Surgeons can now shrink and cure hemorrhoids instantly

Last week, Mulago hospital carried out the first laser surgery using the latest technology to shrink hemorrhoids. 

Dr. Ronald Mbiine, a Gastro intestinal surgeon says they have been using open surgery to treat hemorrhoids and other conditions that require minimally invasive therapies.

Laser surgery uses special light beams instead of instruments for surgical procedures.

Dr. Michael Oling, a Laparoscopy and laser vein treatment surgeon at Ruby Medical center says hemorrhoids afflict over six million people in Uganda.

Unfortunately, a third of these are misdiagnosed.

“Before laser surgery, we used to cut but most patients we operated shunned hospital and discouraged others from undergoing this surgery,” he says.

Olinga is quick to add that the pain from the wound in the anal area is unbearable.

Even other procedures they used to treat the hemorrhoids were equally aggressive. For example, in some cases they would tie rubber bands on the hemorrhoids or staple it to cut off blood supply until it shrinks. But this could take three to four weeks.

Meanwhile, Dr. Emmanuel Alex Elobu, Gastro intestinal surgeon and head of colorectal surgery at Mulago hospital explains that hemorrhoids are engorged blood vessels in the anal area.

Normally, we are all born with anal cushion; a normal swelling in the anal area which is not visible outside the anus.

Its role is to help us control air or hold stool. But when the cushions are over worked, for example in instances of constipation, dehydration or poor diet, the vessels enlarge and become brittle. They eventually sag and come out of the anal canal.

“Currently, more patients are coming in for surgery majorly because of the convenience of laser surgery,” Oling notes.

He adds that there is no admission for long hours because the surgery takes less time; about five minutes per hemorrhoid.

“It’s also easier for the surgeon to locate and shrink the hemorrhoids. Basically, the machine does the work,” he says adding that, “We use the sharp tip to get into the blood vessel and shrink the hemorrhoid instantly.”

Dr. Emmanuel Alex Elobu, Gastro intestinal surgeon and head of colorectal surgery at Mulago hospital says Laser surgery works for all kinds of patients; young and old.

“It is a day care procedure. We don’t cut and there is no pain or bleeding,” he says.

Elobu adds that they plan to roll it out to upcountry facilities.

Cost

The cost varies depending on the hospital.

Oling says they range from $1000-$2,500.

“The cost includes fiber ($300) and this is used once to mitigate infections. We also pay surgeon’s professional fee among others,” he explains.

Mbiine appeals to government to procure machines to help bring down the cost because they are currently hiring them.

These services can be accessed at Nakasero Hospital, International Hospital Kampala, Ruby Medical Centre, Platinum Hospital, Alexandria, Rubaga, Nsambya and Kampala hospital among others.