In-office hemorrhoid ablation, anybody?

Hi, I am someone who had this done, I had no idea what to expect and I refused meds for the procedure, big mistake. It’s basically done with a scope similar to what they use for colonoscopy but shorter in length, the doctor locates the hemorrhoid and then ties some surgical thread around it. That’s the whole procedure, the hemorrhoid shrinks because the blood flow is tied off and eventually the dried tissue will come out at some point but you won’t notice it. I found the aftermath discomfort more tolerable than the pain from the hemorrhoids before the treatment but I definitely wouldn’t do that again unless I’m asleep.

Hi, @frouke. Ouch! I'm definitely a believer in full anesthesia for colonoscopies, so I don't think I'd be brave enough to have a hemorrhoid procedure minus meds.

How has the recovery gone since the procedure?

Tagging a few Mayo Clinic Connect members who have mentioned hemhorroids in various support groups and may be familiar with an in-office ablation @azcardsfan @loribmt @linda82 @farmersmith @fotula @arieon69 @rashida @judy75 @dbrunold @celia16 @angiejimez. Hoping they can offer some pros and cons for this procedure.

My internal hemorrhoids were rather mild, so no need for a procedure. A couple years later none were noted at my second colonoscopy. My issue was one recurring external hemorrhoid that would flare intermittently. Eventually, it thrombosed and subsequently burst. No issues since then thank goodness.

I’m not recommending it, but there are videos of most all hemorrhoid treatment procedures online. Very graphic though.

I didn’t know what he was doing, he was a very bad guy and a doctor, I was supposed to get an examination because I had so much pain for some time, I refused medication because the stuff they use makes me sick and I didn’t know he would take one out during the exam. I agree that it’s not wise to refuse medication for this procedure but the doctor could have said something to give me a choice. It was painful to say the least but I took a while to get over the feeling of being violated, that guy should not be a doctor.

The no anesthesia for colonoscopy worked very well for me. Way less painful than going my natural child birth, I'd do both again. The fact that most people in the world aren't put out caught my ear too. Hey it is a choice sorry your doc didn't work out well for you. Best of luck next time, @farmersmith

As mentioned in previous suggestions for redundant colon, there are holistic modalities of medical service available. Dealing with my on going hemorrhoid's is one I have found fantastic relief for many years from: Check out The Oregon Hemorrhoid Clinic: 503-786-7272
14000 SE Johnson Rd Ste 110 Portland (Milwaukee), OR 97267
(For at least ten years) I go to Dr. Brett Hubbard, ND tomorrow who I usually see every other year, but Dr. Steven L. Gardner, ND is also great. Lay on your side and have the hemorrhoids zapped off with gentle treatment and walk out minutes later. Fantastic, good luck with alternative holistic care
@farmersmith

I have had the banding ligation done twice. I'm not certain that's the same thing as ablation. In any case, I hated the aftereffects and it didn't really work, as I ended up having the transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization. With the banding, I felt like I had to poop for a good 36 hours but really didn't have to go. I thought it was awful. The aftereffects of the THD were much less and yielded much better results. My hemorrhoids aren't totally gone, but much, much better.

I've had banding done by at least 3 different doctors
The first (gastroenterologist) was a little pain during the procedure and definitely the feeling having to go to the bathroom for most of the 24 hours I waited to go to the bathroom again.
The second (gastroenterologist) was awful
The third (Colorectal Surgeon) was excellent, just a little discomfort during the procedure, it was like, wait you already banded it ? And I had about 3 banding appointment all excellent. but you can’t get away from the feeling you need to go to the bathroom afterwards. So try and make sure you don't have to for about 24 hours after the procedure. And peeing may be difficult.

I’m 74 years old and I have had my share of colonoscopies to say the least and none of them were ever done without anesthesia, I would never recommend doing so to anyone, why suffer if you don’t have to, the only thing I would change is the guy who called himself a medical professional.