Piles/Haemorrhoids

Many people contact us having developed symptoms of haemorhoids after pregnancy or who have simply suffered in silence for years, too embarrassed to discuss it with their partner, let alone visit a doctor, hoping they will simply go away. Or by people who had the preception that invasive, painful surgery was their only option and so have lived with their uncomfortable, and often life challenging symptoms.

There is now an effective treatment, much less invasive than surgeyr, generally with immediate results, with little or no downtime, and significantly less painful than the majority of alternatives.

What is The Rafaelo Procedure?

The Rafaelo Procedure is now an established treatment in the UK and across the world, utilising latest radio frequency technology to totally eliminate the common symptoms of haemorrhoids (also known as piles). Similar radio frequency technology has been used successfully for many years to treat varicose veins, and this has now been adapted and modified for the specialised treatment of haemorrhoids. Becoming increasingly popular amongst Doctors and patients alike, The Rafaelo Procedure is now available across the UK at a range of private clinics and hospitals, and is covered by BUPA, CIGNA, AVIVA, VITALITY & WPA under insurance code H5120. Rafaelo is also available at a rapidly growing number of NHS hospitals from Torbay Hospital in the South to Hexham General Hospital in the North. For a full list of those hospitals and clinics offering The Rafaelo Procedure, both private and NHS, please visit our 'Find a Clinic' page.

Too many people literally sit on their haemorrhoids hoping they will go away on their own, usually because they have heard the horror stories of the discomfort suffered by those who have had invasive surgery such as a Haemorrhoidectomy. Sometimes, albeit rarely, your piles will resolve on their own by change of diet and lifestyle but generally, simply by waiting, you will see them worsen and, if you wait too long, your treatment options may be limited to full blown surgery.

What are the alternatives?

There are numerous treatment options for piles, ranging from 'over the counter creams', to 'banding' and 'injections of sclerosant', through to a full open haemorrhoidectomy. The creams and ointments might generally calm the symptoms of minor conditions but they are often not seen as a long term cure. All other treatments aim to reduce or stop the blood flow to the piles, causing them to fall away. Banding is often offered as a first option for smaller piles but this can be very painful and is less than reliable. There is also a relatively new treatment which uses electrotherapy. Most people we hear from have had one or other, or both, without success. Historically, those with piles too severe for 'banding' would be offered either artery ligation methods or a haemorroidectomy where the offending tissue is literally cut away using diathermy or staples. All of these treatments are carried out under general anaesthetic, for good reason! They can be incredibly painful, both during and post procedure and many wish to aviod these options if at all possible. In 2016, The Rafaelo Procedure was developed to bridge the gap, to provide an option more reliable than banding but less invasive, and less painful, than traditional surgery. It has proved so popular amongst patients and colorectal surgeons alike, that it is now being adopted by clinics and hospitals across the UK, and across the world. Just take a look at just some of the testimonials!

How can we help?

We have dedicated Rafaelo Patient Advisers on hand to answer any queries you may have and to direct you on to your nearest Rafaelo practitioner.

Ask today to be referred to a Rafaelo trained Consultant and you will find that treatment is more bearable than you imagined!

IMPORTANT – make sure, whichever treatment you decide to opt for, that you are seen and treated by a qualified Colorectal Surgeon. This is vital for two main reasons – sometimes, what appears to be symptoms of haemorrhoids can in fact be indicators of something far more serious, potentially life threatening, and it is vitally important that your physician is able and qualified to identify that. Also, your physician needs to be able to deal with any complications of treatment, which is possible with all types of anal surgery/treatment, so that you are comforted in the knowledge that you simply won’t be left to suffer.

What are the benefits of The Rafaelo Procedure?

The benefits of The Rafaelo Procedure are that it is a minimally-invasive, day case procedure, which typically takes no longer than 15 minutes to perform. It can be carried out using only local anaesthetic (although some patients may choose to have a mild sedative, or even a general anaesthetic). Most patients report very little pain or discomfort, and as a result the post-operative recovery time is very short.

Unlike some other widely marketed treatments, in 99% of cases you will only require ONE Rafaelo treatment session – other, perhaps cheaper options, will often require you to go back time and time again, costing you much more in the long run.

Is The Rafaelo Procedure safe and effective?

The safety and effectiveness of The Rafaelo Procedure is easily demonstrated simply by looking at the number of highly respected colorectal surgeons offering it and the number of high quality venues where it is available. See our Find a Clinic Page. Moreover you can read what past patients have said about their experience  by visiting our testimonials.

What should I expect after The Rafaelo Procedure?

After the procedure, expect that you may be given some painkillers to take home with you. The recovery time from the procedure is normally between one and seven days, depending on the severity of the haemorrhoids, although many patients walk away from the treatment within an hour or two without any pain whatsoever. You may be able to return to work immediately or within a couple of days after the procedure. You will be seen again in clinic typically between 6 and 8 weeks after the procedure.

It is important to avoid becoming constipated after the procedure, as with any other procedure, as straining may cause unnecessary bleeding and discomfort. A healthy diet that includes plenty of fibre, fruit and leafy vegetables together with a good oral fluid intake will all help to avoid constipation.

What is the price of The Rafaelo Procedure?

The price of The Rafaelo Procedure packages typically cost in the region of £2,000. However, different hospitals set their own pricing structure for The Rafaelo Procedure, as they do with any other procedure. Some hospitals price it as an inclusive package and others price for the component parts of the process, namely Initial Consultation, Scope (if required), Treatment and follow-up. Usually the Consult and/or Scope will be carried out on the first visit, with the treatment planned (if suitable) at a later date. Some hospitals and clinics do offer Consult and Treatment on the same day.

When comparing treatments, before you decide which to opt for, one generally looks at the success of the treatment and its cost, although sometimes not in that order.