Piles is a common problem that a lot of people go through these days. Severe cases of piles need surgery on time otherwise it can cause serious complications such as bleeding, infection, anemia, strangulation or even fistula. Piles affect the quality of life making daily chores difficult. We will go through the difference between two surgical procedures of piles i.e. piles stapler surgery versus piles laser surgery.
Piles Stapler Surgery
Piles stapler surgery is surgical treatment for mostly Grade 3 and grade 4 piles. Also known as stapled hemorrhoidectomy, the procedure involves removal of enlarged piles tissues.
- The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The piles or lumps are removed and a part of anorectum is stapled.
- Stapler procedure is a 30-40 minute procedure and the patient is discharged on the same day after complete diagnosis.
- In this procedure, the surgeon inserts the hollow tube inside the anal canal. A stapler is a disposable tool with a circular stapling device attached at the end.
- The stapler goes through the hollow tube and the ends of the suture are pulled back.
- Into all this, the tissues or the cushion come back to their position that support the anal canal.
- Therefore, the internal hemorrhoids shrink in a few weeks as the blood supply is completely cut-off. Staplers are inside till the tissues inside get healed. They flush out of the stool after some weeks.
Advantages of stapler surgery for piles
- Short surgery time
- Minimal blood loss
- Small Incisions
- Immediate post-surgery complications such as pain, bleeding are less
- Same day discharge
- Quick return to work
Complication involved in piles stapler surgery
Piles stapler surgery has very few complications. They include
- Inflammation of internal sphincters- The doctor provides medication to treat the inflammation
- Bowel discomfort
- Slight bleeding
- Anal fissure
- The anal canal tend to narrow or rectal wall due to scarring
Piles Laser Surgery
Laser surgery is the most advanced technique to treat piles or hemorrhoids. It is a no cut and no pain procedure with comparatively fewer complications in comparison to any other treatment method. Also known as laser hemorrhoidectomy, it is a safe method to treat piles.
In this process, the patient is given general anesthesia. Using laser, in a controlled and precise manner, the infrared rays are directed to the affected area to shrink piles. There is no harm to the mucosa, sphincter structure or nearby healthy tissues.
Moreover, this surgical procedure helps in the formation of new tissue to keep the anal lining and cusion area healthy, preventing recurrence of piles. There is no wound or stitches involved in the procedure. Therefore, the chances of infection are negligible and healing is easy and quick.
Advantages of laser surgery for piles
- Short surgery time
- Minimal blood loss
- No cut or Incisions
- Same day discharge
- Quick return to work
- Minimal post surgery complications
- No risk of infection or sepsis
Complication involved in piles laser surgery
Piles laser surgery has very few temporary complications. They include
- Constipation that can be treated with prescribed medicines
- Effect of anesthesia that may take some time to get normal
Piles Stapler Surgery vs. Piles Laser Surgery
| Stapler Surgery For Piles | Laser Surgery For Piles | |
| Treatment | Mostly used to treat internal hemorrhoids. Grade 3 and 4 piles | Can treat both internal and external hemorrhoids. Grade 3 and 4 piles |
| Incisions | Small | No |
| Procedure | Performed under local anesthesia with sedation or spinal or epidural anaesthesia | Performed under general anesthesia |
| Pain during surgery | Less | Very less |
| Discharge | Same day | Same day |
| Recovery | Quick | Quick |
| Complication after surgery | Irreversible incontinence, hardening of staples, bleeding and sepsis | Temporary complications such as effect of anesthesia, constipation that goes away with medication |
| Recurrence | Rate of recurrence is high | 2% recurrence chances |
| Success rate | High | Higher |
| Other | The procedure is not suggested in case of serious fibrotic piles where physical reposition is not possible. | There are no such restrictions in case of laser procedure. It leaves the healthy tissues removing the infection from the anal region. |