Hemorrhoids happen. In fact, there are more than 3 million new cases of hemorrhoids in the U.S. every year. So, if they are happening to you, don’t feel bad or embarrassed - they’re merely a part of life. Fortunately, most hemorrhoids go away by themselves after about a week, while others may decide to stick around for longer. These are usually treatable with home remedies such as topical treatments or prescription medication.
However, every so often, hemorrhoids refuse to recede even with treatment. Instead, they grow very large and becoming extremely painful. In these cases, your doctor may recommend drainage or a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the hemorrhoid(s).
At Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, our colorectal surgeons offer three different minimally invasive surgery options to treat advanced hemorrhoids: hemorrhoidectomy, hemorrhoid banding, and the new THD system. Of the three, the THD surgery is the least invasive, least painful, and easiest surgery to recover from. Here’s everything you need to know about the new THD system.
What Is A Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization?
The THD surgery, which stands for Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization, is a new surgical procedure for treating bothersome hemorrhoids. The surgery is minimally invasive and, as opposed to other methods, it does not require the removal of any tissue.
How Does The THD Surgery Work?
THD works by using a Doppler Ultrasound Probe to pinpoint the actual branches of the hemorrhoidal arteries. Once found, the hemorrhoid is ligated or “tied-off” with an absorbable suture, which will naturally degrade or absorb over time. This will prevent any further arterial blood to fill up the hemorrhoid, while the venous “outflow” remains to let the hemorrhoid shrink.
If the hemorrhoid is prolapsed (or extending outward) the surgeon will perform a “lift,” called a Hemorrhoidopexy, which restores the protruding tissue back into its correct position. Because no tissue is removed, the patient experiences considerably reduced amounts of pain. In all, the procedure takes about 30 minutes and recovery lasts about 3 to 4 days.
To learn more about the transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization system (THD system), or about any of our other hemorrhoid surgery options, feel free to give us a call or book an appointment today!