HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation

What are haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids, which are also known as “piles”, are swollen blood vessels that form in the 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 be affected by haemorrhoids at some point during our lives.

What is a Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation - HALO procedure?

Many patients can manage their haemorrhoids with attention to diet or a topical treatment when symptoms are minor. For small internal haemorrhoids, haemorrhoid banding can be an effective treatment. For larger haemorrhoids or where simpler treatments haven’t been effective, a Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation, also known as HALO surgery, may be recommended.

What does HALO surgery involve?

Before HALO surgery, an enema is usually given an hour or so before the operation to clear the lower part of the bowel. The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. During the operation 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. Usually, 3-4 vessels are found and the second part of the operation involves treating the prolapsing element of the haemorrhoid. Any areas of haemorrhoidal prolapse are identified, and sutures used to hold them up. This part of the operation is known as the Recto-Anal Repair (RAR). The whole operation (HALO-RAR) takes around 45 minutes to complete. External skin tags, if present, are not routinely removed but many do shrink in size after the HALO-RAR surgery.

What are the potential risks of a Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation?

While HALO surgery is generally safe, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. These may include bleeding, infection, pain during bowel movements and temporary difficulty urinating.

Pre-operative assessments are made of any heart or lung conditions, as well as any coexisting medical condition. During the hospital admission, patients are provided with surgical stockings to wear which can prevent thrombosis (blood clots). Bleeding can occur after any haemorrhoid surgery; most patients will notice small amounts of blood, particularly when they open their bowels. Usually this is a small amount, but rarely it can be quite a lot.  If that occurs, patients must seek medical advice. Infection is very rare, but if patients develop increasing pain, fevers or flu-like symptoms, they should seek medical advice immediately.

Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation recovery time

Patients may feel uncomfortable after the operation, but this is far less than that experienced by patients undergoing a surgical removal of haemorrhoids known as a haemorrhoidectomy. With a HALO procedure, you will have some local anaesthetic injected into the area, to numb the pain for a few hours. The most common feeling patients describe is a feeling of having been ‘kicked in the bottom’. If the surgeon has placed a dressing pack in the anus, this will be removed before patients go home. You are allowed to eat and drink as soon as you feel able, and should be able to go home on the same day as the operation. Patients are also given painkillers to take by mouth, and these should be taken regularly as prescribed to prevent pain coming on.

It may be a little uncomfortable when you first open your bowels after the operation, and it is very important that you do not avoid going to the lavatory. Any discomfort will get better. Patients are given a regular stool softener to take for 4-6 weeks and are advised to avoid straining. Patients are encouraged to keep mobile after the procedure and can normally return to normal activities, including work and driving, after about 48 hours, but this can vary. They should avoid heavy lifting or increased physical activities for about 6 weeks. Patients are normally reviewed in clinic around 6 weeks after HALO surgery, but they can be seen sooner if there are problems.

HALO Surgery in Birmingham

Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation, or HALO surgery is a procedure offering a promising solution for individuals seeking relief from haemorrhoids or piles. With its minimally invasive approach and effective results, HALO surgery has become the preferred option for many patients. If you are considering HALO surgery in Birmingham, search for your nearest consultant on the Get Well Soon website, where you can find prices for private Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation in Birmingham and book a consultation today.