• 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
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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

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. 

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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.

Find out more about the Rafaelo® treatment here. 

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

Find out more about Haemorrhoidectomy procedures here.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am suitable for haemorrhoid treatment?
There are 4 clinical grades of Haemorrhoids. Rafaelo treatment is ideal for treating 1-3 but grade 4 may only be reduced and require a haemorrhoidectomy procedure to get the best results. Your surgeon will be able to best advise you during a consultation.
What is the recovery time?

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

What does haemorrhoid treatment aftercare involve?

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.

How can I prevent haemorrhoids?

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.

How do haemorrhoids develop?

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.

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.

Consultant Laparoscopic, General & Colorectal Consultant Surgeon

Consultant Laparoscopic General & Colorectal Surgeon