Hemorrhoid Care | Skin Surgery | Vasectomy | Reversal | Varicose Veins | Nail | Cysts | Lipoma | Hyperhidrosis | Endoscopy | Joint Pain
Introduction | Infrared Coagulation | IRC FAQ | Banding | Hemorrhoidectomy | Sphincterotomy | Anal Fistula | Anal Tag Removal | Anal Wart Removal
Infrared coagulation (IRC) was first introduced twenty years ago and has since become the world’s leading office treatment for hemorrhoids. This non-surgical treatment is fast, well tolerated, and complication-free. A small probe is placed in the base of the hemorrhoid, and a few bursts of infrared light are applied. The vessels that provide the hemorrhoid with blood are then congealed, and the hemorrhoids shrink away. It may take a few weeks for all the hemorrhoids to shrink completely.
Each treatment lasts about three to five minutes, but the severity of the hemorrhoid as well as your comfort level is considered.
The procedure is very tolerable. You’ll probably feel a brief sensation of heat rather than any actual pain. You may feel some discomfort from anoscope. This treatment is available to be done during a regular office visit and does not require any special preparation, anesthesia, or medication or salves.
You may take three 200-mg Ibuprofen tablets with some food about 1-2 hours before the procedure. Also, try to have a bowel movement 30 minutes before coming into the office.
Typically, there are no post-treatment effects. You’ll most likely do the treatment and resume normal everyday activities immediately afterward. However, there may be slight spot bleeding a few days later. Avoid heavy straining, lifting, and aspirin.
This depends on how severe the hemorrhoid problem is, the location of the hemorrhoids, and your individual response to the procedure. Most patients require 4 visits every two weeks.
Recurring hemorrhoids in different locations may occur, although rarely. If this happens, infra-red coagulation, rubber band ligation or repeat hemorrhoidectomy in the next few years may be necessary. Also, a sensible diet, moderate exercise, and proper bowel habits are helpful.
An expert in proctology, Dr. Shu does almost a thousand hemorrhoid treatments every year. He offers rubber band ligation and hemorrhoidectomy for the most severe cases if necessary. He also treats other anorectal diseases such as anal fissure, anorectal abscess, anal polyp and anal warts.