Hemorrhoids, also known as piles

Are dilated blood vessels around the anus which occur after chronic increased abdominal pressure such as due to chronic constipation, chronic coughing, heavy lifting and very commonly pregnancy. They can become thrombosed (containing a blood clot), cause pain, irritation and bleeding. Large hemorrhoids are removed surgically or can be banded for treatment. Smaller external hemorrhoids are often considered too small for this treatment, however they can still be very bothersome. Laser can be used to effectively shrink the skin stretched over the external hemorrhoid as well as the underlying blood vessel. This is usually done as a series of 3-4 monthly office laser treatment under topical anesthetic cream.