About 10 million people in the United States suffer from hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins found at the lowest part of the rectum and the anus. There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external.
Internal hemorrhoids can be found far inside the rectum and can’t typically be seen or felt. They are generally painless, and are usually discovered due to a presence of rectal bleeding. External hemorrhoids are found in and around the anus. Because there are more sensitive nerves in the anus, people with external hemorrhoids often suffer from both rectal bleeding and pain.
Factors believed to increase one’s risk of developing hemorrhoids are: ongoing constipation, prolonged sitting on the toilet and straining during bowel movements. All of these can interfere with blood flow in the area, causing the blood to pool and create vessel enlargement.
What is IFC?
Infrared coagulation (IFC) is a non-surgical option for patients suffering from hemorrhoids who have not found relief from at-home treatment methods and over-the-counter medications. IFC is the world’s leading office treatment for hemorrhoids.
During this procedure, the doctor uses a small probe that transmits short bursts of infrared light on the area, cutting off blood supply to the hemorrhoid. This causes the hemorrhoid to shrink, leaving a scar on the wall of the anal canal. This formation of scar tissue helps hold the veins near the treated area to prevent swelling.
Treating Hemorrhoids with IFC
IFC is typically performed at a doctor’s office, with short treatment times. There may be some discomfort during the procedure, but it is virtually pain free and does not require anaesthesia. IFC is less invasive than traditional methods and requires no downtime.
Dr. Stone Mitchell at Premier Surgical’s Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Knoxville is an expert in the treatment of hemorrhoids. If your hemorrhoids aren’t improving with self-care or if you are experiencing pain or excessive bleeding, click here to schedule an appointment today or call 865-588-9952. Premier Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatment Center is the only dedicated hemorrhoid center in the East Tennessee region.
Not sure if you need to schedule an appointment? Take our hemorrhoid self-assessment.