In the United States, adults have approximately a 50 percent chance of developing hemorrhoids by age 50.
Every year, about 10 million people develop a hemorrhoid. There are several treatment options, but one technique to consider is the HET (heat energy therapy) procedure, which uses heat to tackle hemorrhoids.
If you are suffering from a hemorrhoid, talk to your doctor about the possibility of benefiting from HET.
About Hemorrhoids
A hemorrhoid is swollen vein. Hemorrhoids can be internal, meaning they are inside the rectum, or external, meaning they are below the skin that surrounds the anus. Hemorrhoids can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Painless bleeding that happens during a bowel movement
- A painful or sensitive lump close to the anus
- Anal irritation or itching
- Swelling in the anal area
If a hemorrhoid becomes thrombosed, this means that a clot has formed inside of it. A thrombosed hemorrhoid can cause swelling, inflammation, and significant pain. It can also result in a hard lump.
Pressure affecting the veins in the rectum or around the anus can cause a hemorrhoid to develop. The following can result in hemorrhoid-causing pressure:
- Bowel movement straining
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Being pregnant
- Eating a diet low in fiber
- Prolonged sitting on the toilet
- Being obese
- Anal intercourse
What is HET?
HET uses technology referred to as the HET Bipolar System. The procedure is efficient, gentle, and simple to perform. It is a non-surgical option for hemorrhoids.
This procedure might be considered for internal hemorrhoids that are causing uncomfortable symptoms. The features of this procedure include:
- The patient experiences minimal pain
- Compression is consistent
- No surgery is necessary
- One procedure can treat multiple hemorrhoids
- The hemorrhoids respond quickly to treatment
- Collateral tissue damage is minimized since the heat used is relatively low in temperature
What to Expect with HET
Before the procedure, the doctor may administer light anesthesia. This helps to ensure optimal comfort as the hemorrhoid is treated.
To perform the procedure, the doctor will use the machine to apply a type of low-grade heat energy to the area that surrounds the hemorrhoids. The purpose is to decrease hemorrhoid inflammation and significantly limit blood flow to the hemorrhoid and the tissue immediately surrounding it. This will cause the hemorrhoid to die.
Following the procedure, patients should get a ride home if anesthesia was utilized. The doctor will inform about any activity restrictions. This procedure only takes a few minutes per hemorrhoid to complete.