Minimally invasive procedures are advanced, low-pain treatment options for people suffering from piles. These techniques aim to shrink, remove, or cut off blood supply to the hemorrhoids without traditional surgery, leading to:
- Less pain
- Minimal bleeding
- Shorter recovery
- No general anesthesia in many cases
- Quick return to routine activities
Below are the most trending and widely adopted minimally invasive procedures in modern proctology.
1️⃣ Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
What it is:
A device uses radiofrequency waves to generate heat, which cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. This causes the pile mass to shrink over days.
Why it’s trending:
- Very little pain during and after the procedure
- Quick recovery (often 24–48 hours)
- No stitches
- Ideal for Grade I–III hemorrhoids
Benefits:
- Precise tissue destruction
- Less risk of recurrence
- Outpatient procedure (walk-in, walk-out)
2️⃣ Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP)
What it is:
A laser fiber is inserted into the hemorrhoid, delivering controlled energy that causes the tissue to shrink from inside.
Why it’s popular:
- Very minimal bleeding
- Practically painless
- Highly effective for internal hemorrhoids
Advantages:
- No external wound
- Very short downtime
- Preserves anal sphincter → less risk of complications
3️⃣ Hybrid Laser “Sandwich” Procedure
What it is:
A combination of laser energy + traditional removal techniques, but performed in a way that causes much less pain compared to older surgeries.
Benefits:
- Faster healing
- Reduced inflammation
- Low recurrence rate
- Good for advanced grades (III–IV)
4️⃣ Rubber Band Ligation (RBL)
What it is:
A tiny rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid, cutting off its blood flow. The hemorrhoid falls off naturally within a week.
Why it’s still trending:
- Efficient, quick, outpatient procedure
- Ideal for Grade II–III piles
- Updated instruments now reduce pain
Benefits:
- No anesthesia needed
- Very low complication rate
- Patients resume routine activities same day
5️⃣ Sclerotherapy (Injection Therapy)
What it is:
A chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid to shrink it by causing controlled inflammation and fibrosis.
Why it’s in demand:
- Useful for patients who cannot undergo anesthesia
- Simple and affordable
- Newer sclerosant chemicals give better results
Best for:
- Early-stage hemorrhoids
- Elderly patients
- Patients on blood thinners (with doctor approval)
6️⃣ Doppler-Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (DG-HAL / THD)
What it is:
A Doppler ultrasound probe identifies the arteries supplying the hemorrhoid, and the surgeon ties them off to reduce blood flow.
Benefits:
- Minimal pain
- Very low recurrence
- Preserves anal tissue and function
Great for:
- Grade II–III hemorrhoids
- Patients with recurrent piles
7️⃣ Infrared Coagulation (IRC)
What it is:
Infrared light is used to create heat, sealing off blood vessels feeding the hemorrhoid.
Benefits:
- Fast (2–3 minutes per hemorrhoid)
- Low pain
- No cuts or wounds
Ideal for:
- Small internal hemorrhoids
Why Minimally Invasive is Better Than Traditional Surgery
- Less post-procedure pain
- No large wounds
- Minimal bleeding
- Faster healing
- Can often be done without hospitalization
- Lower risk of complications like stenosis or incontinence