Hemorrhoidectomy with lasers and other contemporary modalities.
Hemorrhoids should be classified so that the treatment can be individualized. Minor or asymptomatic hemorrhoids usually do not require any treatment. Diet modification is a useful adjunct in all degrees of hemorrhoids. Fixation procedures may be employed in the office for first-, second-, and minor third-degree hemorrhoids. These techniques are valuable in elderly and poor-risk patients. Excisions may be performed by standard instruments or lasers with good results. These techniques may be employed with local anesthesia and in an outpatient setting. Lasers may be effective as either a fixation device or an excisional tool. The problem is cost and maintenance of the equipment and the cost of the disposable apparatus. If the equipment is already available or can be shared for multidisciplinary use, hemorrhoidectomy can be accomplished in a cost-effective manner with excellent results.
Smith
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Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
D005260:Female; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008028:Light Coagulation; D008297:Male