There are some people who are afraid of undergoing surgery because of possible complications. Others’ concern may be due to recovery time associated with any surgical procedure. Busy people don’t want to stay longer in hospitals since this may hamper their work schedules and the time spent with the family. But in the case of hemorrhoids surgery, a patient has the option to choose the surgical procedure which may give him faster recovery. Various surgical procedures are available in treating hemorrhoids depending on its particular stage. Current symptoms and complications that the patient is going through are also included in choosing the type of surgical procedure most suited to their hemorrhoids problem.

With the advancement in the technology, there are new methods used in performing surgical treatment for hemorrhoids which are considered less invasive procedures. This would mean that the patient will not be experiencing too much pain and discomfort. Less invasive surgery promises faster healing and less blood loss since it seals large bleeding vessels during the procedure.

One of these methods, which is already becoming popular, is the Harmonic Scalpel Technique. The technique uses ultrasonic technology, the unique energy form that allows both cutting and coagulation of hemorrhoidal tissue at the precise point of application. It results to a very minimal lateral thermal tissue damage. Lesser smoke is generated by Harmonic Scalpel Technique because it uses ultrasound technology. This is more desirable than the use of lasers and electrosurgical instruments.

The Procedure in Performing Harmonic Scalpel

In using this technique, the Harmonic Scalpel cuts and at the same time coagulates hemorroidal tissues by using lower temperatures than those used by electrosurgery or lasers. The good thing about this procedure is it controls the bleeding in the rectal area. The bleeding which is common in any surgical procedure is controlled by coaptive coagulation at low temperatures ranging from 50ºC to 100ºC. Affected vessels are then coapted and sealed by a protein coagulum. The instrument uses a blade which is vibrating at 55,500 Hz. It uses protein and denaturing it to form a coagulum that seals small coapted vessels. The coagulation was the result of protein denaturation. To seal larger vessels affected by the surgery, secondary heat is produced by prolonged treatment.

Advantages of the Harmonic Scalpel Technique

Several advantages can be identified to this method. One of which is it does not conduct electrical energy to the patient. Electrosurgery uses very high temperatures at 150ºC which causes the blood and tissue to be desiccated and oxidized. It coagulates by burning which then forms eschar that covers and seals the bleeding area. The harmonic scalpel technique reduces post-operative pain in hemorrhoids. Experts says that this due to the fact that the method is preventing lateral thermal injury to the patient.

Another advantage of harmonic scalpel surgery is the effective sealing off large bleeding vessels during the surgery because of protein coagulum. Doctors usually recommend this procedure to patients with large hemorrhoid which is prone to bleeding during the operation. Aside from minimizing blood loss, it also reduces the recovery time needed after surgery.

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