Infrared Coagulation of Hemorrhoids Instructions
Infrared coagulation, also called IRC, is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure used to treat hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are veins in your anal area that have become swollen or inflamed. Because of their location, they are prone to itching, bleeding and infection.
While many techniques exist for dealing with hemorrhoids, IRC has proven to be effective and fast. Dr. Khodadadian completed special training in IRC and has treated many patients successfully with this procedure.
An outpatient procedure, IRC uses infrared light, a laser or an electrical current with equal effect. You won’t feel much discomfort at all, and the process causes no side effects.
Infrared Coagulation Preparations
You do not need any special preparation procedures unless you want to be sedated during the procedure. In that case, you must fast (no food or water) for eight hours before your appointment. You’ll also need someone responsible to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours once you’re released.
Infrared Coagulation Procedure
During the infrared coagulation procedure, our doctors use a small probe to make contact with the skin above a hemorrhoid, exposing the tissue to a quick pulse of infrared light. The heat from the infrared light burns the hemorrhoid. The resulting scar tissue cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, which causes it to shrink and die.
You may feel heat and some mild pain, but the discomfort is minimal. You always can ask to be sedated during the procedure. Each treatment takes approximately 10 minutes.
Recovering from Infrared Coagulation
After the procedure, you may feel the urge to have a bowel movement. You also may feel that your lower abdomen is full. These conditions are temporary. You may experience some slight rectal bleeding, but it should stop of its own accord.
If you were sedated, you must stay under surveillance until the sedative wears off. Before you can be released, you must have someone available to drive you home and stay with you for several hours.
Don’t take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a few days, but you might find a stool softener will help you ease your bowel movement while you heal. To keep hemorrhoids from returning, consider some lifestyle changes. A sensible diet, moderate exercise and proper bowel habits will help you remain hemorrhoid free.
