Laser hemorrhoidoplasty for the treatment of second-degree and third-degree hemorrhoids, is it effective?

Background: Treatment of anorectal diseases has always been a challenge as there are many treatment options, and thismultiplicity added more confusion about the best modality for treatment, which is still controversial. This work aimed toanalyze the safety and efficacy of laser hemorrhoidoplasty therapy using the 1470 nm laser in patients with second-degreeand third-degree hemorrhoids.Patients and Methods: This prospective clinical study was carried out on 100 patients aged from 19 to 59 years, bothsexes, with second-degree or third-degree hemorrhoids after failure of medical treatment. Endoscopic evaluation of thecolon was performed on high-risk patients aged over 50 presenting with symptomatic hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding toexclude any associated pathology.Results: A Intraoperative complications were hematoma in 15 (15%) patients and mucosal injury in four (4%) patients.Operative duration ranged from 7 to 22 min with a mean±SD value of 16.95±2.94 min. Postoperative pain score anddischarge were significantly lower after 1 weak, 1 month, and 3 months compared to after 24 h (P<0.05). Postoperativebleeding and edema were insignificantly different between after 24 h and 1 weak and significantly lower after 1 and 3months compared to after 24 h (P<0.05). Postoperative stenosis, incontinence, and recurrence were not reported in anypatients.Conclusion: We conclude that diode laser is a safe, minimally invasive method for treating second-degree and thirddegreehemorrhoids with the advantages of low postoperative pain, short hospital stay, early return to normal activities,and short operative time. However, it is important to know that laser hemorrhoidoplasty costs more than conventionalprocedures.