Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSHaemorrhoid probe improves patient outcomes
Haemorrhoid patients undergoing surgery are reporting reduced pain and quicker recovery thanks to a newly developed probe.
The probe, developed by Imperial College Healthcare Trust, is fitted with an ultrasound device and allows surgeons to find and tie bleeding arteries in the lower rectum before hitching haemorrhoids, also known as piles, back inside the body.
Colorectal surgeon Gordon Buchanan said: “We have done 30 cases so far and nearly all have been able to return home on the same day as surgery.
“Most of the patients told us they experienced relatively little or no discomfort following surgery and 60% were back to normal activities within four days.
“This is in contrast to traditional haemorrhoid surgery, which is painful and patients can take up to six weeks to recover fully.”
Buchanan continued: “Some of my patients who previously shied away from surgical treatment are now opting to do so because of the better outcomes this new technique offers.
“This is potentially a real breakthrough for the treatment of an extremely common condition.”
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