[The outpatient management of internal hemorrhoids by infrared photocoagulation]

Infrared photocoagulation is a new ambulatory therapy for 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree internal hemorrhoids. It is an effective method, comparable to others such as sclerotherapy or rubber band ligature. It is necessary to use multiple applications in several sessions in order to obtain good results. Patients with hemorrhoids grade IV are candidates for hemorrhoidectomy. The author did not observe minor nor serious complications with this new therapeutic modality. It is fast and easy to use by a single operator. The equipment is portable, easy to handle and long lasting, needing little maintenance. The anatomical results suggest that the progression of hemorrhoids and also, probably, surgery are prevented. Long-term follow up is necessary.