HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation

What are haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids, also known as “piles,” are swollen blood vessels that form in your anus and rectum. They are sometimes described as the varicose veins of the anus and rectum and are very common. Nearly half of us will experience haemorrhoids at some point in our lives. Many of us can manage symptoms by paying attention to diet or using topical treatments when symptoms are minor. For small internal haemorrhoids, banding can be an effective treatment. For larger haemorrhoids, or where simpler treatments have not worked, a Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation (HALO) may be recommended.

What does a HALO procedure involve?

You will usually be given an enema about an hour before the HALO operation to clear the lower part of your bowel. The operation is performed under general anaesthetic. During the procedure, the blood vessels feeding the haemorrhoids are identified using a special ultrasound probe. These vessels are then sutured to cut off the blood flow to the haemorrhoid. Typically, 3–4 vessels are found.

The second part of the operation involves treating the prolapsing part of the haemorrhoid. Areas of haemorrhoidal prolapse are identified, and sutures are used to lift this up. This part of the operation is called the Recto-Anal Repair (RAR). The full procedure (HALO-RAR) takes around 45 minutes.

If you have external skin tags, these are not routinely removed, but many shrink in size following the HALO-RAR procedure.

What are the potential risks and complications of HALO?

All operations carry some risks, but these are small. Before surgery, any heart, lung, or coexisting medical conditions will be assessed. During your hospital stay, you will wear stockings to prevent thrombosis (blood clots).

• Bleeding: You may notice small amounts of blood, particularly when opening your bowels. This is usually minor, but if you experience significant bleeding, you must seek medical advice.
• Infection: This is very rare, but if you develop increasing pain, fevers, or flu-like symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.

What happens after the HALO procedure?

You may feel uncomfortable after the operation, but this is far less than the discomfort experienced following a traditional haemorrhoidectomy. You will have local anaesthetic injected into the area, which will numb the pain for a few hours. The most common sensation you might feel is described as “being kicked in the bottom.”

If a dressing pack was placed in your anus, it will be removed before you are discharged.

• You can eat and drink as soon as you feel able.
• You should be able to go home on the same day as the operation.
• You will be given painkillers to take regularly to prevent pain.
• Opening your bowels may feel slightly uncomfortable initially, but it is important not to avoid going to the lavatory. Any discomfort will improve.

You will be given a stool softener to take for 4–6 weeks to avoid straining.

You are encouraged to keep mobile after the procedure. You can usually return to normal activities, including work and driving, within 48 hours, although this can vary. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for about 6 weeks.

You will usually have a follow-up appointment about 6 weeks after the operation, but you can be seen sooner if you experience any problems.

Contact us on 0800 994 9494 or discover more About Us and our local, price guaranteed Procedures by following our links - because life is for living, not waiting lists.