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Hemorrhoidal Disease (Hemorrhoids)

Hemorrhoids are vascular “cushions” located in the anal area and perform two basic functions: continence, helping the bowel close properly, and protection, preventing injury to the bowel that could lead to a fissure, abscess or fistula. When hemorrhoids become diseased (swollen, enlarged and distended), the tissues that hold them in place become loose and can no longer perform their functions properly. This condition is known as “hemorrhoidal disease”, which marks the beginning of reduced quality of life and daily discomfort.

What causes it?

It is a very common condition affecting both sexes and at least 50% of the global population, particularly in the Western world, by the age of 50. The main causes are constipation and heredity. At the same time, abandoning the Mediterranean diet and shifting toward diets rich in meat, sugar and “ready-made meals”, combined with a sedentary lifestyle and stress, can lead to constipation and hemorrhoidal disease. An additional cause is increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as during pregnancy, obesity, severe coughing, heavy lifting, as well as advanced age.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms are usually noticeable and difficult to ignore. They include, among others, mild bleeding during bowel movements, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, itching and irritation in the anal area with simultaneous swelling, leakage of fluids into the underwear and, above all, severe pain.

Combination of minimally invasive techniques, E-RaFisTura: A definitive and permanent solution

The latest technological developments in radiofrequency therapy have equipped us with the Rafaelo method (RAdio Frequency treatment of hAEmorrhoids under LOcal anesthetic). In our case, by using this new application of established and safe radiofrequency technology, we intervene with absolute precision without causing burns to the surrounding tissues. The immediate result of this method, which is painless, bloodless and takes no more than 15–20 minutes, is the vaporization of the pathological hemorrhoidal tissue, which shrinks and returns to a normal state.

In practical terms, therefore, we neither remove nor mutilate the tissues. Instead, we treat the hemorrhoids while avoiding complications such as incontinence and recurrence, with the immediate benefits of eliminating the likelihood of hemorrhoids recurring, rapid recovery and a return to daily activities the following day.

Peristeri Medical Center | Organized Hospital Facilities:

The Surgical Department of Peristeri Medical Center, under the direction of Dr. Anastasios Xiarchos, General Surgeon, is the only clinic in Greece and one of the few in Europe where the revolutionary E-RaFisTura method is applied. This new, pioneering combined method, which was first implemented in Greece at the Surgical Department of Peristeri Medical Center by Dr. Anastasios Xiarchos, provides definitive treatment for so-called “taboo” conditions (hemorrhoids, fistulas, pilonidal cyst).

Ongoing updates on new technologies and materials, combined with the Group’s continuous investments in biomedical equipment, allow us to offer the latest modern treatment options for surgical diseases of the anal region. At the same time, through the collaboration of the Multidisciplinary Team, we are able to provide the most individualized solution for each case, no matter how complex.

Dr. Anastasios G. Xiarchos is a General Surgeon and Director of the Surgical Department at Peristeri Medical Center, Athens Medical Group. He has many years of surgical experience involving a large number of procedures & numerous published cases in international scientific journals. For more information, you may visit the website: www.axiarchos.gr