A Painless, Lasting Treatment for Hemorrhoids: Infrared

Almost everyone suffers from hemorrhoids at some time in their lives. Hemorrhoids are normal “cushions” of tissue filled with blood vessels at the end of the rectum. If enlarged, they can cause unpleasant symptoms. If left untreated, surgery may be required, which can be painful and require days to weeks of recovery.

Topical medications can relieve itching and shrink mild hemorrhoids. But for enlarged or bleeding hemorrhoids, options for longer-term relief have been limited to sclerotherapy, involving injections similar to those for varicose veins, rubber band ligation, stapling and surgery. Each can have varying results, days of discomfort and possibly complications, some of which are severe.

Our practice, Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center, offers another option, an outpatient procedure called infrared coagulation (IRC). It is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that many studies have shown to be the optimal non-operative treatment of choice. It is fast, effective, well tolerated and has fewer complications than other options. Dr. Betsy Clemens, MD has performed almost 60,000 IRC procedures with very high levels of patient satisfaction.

The IRC treatment focuses infrared light on hemorrhoidal tissues. This coagulates blood vessels, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and retract. The IRC procedure does not require anesthesia or special preparation. Patients may feel a slight warm sensation, but it usually is painless, and most patients return to work the same day. IRC received FDA clearance in 1984 and is covered by most insurance plans.