Laser hemorrhoidoplasty: two-year outcomes from a retrospective observational cohort study

This study aimed at analysing the outcomes of laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) in a 2-year period. LHP was carried out in 77 patients (83% of them had grade III or grade IV) treated over a two-year period. Inclusion criteria were an age above 18 years old, symptomatic haemorrhoids of grade 2 to 4 with minimal to moderate prolapse. Post operative pain, recurrence of the disease, persistence of symptoms, complications, length of stay and patients' satisfaction were all documented. The distribution of patients along the follow-up period was: 77 patients (100%) seen in 3 months, 73 patients (94.8%) seen in 1 year, 51 patients (66.2%) seen in 3 months, 26 patients (33.8%) seen in 2 years. The procedure was well-tolerated and associated with commendable short- to medium-term outcomes. Over 90% of patients achieved complete and sustained symptom resolution over 1-year follow-up period, despite the predominance of advanced disease. Disease recurrence occurred in 9.1% of patients. Postoperative pain was minimal, with a low mean pain score and limited use of opioids. Hospital stay was one day for most patients, and most patients returned to normal activities within the first postoperative week. Overall, 81% of patients were highly satisfied, and 90% reported satisfactory outcomes. Postoperative complications occurred in only one patient, who developed a submucosal abscess requiring surgical intervention. LHP demonstrated favourable short- to medium-term outcomes, with low postoperative pain, minimal opioid use, and high patient satisfaction. LHP may be a promising minimally invasive option for advanced hemorrhoidal disease.