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PILES & FISTULA

Laser vs Traditional Piles Surgery:
What Is the Difference?

Dr. J. Saravanan March 2026 5 min read

Piles (haemorrhoids) affect an estimated 1 in 3 adults in India. Yet many patients delay treatment out of embarrassment or fear. Modern laser treatment is virtually painless, requires no hospitalisation, and you are back to normal life the very next day.

At Shasti Gastro Care, Dr. J. Saravanan performs FILAC (Fistula Laser Closure) and laser haemorrhoidoplasty — the most advanced minimally invasive treatments for piles and anal fistula in Chennai.

What Are Piles?

Piles are swollen, inflamed blood vessels inside or around the rectum and anus, graded 1 to 4. Grade 3 and 4 typically require a procedure. Symptoms: rectal bleeding, pain, itching, and incomplete bowel emptying sensation.

Laser vs Traditional Surgery

At a Glance

Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty: Day procedure, no cuts, no stitches, home same day, minimal pain, back to work next day, success rate above 96%.

Traditional Haemorrhoidectomy: 1-2 days hospitalisation, surgical cuts, painful 2-4 week recovery.

Why Laser Is Preferred

  • No surgical incision — laser energy precisely shrinks haemorrhoidal tissue
  • Virtually painless under local or spinal anaesthesia
  • Same-day discharge — home within 4 to 6 hours
  • Return to work within 1 to 2 days
  • No risk of faecal incontinence — sphincter fully preserved
  • Minimal bleeding during and after the procedure

What Is FILAC?

FILAC (Fistula Laser Closure) is a laser-based treatment for anal fistula — an abnormal tunnel between the inside of the anal canal and the skin around the anus. Radial laser energy is delivered inside the fistula tract to close it permanently without cutting any sphincter muscle. Traditional fistulotomy carries incontinence risk; FILAC eliminates it.

When Should You See a Doctor?

  • Bright red blood in stools or on toilet paper
  • Pain or discomfort while sitting or during bowel movements
  • A lump or swelling around the anus
  • Itching, burning or mucus discharge from the anal area
⚠ Important:

Rectal bleeding should never be self-diagnosed as piles without medical evaluation. Colorectal cancer can also cause rectal bleeding. Always get evaluated by a specialist.

The Procedure at Shasti Gastro Care

  1. Consultation: clinical examination and proctoscopy to confirm grade and type
  2. Day of procedure: arrive fasting 4 hours; procedure takes 20-40 minutes
  3. Anaesthesia: local or spinal — comfortable throughout
  4. Laser application: precise energy applied to shrink tissue
  5. Recovery: 2-3 hours in clinic, discharged same day
  6. Follow-up: review at 1 week and 1 month

Frequently Asked Questions

Is laser piles treatment painful?
No. The procedure is done under anaesthesia. Patients report minimal to no pain. Post-procedure discomfort is mild and managed with oral medication for 1-2 days.
How long does the procedure take?
20 to 40 minutes. Patients spend 2-3 hours at the clinic in total and are discharged the same day.
Can piles come back after laser treatment?
Recurrence is less than 10% when combined with lifestyle changes: high-fibre diet, adequate hydration and avoiding prolonged straining.
What diet after laser piles treatment?
High-fibre diet with plenty of fluids. Include whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes. Avoid spicy food, alcohol and carbonated drinks for 2-3 weeks.

Consult Dr. J. Saravanan

Expert care at Shasti Gastro Care, Kilpauk, Chennai. By prior appointment only.