Ultrasound hemorrhoid surgery is one of the recent methods for treating hemorrhoids by Ultrasonic waves and is one of the preferred techniques in scientific studies. We will shed light on it below.
(Many people mistakenly call it laser hemorrhoid surgery)
These devices include for example Thunderbeat , Sonosurg , and others that use ultrasonic technology in hemorrhoid operation. When performing ultrasound surgery, this technology can remove the hemorrhoids while simultaneously sealing the blood vessels lessening the bleeding.
This is done with high precision, targeting the hemorrhoids, thus eliminating the need for stitches as in the traditional procedure, which requires stitches and suture threads, but not in Ultrasonic hemorrhoidectomy.
Ultrasound hemorrhoid surgery devices, such as the Thunderbeat, Sonosurg, uses lower temperatures than Laser hemorrhoid surgery or LigaSure , a radiofrequency electro-cautery device used in hemorrhoid surgery. Therefore, in addition to its precision, using ultrasonic hemorroidectomy has less damage to the tissue surrounding the hemorrhoids.
Many scientific studies have proven the benefits of ultrasonic hemorrhoid surgery (such as Thunderbeat or Sonosurg) compared to traditional hemorrhoid surgery in terms of speed of operation time (minutes), bleeding, or pain, and this is consistent with what we have observed in our practice. However, it is still not widely used due to its high cost and the need for experienced surgeons accustomed in using these devices.
It is, of course, a completely different technology from LigaSure electro-thermal coagulation or radiofrequency.
To get an idea of some other common methods of hemorrhoid surgery [click here]
- Note: We’ve received many questions regarding the difference between:
- 1- Ultrasound device for hemorrhoids REMOVAL (Ultrasonic hemorroidectomy)
- 2- Ultrasound (Doppler) with sutures in hemorrhoid surgery known as (HAL) technique, also known as (THD) technique).
As you may have noticed, Both methods have the same phrase (Ultrasound waves). But of course the two methods are completely different, and the two devices are different.
Here is a simplified comparison of the two devices and methods:
| Ultrasound Device To REMOVE hemorrhoids | Doppler Ultrasound device For IMAGING, then STITCHING and suturing “HAL or THD Doppler” | |
|---|---|---|
| Device operation | The device excise and remove the hemorrhoid.
With the vessels sealed simultaneously at the site of excision. | The device is for imaging only.
(colloquially known as: Doppler or Ultrasound) |
| The role of the device
In hemorrhoids (Piles) | Actual Removal hemorrhoids | Imaging only.
To help locate the place of the stitching and suturing |
| Suture thread/Stiching | No. Not required. | Yes. There are stitches and sutures applied inside the anus.
The doctor may tell you that there will be no visible stitches, meaning that the stitches will not be showing outside the anus, but rather inside it. The concept of the procedure (HAL or Doppler THD) is based on Sutures and Surgical Stitches. The role of the Doppler ultrasound device here is to identify the place where to apply the stitches. |
| Hemorrhoidectomy which means Removal of the Hemorrhoids (piles) | Yes | No.
Only suturing inside the anus of the vessels feeding the hemorrhoids with the aim of possibly atrophying and shrinking the hemorrhoids. |
| Cost | More expensive | More cheaper |
| Scar or Mark | Yes. | Yes. It is located inside the anus and can be easily felt and located at the site of the stitches.
(Because it is felt inside the anus, the patient may mistakenly think that it will be without a scars.) |
| Pain | Less, depending on the case. | Less, depending on the case. |
| Recurrence of Hemorrhoids | The device actually removes the hemorrhoids.
It can also be sent for analysis. | Yes, it may return, especially in prolapsed hemorrhoids or fourth-degree and visible outside hemorrhoids. |
| its wide-spread or preference | It is considered one of the recent and preferred methods so far. | There has been a marked lack of use of this technology since its emergence about 15 years ago. |
| Examples of Devices |  |  |
| Conclusion | We recommend this technique first or laser. | In this technique: The recurrence rate of hemorrhoids is unsatisfactory in fourth-degree hemorrhoids or those that appear just outside the anus. The recurrence rate of hemorrhoids reaches 38% according to accurate studies conducted by the United States Department of Health. FDA-USA. |
– How to know which method the doctor will use?
- Ask your doctor if he will perform an ultrasound hemorrhoidectomy (actual removal of Hemorrhoids) , or Suturing and Doppler (HAL) procedure.
- Or in short, ask your doctor whether or not he will use an intra-anal Doppler .
It’s worth noting that hemorrhoids have been known since ancient times, and the methods and techniques of hemorrhoid surgery have gone through many developments and stages with the aim of achieving the best treatment and reducing surgical complications. The goals of these developments, for example, include enabling patients to return to normal life more quickly and reducing pain and bleeding after hemorrhoid surgery. This is what the ultrasound hemorrhoid surgery technique seeks to achieve. We would like to point out that it is difficult to list all of these developments and different methods in this article. We always advise patients to inquire about new methods, their availability, the differences between them, and the surgeon’s experience with the procedure they will perform.
We also always point out that not all hemorrhoid cases require surgery. In some cases, a diet high in fiber to avoid constipation is sufficient, or certain medications are prescribed for a short period.
This page was created with the help of information technology as a mean of communication with incoming inquiries and to try to answer some of the questions that we receive, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
All contents are intended for informational purposes only and are not medical or therapeutic advice for any patient. Treatment advice for any patient is incomplete without a medical examination and consultation with a specialized physician.
