Hemorrhoids are a common complaint and most people associate the condition with some form of painful surgery. But with the development of non-invasive methods of treatment, surgery is generally needed only for a small percentage of patients with advanced symptoms. Among other modes of treatment, there is rubber band ligation, injection sclerotherapy and the most recent infrared coagulation technology, or IRC. As one of the most popular treatment methods, IRC has been found to be favored according to several parameters. It is fast, usually well-tolerated by most people and presents fewer post-treatment complications.
Hemorrhoid Types Treated
Not all types of hemorrhoids can be treated with infrared coagulation therapy. IRC works only on internal hemorrhoids up to the third stage and does not work at all on external hemorrhoids. This could be due to the material from which these two types originate. The internal hemorrhoid develops from the mucous membrane, while the external one grows from the outer skin of the body. Since skin is far thicker than mucous membrane, the infrared waves could find it difficult to penetrate the tissues of the external hemorrhoid.
The IRC Process
The physician first conducts tests to understand the progress of the ailment and to evaluate whether this particular mode of treatment is suitable. A small probe reveals the area above the hemorrhoid and subjects the tissue to a brief burst of infrared light. This compresses and seals the hemorrhoid veins and causes them to shrink. There is no pain involved in the IRC process but the patient may feel a mild sensation of warmth for a short period. Anesthesia therefore is generally not needed for the treatment.
Post-Treatment Care
There are generally no after-effects following the IRC procedure and patients can return to their normal lifestyle the same day, though lifting of heavy objects should be avoided. Since most people have more than one hemorrhoid, a few more visits may be necessary to complete the process.
Side Effects
There are usually no severe side effects after the IRC procedure, though there may be some bleeding and pain. Both of these occur due to the process of the sloughing off of the infected tissue that was part of the hemorrhoid.
Considerations
The possibility of the recurrence of the hemorrhoid is perhaps the biggest risk in IRC treatment. This mode of treatment has a higher recurrence rate than other types of treatment for hemorrhoids. IRC, like any kind of surgery, may bring with it a slight risk of shock or infection, though these are rare.
