haemorrhoidectomy surgery or THD Haemorrhoid Treatment, these are performed under general anaesthetic so you will not be awake or able to feel anything during the procedure.
Haemorrhoid procedures are often the best method of haemorrhoid removal treatment. They not only improve the symptoms of haemorrhoids but also remove or reduce the haemorrhoids.
Our Rafaelo procedure has been a great success in our clinics. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has also approved the Rafaelo procedure when it is carried out with special arrangements for clinical governance, consent and audit or research (NICE interventional procedures guidance IPG589).
THD Haemorrhoid Treatment has been approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) in 2010 as an effective alternative to haemorrhoidectomy or stapled haemorrhoidopexy.
Haemorrhoidectomy procedures are also very effective and usually cures a haemorrhoid although care must be taken to avoid developing further haemorrhoids in the future.
We recommend coming in for a consultation to discuss your symptoms and our specialists will be able to assess your suitability for the procedure and what your outcome from treatment is likely to be.
All treatments and procedures have risks, and these will all be discussed with you in detail during your consultation.
Potential risks or side effects of the Rafaelo® procedure includes: discomfort after the procedure, discharge, symptom recurrence, infection and minor bleeding within the first couple of weeks post-procedure.
Risks and complications from haemorrhoidectomy surgery are rare but include: slow healing, narrowing of the anus due to scar tissue, small tears, damage to the sphincter muscles, infection, and urinary retention
Haemorrhoid treatment is available on the NHS however, in 2018 a consultation was conducted by the NHS which decided which treatments would no longer be funded. This consultation concluded that haemorrhoidectomy surgery should be reduced in theatres and this action was implanted in April 2019 as part of the NHS England guideline through the clinical care groups (CCGS). You can read the consultation document here.
As a result of this, fewer haemorrhoid procedures are being offered to patients as part of the NHS. There are long NHS waiting lists and often a limited choice of treatment or surgeons.
There are a number of benefits involved with choosing to go private with your haemorrhoid treatment which includes:
- Access to treatments that may not be available on the NHS local to you
- Choice of where and when you want to have treatment
- Choice of consultant
- No NHS waiting list
- Faster treatment
Private Haemorrhoid procedure UK
Consultations for private haemorrhoid treatment can take place at our clinics in:
Haemorrhoid treatment London – 98 Harley Street, London, W1G 7HZ
Haemorrhoid treatment Birmingham – 88 Hagley Road, Birmingham, B16 8LU
Private haemorrhoidectomy surgery takes place at our London Fitzroy Hospital. Situated in central London, our discreet purpose built theatre at Fitzroy Square is ideally placed to offer you the very best service throughout your haemorrhoidectomy treatment with us.
Private colorectal surgeon near me
We have two experienced colorectal surgeons working with us at The Private Clinic.
Colorectal surgeon London
Mr Piero Nastro is our colorectal surgeon in London. He consults from our London Harley Street clinic offering the Rafaelo® treatment for suitable patients alongside more traditional haemorrhoidectomy procedures.
Colorectal surgeon Birmingham
Mr Amit Patel is our colorectal surgeon in Birmingham. He consults from our Birmingham clinic where he is also able to conduct the Rafaelo® procedure.
Book a consultation at a haemorrhoid clinic near you.
Our top colorectal surgeons are available for consultations for any patients who are troubled with haemorrhoid symptoms. Our surgeons are experienced in advising what best haemorrhoid treatment options are suitable.
We will always try to offer you a non-surgical option to treat your haemorrhoids where suitable. Our non-surgical haemorrhoid treatment is Radio Frequency Ablation of Haemorrhoids under Local Anaesthetic, also known as the Rafaelo procedure.
Rafaelo treatment is performed in-clinic under local anaesthetic. The treatment involves using radio frequency technology which is commonly used to treat varicose veins.
The heat from radiofrequency ablation causes blood vessels within the piles to coagulate which reduces and eventually stops blood flow to the pile. This causes the piles to shrink over time and clear from the area.
Other non-surgical options that can help treat piles include:
- Hydrocortisone cream for piles
- Pain killers
- Rubber Band Ligation
- Sclerotherapy
- Electrotherapy
- Infrared Coagulation
But we believe the Rafaelo procedure offers patients the best results and many patients only experience minimal pain and discomfort for very short period during their recovery time in comparison to other similar treatments.
To find out more about how to get rid of piles without surgery, book a consultation with out expert Consultant surgeons.
Our Rafaelo treatment takes as little as 15 minutes to treat piles. It can provide instant relief from the symptoms of piles, but it can take up to 2 weeks to see the final results.
Unfortunately they are no instant cures for haemorrhoids unless you have haemorrhoidectomy surgery where the piles are surgically removed. Haemorrhoidectomy is the quickest way to get rid of piles, but the recovery process can be a lot longer.
To find out more about how to get rid of piles quickly, book a consultation with out expert Consultant surgeons.
There are lots of treatments for piles available.
At our private haemorrhoid treatment clinics we offer patients the Rafaelo haemorrhoid treatment which is a non-surgical internal piles treatment that uses Radio Frequency Ablation to target, treat and remove haemorrhoids.
If not suitable for Rafaelo haemorrhoid treatment, we can also offer haemorrhoidectomy which is a piles operation where the piles/haemorrhoids are surgically removed from the area.
To find out more about how to get rid of piles book a consultation with out expert Consultant surgeons.
Piles can affect both men and women.
Women in particular can be more prone to developing piles during pregnancy. Haemorrhoids during pregnancy are often caused due to:
- Changing hormones
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased pressure on veins near the anus
- Constipation caused by iron supplements, hormones and sitting for longer periods.
