Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, can cause significant discomfort, pain, and bleeding, affecting daily life. While there are multiple treatment options available, surgical intervention is often necessary for severe cases. Traditionally, piles surgery involved invasive procedures with longer recovery periods. However, advancements in medical technology have introduced laser piles surgery , which is less painful and has a faster recovery time. In this blog, we will compare laser piles surgery vs. traditional surgical methods , exploring their advantages, procedures, recovery processes, and precautions to take post-surgery.
What Are Piles?
Piles are swollen veins in the rectum and anus that cause discomfort, itching, bleeding, and pain during bowel movements. They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus).
Causes of Piles:
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Straining during bowel movements
- Sitting for prolonged periods
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Low-fiber diet
- Genetic predisposition
Common Symptoms:
- Pain or discomfort while passing stool
- Itching or irritation around the anal area
- Swelling or lumps near the anus
- Bleeding during bowel movements
If lifestyle modifications and medications do not provide relief, surgical treatment may be recommended.
Methods of Treating Piles
Mild cases of piles can often be managed with:
- High-fiber diets
- Hydration
- Sitz baths
- Over-the-counter ointments or suppositories
- Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and avoiding prolonged sitting
However, when piles become severe and affect the quality of life, surgical options are considered. These include laser piles surgery and traditional piles surgery.
What is Laser Piles Surgery?
Laser piles surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to shrink and remove hemorrhoids. The laser precisely targets the affected tissue, sealing nerve endings and blood vessels, resulting in minimal bleeding and faster healing.
Advantages of Laser Piles Surgery:
- Minimal pain due to precise laser targeting
- Faster recovery (patients can resume normal activities within a few days)
- Less bleeding and swelling
- Shorter hospital stay or outpatient procedure
- Lower risk of infections and complications
- No stitches required
Procedure of Laser Piles Surgery:
- The patient is given local or general anesthesia.
- A laser probe is inserted into the affected area.
- The laser energy shrinks the swollen veins and seals off blood supply.
- The procedure is completed within 30–40 minutes .
- The patient is usually discharged on the same day.
What is Traditional Piles Surgery?
Traditional piles surgeries involve removing or tying off the hemorrhoids to cut off their blood supply. These methods are more invasive compared to laser treatment.
Types of Traditional Piles Surgery:
- Hemorrhoidectomy – The hemorrhoids are surgically removed using a scalpel or cautery. This method is highly effective but involves significant pain and a longer recovery period.
- Hemorrhoidopexy (Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy) – A special stapling device is used to reposition hemorrhoids and cut off blood flow, reducing their size over time.
- Sclerotherapy and Rubber Band Ligation – These methods involve injecting a chemical or placing a band around hemorrhoids to shrink them.
Disadvantages of Traditional Surgery:
- More pain and discomfort post-surgery
- Longer recovery time (2–4 weeks)
- Higher risk of infections and complications
- Requires hospitalization in some cases
Precautions to Take After Surgery
Regardless of the type of surgery, post-operative care is crucial for a smooth recovery.
Post-Surgery Care Tips:
- Maintain a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation.
- Drink plenty of water (8–10 glasses a day) to keep stools soft.
- Avoid straining during bowel movements.
- Use prescribed painkillers if needed.
- Take sitz baths (warm water baths) to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few weeks.
- Keep the anal area clean and dry to prevent infections.
- Follow up with your doctor as advised.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe pain that does not subside
- Excessive bleeding
- Difficulty in passing stool
- Fever or signs of infection
- Swelling or pus discharge from the surgical site
- Early medical intervention can prevent complications and speed up recovery.
Conclusion
Both laser piles surgery and traditional surgery are effective treatments for hemorrhoids. However, laser surgery offers significant advantages, including less pain, minimal bleeding, quicker recovery, and a lower risk of complications. For patients seeking a painless and faster treatment option, laser piles surgery is the better choice.
For expert consultation and treatment, you can visit Dr. Ujwal Zambare, a leading piles specialist in Wakad, Pune . With extensive experience in treating hemorrhoids using advanced techniques, Dr. Zambare ensures the best care for his patients.
If you’re struggling with piles and considering surgery, consult Dr. Ujwal Zambare today for a personalized treatment plan.
Stay healthy and take the right steps for a pain-free life!