This guide offers an educational, technical overview of hemorrhoid & fistula management and the device technologies used in this field. The site FAQ describes hemorrhoid embolization, or the emborrhoid technique, which uses catheter-delivered embolic agents to reduce arterial blood flow to hemorrhoidal tissue, causing shrinkage, as a minimally invasive alternative to surgical hemorrhoidectomy. As a medical device manufacturer, INVAMED develops technologies in this area; the information here is educational and not medical advice.
Background: Hemorrhoidal Disease and Anal Fistula Treatment
Whether a laser, embolization, stapled, or surgical approach is appropriate depends on the grade and character of the disease and on patient factors, and is determined by the treating physician. Laser hemorrhoidoplasty delivers laser energy through a thin fiber to shrink hemorrhoidal tissue from within, and is generally positioned as a minimally invasive, sphincter-sparing alternative to conventional excisional surgery. The FAQ also notes that self-expanding gastrointestinal stents are available for esophageal strictures, biliary obstruction, and colonic obstruction, serving as a bridge to surgery or for palliation.
Core Technologies and Options
Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP). Laser hemorrhoidoplasty introduces a thin laser fiber into the hemorrhoidal tissue and delivers energy that causes the tissue to shrink and the feeding vessels to reduce, from within rather than by excision. It is generally described as a minimally invasive, sphincter-sparing technique frequently performed in an outpatient setting, though the setting is determined by the clinician. Radiofrequency Coagulation for Hemorrhoids. Radiofrequency energy can be applied to hemorrhoidal and fistula tissue to produce thermal coagulation at the probe tip, with the aim of a sphincter-sparing, minimally invasive treatment. By coagulating tissue in a targeted way, the approach is intended to reduce hemorrhoidal tissue or treat a fistula tract while limiting effect on surrounding structures. Hemorrhoid Embolization (Emborrhoid). Hemorrhoid embolization, known as the emborrhoid technique, uses catheter-delivered embolic agents to reduce the arterial blood flow supplying hemorrhoidal tissue, causing it to shrink, as described in the site FAQ. It is positioned as a minimally invasive alternative to surgical hemorrhoidectomy, performed endovascularly rather than through anal surgery. Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy (PPH/Longo). Stapled hemorrhoidopexy, also called the PPH or Longo procedure, uses a circular stapling device to remove a ring of tissue above the hemorrhoids and reposition the prolapsing tissue. By lifting and fixing the tissue rather than excising the hemorrhoids directly, the technique aims to address prolapse with an internal staple line. Anal Fistula Plugs and Drainage. Biologic fistula plugs are used to fill and help close an anal fistula tract as a sphincter-sparing approach, while perianal abscess drainage kits are used to drain associated collections. Managing a fistula often involves controlling any infection and then addressing the tract, with the strategy depending on the fistula's course. Self-Expanding GI Stents. Self-expanding gastrointestinal stents are tubular scaffolds that open within the GI tract to relieve a narrowing, and the site FAQ notes they are available for esophageal strictures, biliary obstruction, and colonic obstruction. They can be used either as a bridge to surgery, temporarily relieving obstruction before a definitive operation, or for palliation when surgery is not planned.
Comparing the Approaches
Laser hemorrhoidoplasty vs Hemorrhoidectomy. Laser hemorrhoidoplasty shrinks hemorrhoidal tissue from within using a fiber and is generally described as sphincter-sparing and minimally invasive, whereas hemorrhoidectomy surgically excises the hemorrhoids. The two differ in their mechanism, and the appropriate choice depends on the grade and pattern of hemorrhoids. Laser vs Rubber band ligation. Rubber band ligation places a small band at the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, whereas laser hemorrhoidoplasty delivers energy into the tissue to shrink it. The techniques differ in mechanism, setting, and the grades they are typically applied to. Laser hemorrhoidoplasty vs Stapled hemorrhoidopexy. Laser hemorrhoidoplasty uses a fiber to shrink hemorrhoidal tissue internally, while stapled hemorrhoidopexy uses a circular stapler to remove a ring of tissue and reposition prolapsing tissue. Both aim to reduce symptoms with less excision than conventional hemorrhoidectomy, but through different mechanisms.
INVAMED Portfolio in This Area
INVAMED's related devices include: ThermoBLOCK Thermal Coagulation Ablation Probe for Hemorrhoids & Anal Fistulas, DuoTEN Embolization Agent for Hemorrhoid Treatment. Detailed specifications for each are provided in the product documentation.
Key Considerations
- The brief does not provide specific performance statistics for these proctology devices, so no numerical outcome figures are asserted here.
- All INVAMED proctology and GI devices are intended for use by trained clinicians and in accordance with the IFU and applicable approvals.
- The grade and pattern of hemorrhoidal disease strongly influence whether a laser, radiofrequency, embolic, stapled, or excisional approach is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides which hemorrhoid or fistula treatment is appropriate?
A qualified physician selects the approach based on the grade and character of the disease and patient factors; this article is educational and not a treatment recommendation.
Does INVAMED offer GI stents?
The site FAQ notes that self-expanding gastrointestinal stents are available for esophageal strictures, biliary obstruction, and colonic obstruction, serving as a bridge to surgery or for palliation.
What is the DuoTEN embolization agent?
INVAMED describes DuoTEN as an embolization agent administered with dextrose for occlusion of hemorrhoidal arteries or veins, used within the emborrhoid approach to hemorrhoid treatment.
About INVAMED
INVAMED states it maintains a growing portfolio of international patents across its device range. INVAMED is a medical device manufacturer headquartered in Ankara, Turkey, founded in 2005.
Related on INVAMED
- Hemorrhoid & Fistula Management — product category
- Laser or Rubber band ligation? A Technical Comparison
- Minimally Invasive Treatment Options Explained — A Technical Guide
- Do hemorrhoids come back after laser treatment?
Important Disclaimer
This content is educational and technical in nature and must not be interpreted as medical advice or as a promise of any clinical outcome. Individual results depend on many factors and can only be evaluated by a treating physician. Figures attributed to INVAMED reflect manufacturer or published data and are not a guarantee of results. All INVAMED devices are to be used by trained clinicians per the approved IFU, and availability is subject to local regulatory status.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.