How to Use Heat Lamps for Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins that swell outside the anus or rectum. Hemorrhoids normally occur after strained bowel movements or during pregnancy. A medical procedure using heat lamps, also called infrared photo-coagulation or coagulation, uses light or heat to treat hemorrhoids.
Instructions
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Lie on your side on a table at your doctor's office. Pull your knees up towards your chin in a fetal position. You will be unclothed on the lower part of your body, with a sheet covering you.
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Continue to lie on the table as your doctor inserts a lubricated proctoscope into your anus. This allows your doctor to grasp the hemorrhoid with forceps and focus the infrared beam on it. The beam shines on the hemorrhoid only for a few seconds. The beam causes a clot to form at the base of the hemorrhoid. This will cut off the blood supply, causing the hemorrhoid to die and fall off seven to 10 days later. You are allowed to leave and go home after the procedure.
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Take over-the-counter pain relievers for a few days after treatment for inflammation and soreness. Take any suppositories your doctor may give or recommend to help soften stools. This helps to keep from aggravating the sensitive area.
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Take warm sitz baths for 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times daily, after the procedure to aid in any discomfort.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid taking aspirin two to three days before and seven to 10 days after the procedure as aspirin prevents clotting. Rectal bleeding may reoccur when the hemorrhoid falls off, but should be minimal.
