Key Takeaways

  • Piles (haemorrhoids) are swollen veins in and around the anus and rectum, commonly causing bleeding, itching and discomfort.
  • Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty (LHP®) shrinks haemorrhoidal tissue from the inside without cutting or stitches.
  • It's typically performed as a daycare procedure under local anaesthesia, avoiding the larger wounds of traditional haemorrhoid surgery.
  • Suitability depends on the grade of the haemorrhoids and each patient's individual circumstances, confirmed through specialist assessment.
  • Persistent rectal bleeding should always be assessed by a doctor rather than assumed to be piles.

What Are Piles (Haemorrhoids)?

Piles — the term most patients use — are what doctors call haemorrhoids: swollen, inflamed veins in and around the rectum and anus. They're extremely common, and most people will experience them at some point in their lives. Haemorrhoids can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus), and in more advanced cases they can prolapse, meaning they protrude outside the anus.

Common Symptoms of Piles

The symptoms of haemorrhoids vary depending on severity, but typically include:

  • Bleeding during or after a bowel movement, often bright red
  • Itching or irritation around the anus
  • Pain or discomfort, particularly when sitting
  • Swelling or a lump near the anus
  • A feeling that the bowel hasn't fully emptied

Mild piles often settle with dietary changes, increased fibre and fluid intake, and over-the-counter creams. It's when symptoms persist or worsen that specialist assessment becomes worthwhile.

When Should You See a Specialist?

You should arrange an assessment if you notice persistent rectal bleeding, a lump that doesn't go away, ongoing pain, or any change in your usual bowel habit. Rectal bleeding shouldn't automatically be assumed to be haemorrhoids — a specialist can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes before recommending treatment.

What Does Laser Treatment for Piles Involve?

How LHP® Works

Dr Chamisa treats advanced haemorrhoids using Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty (LHP®), a minimally invasive laser treatment for piles. Laser energy is delivered into the haemorrhoidal tissue, causing it to shrink from the inside. Because the technique doesn't involve cutting or removing tissue, it helps protect the sensitive lining and muscles of the anal canal.

The procedure is performed as a daycare case, typically under local anaesthesia, with patients discharged the same day.

How Laser Haemorrhoid Treatment Differs From Traditional Surgery

Traditional haemorrhoid surgery (haemorrhoidectomy) involves surgically excising the affected tissue, which can mean a more painful recovery and a longer return to normal activity. Laser haemorrhoid treatment, by contrast, avoids cutting or stitches altogether. Based on how the LHP® technique works, patients can generally expect less post-operative pain and a quicker return to daily activities than with conventional surgery, with the anal sphincter well preserved throughout.

Who May Be Suitable for Laser Treatment?

Suitability depends on the grade and nature of the haemorrhoids, as well as each patient's individual circumstances. Laser haemorrhoidoplasty is generally considered for patients with more advanced or prolapsing haemorrhoids who haven't responded adequately to conservative measures. A consultation with Dr Chamisa is the only reliable way to determine whether laser treatment — or another approach — is appropriate for you.

What Does Recovery Involve?

Because LHP® avoids large wounds and sutures, most patients are able to return to normal daily activities the same day or the next. There's typically no need for extended time off work, though individual recovery can vary and specific aftercare guidance will be provided after your procedure.

Why Specialist Assessment Matters

Not all rectal bleeding or discomfort is caused by haemorrhoids, and self-diagnosing can delay identifying other proctology conditions — such as an anal fissure or fistula — that need different treatment. A proper clinical assessment ensures you receive the right diagnosis and the treatment best suited to your case, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is laser treatment for piles painful?

Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty (LHP®) is typically performed under local anaesthesia, so patients don't feel pain during the procedure itself. Because it avoids cutting or stitches, most patients experience less post-operative pain than with traditional haemorrhoid surgery.

How long does recovery take after laser haemorrhoid treatment?

Most patients return to normal daily activities the same day or the next, since LHP® avoids large wounds and sutures. Individual recovery can vary, and specific aftercare guidance is provided after the procedure.

Is laser treatment better than traditional haemorrhoid surgery?

Laser treatment and traditional surgery suit different situations. LHP® avoids cutting and stitches and generally involves less post-operative pain and a quicker return to activity, while traditional haemorrhoidectomy may still be appropriate in certain cases. Dr Chamisa will advise which approach is suitable after an assessment.

When should I see a doctor about piles?

See a doctor if you have persistent rectal bleeding, a lump that doesn't go away, ongoing pain, or any change in your usual bowel habit. Rectal bleeding should always be assessed rather than assumed to be haemorrhoids.

Concerned About Piles or Haemorrhoid Symptoms?

Dr Chamisa offers specialist assessment and laser treatment for piles in Pretoria. Book an appointment to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.

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