Treating hemorrhoids with the steam method

The steam method is a minimally invasive treatment that successfully replaces the traditional surgical removal of hemorrhoids: the hemorrhoidal formations are destroyed by coagulating the tissue with steam, without burning it. It is indicated for large hemorrhoids, external and internal, and the entire problem is approached and treated in a single, short intervention — about 10 minutes.

The steam method at a glance

• Type of procedure: steam coagulation, minimally invasive — no tissue burning
• Duration: about 10 minutes, a single intervention
• Anaesthesia: local (sufficient for external hemorrhoids), spinal or general
• Hospitalisation: usually one night
• Recovery: 48 hours of rest at home, then usual activities
• Indications: large internal and external hemorrhoids

What is the steam method for hemorrhoids?

The intervention that uses steam to treat hemorrhoids destroys the hemorrhoidal formations by coagulating the tissue, without burning it — this is the essential difference from cauterisation methods. The result is scarring of a quality superior to that after the classic surgical procedure, with the anal sphincter’s functionality preserved and a much lower risk of anal stenosis (the narrowing of the anal canal, a feared complication of classic surgery).

The hemorrhoid problem is approached and treated completely within a single intervention, of short duration — approximately 10 minutes.

Who is it recommended for?

The steam method is used for the treatment of large hemorrhoids, both external and internal — the cases where the methods for small formations, such as sclerotherapy, are no longer sufficient, but where classic surgery would be disproportionately aggressive. The exact indication is established at the specialist consultation, after evaluating the stage of the hemorrhoidal disease.

How does the procedure work, step by step?

1. Anaesthesia — a long-acting anaesthetic is used, precisely to reduce post-operative pain. The type of anaesthesia depends on each case and on the doctor’s decision: if the hemorrhoids are external, local anaesthesia is sufficient; for internal ones, spinal or general anaesthesia can be used. Today’s anaesthesia techniques are very effective.
2. Steam coagulation — the steam is applied to the hemorrhoidal formations, coagulating the tissue without burning it; the vessels feeding the hemorrhoids close.
3. The end — after about 10 minutes the intervention is finished; you stay overnight, for observation.

What are the advantages of the steam method?

• minimally invasive method, with an extremely short intervention (~10 minutes)
• much less discomfort and post-operative pain than traditional surgery
• a much lower risk of anal stenosis
• much better tissue scarring — coagulation, not burning
• the sphincter’s functionality is preserved
• short hospitalisation and immobilisation periods
• complete treatment in a single intervention

What is the recovery like, day by day?

• First night: you stay in hospital, for observation.
• First 48 hours: rest at home, before resuming your usual daily activities.
• First days: the doctor prescribes a stool-softening treatment, which reduces discomfort during defecation. For fighting pain and discomfort, medicines are prescribed, combined with a venotonic treatment and one for lowering the local pressure.
• Going forward: chamomile sitz baths, venotonics, suppositories, anti-inflammatories or creams indicated by the doctor are recommended; a balanced diet and fighting constipation through natural means — avoiding laxatives.

The essential rule for avoiding the disease and its treatments is fighting the risk factors — but, when symptoms appear, the specialist consultation is needed without delay.

Risks and limitations

The discomfort during defecation in the first days is normal and is managed with the stool-softening treatment. Minor bleeding and the feeling of local pressure subside in the following days. Serious complications — including anal stenosis, frequent with classic surgery — are rare with the steam method, precisely thanks to the gentle coagulation of the tissue. The doctor discusses the concrete risks of your case before the intervention.

The steam method compared with the other methods

• vs classic surgery — the same indications (large hemorrhoids), but with much less pain, superior scarring, the sphincter intact and recovery in 48 hours
• vs sclerotherapy — sclerotherapy remains the first option for small hemorrhoids (grade 1–2); steam takes the large cases — see sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids
• vs cryotherapy — cryotherapy treats in 2–3 outpatient sessions; steam solves everything in a single intervention, with one night in hospital — see cryotherapy for hemorrhoids

Frequently asked questions

Does steam treatment for hemorrhoids hurt?

The long-acting anaesthetic significantly reduces post-operative pain, and the discomfort is much lower than after classic hemorrhoid surgery. The first stools may be uncomfortable — which is why the stool-softening treatment is prescribed.

How long is the hospital stay?

Usually a single night. After discharge, 48 hours of rest at home follow, then you resume your usual activities.

Are both internal and external hemorrhoids treated?

Yes — the steam method is indicated for large hemorrhoids, both internal and external. For the external ones, local anaesthesia is sufficient; for the internal ones, spinal or general anaesthesia can be used.

Are there alternatives for small hemorrhoids?

Yes — for grade 1–2 hemorrhoids, foam sclerotherapy (no anaesthesia, no hospitalisation) or cryotherapy are usually sufficient. See all hemorrhoid treatment methods.