Rafaelo procedure for treating haemorrhoids (piles)

Treating haemorrhoids can be easier than you think with the Rafaelo procedure.

A diverse group of surgeons and doctors operating on a patient together

Fixing haemorrhoids can be easier than you think.

Have you been feeling nonstop discomfort due to haemorrhoids? Don’t wait to treat them. Fortunately, treating haemorrhoids can be a simple and quick procedure.

What are haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are soft fleshy lumps just inside your back passage (anus). They have a rich blood supply and bleed easily, usually causing fresh bright-red bleeding when you have had a bowel movement. They do not usually cause pain but can cause itching around your anus.

Moreover, when large, they can pass through your anus (prolapsed pile), feeling like a lump when you clean yourself. They are often associated with constipation, particularly if you need to strain to open your bowels. Unfortunately, they can be made worse by pregnancy.

What are the benefits of surgery?

Nowadays, we are fortunate that a quick surgery can remove the haemorrhoids; this will rapidly take away the discomfort and any symptoms that haemorrhoids can cause.

Are there any alternatives to surery?

Drinking plenty of fluid and increasing the amount of fibre in your diet usually improves the way your bowels work. If these simple measures are unsuccessful, the haemorrhoids can usually be treated in a clinic. Local treatments aimed at shrinking the haemorrhoids include ‘banding’ or ‘injecting’ the haemorrhoids.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, but various anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation usually takes about 20 minutes. Your surgeon will examine your back passage and lower bowel. They will usually remove the haemorrhoids by cutting them away or using a staple gun.

What complications can happen?

General complications of any operation

Please bear in mind that there may be some general complications that your doctor will discuss with you at some point before your procedure.

Pain
Bleeding
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Blood clot in your leg
Blood clot in your lung

Specific complications of this operation

If you have been scheduled to have a haemorrhoid operation, there are a few complications that you should bear in mind. However, feel free to discuss these potential problems with your doctor.

Incomplete haemorrhoidectomy
Difficulty passing urine
Making a hole through the wall of your bowel
Anal stenosis
Developing skin tags
Developing an anal fissure
Incontinence can happen to a minor degree

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day, especially if your haemorrhoids were treated using a staple gun. Drink plenty of fluid and increase the amount of fibre in your diet to avoid constipation. The wounds often take several weeks to heal completely, and you may need to wear pads until then. There are no open wounds with the stapled technique.

You should be able to return to work within 3 to 4 weeks, depending on your type of work. Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice. You should make a full recovery and the symptoms should clear completely. However, haemorrhoids can come back.

Summary

Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause serious problems, which is why it’s best to get your teeth checked out as soon as possible. Overall, removing a wisdom tooth is usually a safe and effective way to prevent your symptoms from coming back.