Ambulatory hemorrhoidectomy with CO2 laser

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to evaluate ambulatory hemorrhoidectomy using the CO2 laser. METHODS: Ninety consecutive patients (50 males, 40 females), 80 percent of whom had second or third degree hemorrhoids, had ambulatory hemorrhoidectomy performed with a CO2 laser in the left lateral Sims position under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Dissection was entirely performed with the CO2 laser using an open technique. RESULTS: One patient with polycythemia vera was admitted subsequently for secondary hemorrhage. All but three patients had healed within four weeks. No long-term sequelae were encountered. CONCLUSION: These results compare favorably with those obtained by others and show that ambulatory laser hemorrhoidectomy may simplify management in selected patients.