Diode laser treatment for haemorrhoids is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. It is performed in the operating theatre under local anaesthesia, spinal anaesthesia or sedation.
 
The specialist will make a small puncture on the outside of the haemorrhoid to introduce the laser, channelling it from inside of the haemorrhoid. The laser produces an energy that instantly reduces the volume of the haemorrhoid and fixes the tissue to the submucosal layer, improving the prolapse.
 
It is important to differentiate between the diode laser and the C02 laser. The latter is older and has been used for the last 20 years and its main difference with respect to the former is that it is used to resect haemorrhoids by cutting them with a laser instead of using electrical energy or scissors. It is less painful than conventional surgery, but still produces wounds and therefore more pain than diode laser.

Both procedures aim to permanently eliminate haemorrhoids, improving the patient’s symptoms and quality of life. The difference between the two is the postoperative period and recovery time.
 
La diferencia entre ambas es el postoperatorio y la recuperación.
 

• Láser diodo: Mínimamente invasivo, coagula y reduce el tejido hemorroidal. Requiere anestesia local o sedación, produce pocas molestias y permite una recuperación rápida (1-3 días).

 

• Láser CO₂: Permite cortar y vaporizar el tejido, algo más de molestia que el láser diodo, y recuperación de 3-5 días.

 

• Cirugía convencional: Resección quirúrgica del tejido con bisturí, bajo anestesia general o raquídea. Dolor más intenso, riesgo de sangrado mayor y recuperación más lenta (2-4 semanas).

En general, el láser diodo destaca por ser menos invasivo, con mínima incomodidad y reincorporación rápida a la vida diaria, mientras que las otras técnicas pueden requerir más cuidados y tiempo de recuperación.

• It reduces post-operative pain to a minimum.

 

• No incisions or open wounds

 

• Rapid recovery

 

• Reduced bleeding, as the laser cauterises.

 

• Decreases anal stenosis, improving symptoms..

 

• As the tissue is not removed, the faecal containment function is preserved