In most cases, haemorrhoids caused by pregnancy will often disappear after after pregnancy and labour without any need for treatment. This is because your hormone levels and blood pressure will stabilise and pressure on the veins will be decrease. Having piles after delivery is not uncommon however and you may need to seek further treatment to resolve this.
In some instances, haemorrhoids will need treatment as untreated haemorrhoids can cause complications. You may be advised to try the following treatments during and immediately after pregnancy to help ease the symptoms of haemorrhoids:
- Witch hazel wipes
- Sitz bath
- Epsom salt bath
- Kegel exercises
- Avoid straining during bowel movements
- Ice packs
- Using moist toilet wipes
- Move around frequently
If haemorrhoids are still an issue following pregnancy, you may be advised to seek treatment.
Our expert Consultant surgeons are experts in advising women on how best to treat haemorrhoids caused by pregnancy. Book a consultation to find out more.
Women who are not pregnant could also develop haemorrhoids due to:
- Persistent straining during bowel movements
- Being obese
- Lack of fibre in their diet
- Anal intercourse
- Sitting for long periods on the toilet
- Heavy lifting
Whatever the cause of your haemorrhoids, our Colorectal surgeons are very knowledgeable in piles treatments including the revolutionary, safe and reliable new Rafaelo treatment.
Book a consultation to find out more.
The symptoms and length of time that you have piles will vary from person to person.
On average, a person who has small mild haemorrhoids may see them clear up without treatment after a few days. Larger haemorrhoids and external haemorrhoids may take longer to go away and often will require additional treatment.
We would recommend seeking advise from your GP to start with but if you have haemorrhoids or piles that are not going away then it may be best to seek private piles treatment.
Our expert Consultant surgeons are experts in treating all severities of haemorrhoids for both men and women. Book a consultation to find out more about the treatments we offer including the revolutionary, safe and reliable new Rafaelo treatment which can be performed in-clinic, under local anaesthetic and allows you to return to your daily activities immediately with minimal post-operative pain and aftercare.
When will I see results after piles treatment?
If you have Rafaelo treatment it can take 2 weeks for piles to go away.
If you have haemorrhoidectomy surgery, the piles are removed instantly but you will have a period of recovery time.
Piles can affect both men and women and the causes are in most cases the same.
Common causes for piles in men include:
- Straining and constipation
- Obesity
- Lack of fibre in diet
There is a misconception that anal sex can cause piles in homosexual men, but this is not usually the direct cause. Anal sex can irritate existing piles causing new symptoms such as pain and bleeding. Anal sex can cause anal fissures which are often confused or misdiagnosed as piles, but these are not the same.
Our expert Consultant surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating all severities of haemorrhoids for both men and women. Book a consultation to find out more about the treatments we offer including the revolutionary, safe and reliable new Rafaelo treatment which can be performed in-clinic, under local anaesthetic and allows you to return to your daily activities immediately with minimal post-operative pain and aftercare.
There are a lot of remedies to help with the symptoms of piles which will then resolve once the piles go away. These include:
- Witch hazel wipes
- Sitz bath
- Epsom salt bath
- Kegel exercises
- Avoid straining during bowel movements
- Ice packs
- Using moist toilet wipes
- Creams or Ointments
There are also a variety of lifestyle changes you can make to help current piles and avoid piles from reoccurring in the future.
- Eat more fibre
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Wear loose fitting underwear
- Not waiting to use the toilet
- Not straining on the toilet
- Sit with legs slightly raised when on the toilet
If your piles are not going away or you are experiencing recurrent piles, then treatment may be required. Your GP may be able to refer you, but the waiting lists are often long. Many patients are opting for private piles treatment to avoid waiting and be free of piles symptoms quicker.
Our expert Consultant surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating all severities of haemorrhoids for both men and women. Book a consultation to find out more about the treatments we offer including the revolutionary, safe and reliable new Rafaelo treatment which can be performed in-clinic, under local anaesthetic and allows you to return to your daily activities immediately with minimal post-operative pain and aftercare.
Our Haemorrhoid Treatment Clinics
Meet our Medical Experts
We have some of the most experienced colorectal surgeons in the country working with us offering the best health care procedures for haemorrhoid treatment.
Mr Amit Patel consults and Treats at our Birmingham Haemorrhoid Clinic and London Fitzroy Hospital offering the Rafaelo® haemorrhoid Removal Procedure and THD haemorrhoid surgery. Mr Patel undertook the first cohort of Rafaelo® patients in the West Midlands and is extremely excited about being able to offer this revolutionary state of the art technology for the management of haemorrhoids and is very confident that this will become a gold standard technique. Consultations with Mr Patel are £200 which includes a protoscopy examination.
Mr Piero Nastro consults and Treats from our London Harley Street Haemorrhoid clinic and London Fitzroy Hospital offering both the Rafaelo® haemorrhoid removal procedure and Haemorrhoidectomy surgical procedures. Mr Nastro has extensive experience in treating haemorrhoids and prides himself on offering the best method of treatment to achieve the best results for all his patients. Consultations with Mr Nastro are £300 which includes a proctoscopy examination.
Our surgeons also offer a range of proctology treatments including Anal Skin Tag Removal, Anal Warts and Anal Fissures.
MD, MRCS, FRCS (Eng.)
GMC Number: 6037215
London Harley Street
BSc, MD, MBBS, FRCS (Plast.)
GMC Number: 4737010
Birmingham
