Gastrointestinal

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OR Procedures

Infrared Coagulation Therapy (IRC) - In Office Procedure for Hemorrhoids

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are very common, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth. They result from increased pressure in the veins of the anus. The pressure causes the veins to swell, making them painful, particularly when you are sitting.

The most common cause is straining during bowel movements.

Causes of Hemorrhoids?

• Straining during bowel movements
  
• Constipation
  
• Sitting for long periods of time
  
• Anal infections
  
• Certain diseases, such as liver cirrhosis

Hemorrhoids may be inside or outside the body.

• Internal hemorrhoids occur just inside the anus, at the beginning of the rectum.
  
• External hemorrhoids occur at the anal opening and may hang outside the anus.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

• Anal itching
• Anal ache or pain, especially while sitting
• Bright red blood on toilet tissue, stool, or in the toilet bowl
• Pain during bowel movements
• One or more hard tender lumps near the anus

What is IRC Infrared Coagulation Therapy?

This non-surgical treatment is fast, well tolerated, and remarkably complication-free. A small probe is placed above the hemorrhoid and a few short bursts of infrared light are applied. The infrared light quickly coagulates the vessels that provide the hemorrhoid with blood, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and recede. Shrinkage of the hemorrhoidal tissue may take a few weeks. Usually 1-3 treatments are required.