On May 17, Dr. Nguyễn Văn Hậu, Head of the Surgery Department 1 at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, announced the implementation of a hemorrhoidectomy technique using a high-frequency electric field coagulation machine (High Capacitance Haemorrhoids Therapy – HCPT).
A surgery using the HCPT method takes only 15 to 20 minutes. Additionally, the burning temperature is fully controlled by the machine.
Treatment of hemorrhoids using high-frequency electricity
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| The HCPT technique does not burn surrounding areas, results in less bleeding, requires no long hospital stays, and promotes quick recovery. (In the image: A hemorrhoidectomy procedure) |
This technique is a method of “endogenous heating,” where the temperature is generated by the exchange of charged ions within the cells to coagulate and knot the blood vessels. In contrast, traditional burning machines apply heat from the outside, which can cause significant pain for patients post-surgery due to burning sensations.
The temperature at the burning point when using HCPT can reach up to 280°C, similar to that of conventional burning machines. However, the temperature in surrounding areas when using high-frequency electricity ranges only from 5°C to 15°C, compared to 90°C to 100°C with traditional burning knives. Therefore, this technique does not cause burns to surrounding areas, results in less bleeding, requires no long hospital stays, and promotes quick recovery.
Conventional burning machines require a contact plate combined with a surgical knife to create a direct current, which can easily lead to heart rhythm disturbances. Thus, the HCPT method is very safe for patients with cardiovascular diseases, especially those with irregular heartbeats or patients with pacemakers.
The total cost for a surgery using the HCPT technique is 6 million VND. Additionally, this cutting method is combined with Methylene Blue injections directly into the incision, alleviating pain for up to 14 days.
HCPT is typically indicated for treating various types of hemorrhoids, including mixed hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids with vascular obstruction, hemorrhoids associated with excess anal skin, hemorrhoids with anal fissures, and hemorrhoids with anal fistulas.
Currently, in addition to the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, HCPT is also being applied at the Vietnam Traditional Medicine Hospital, Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Hanoi.
Classification of Hemorrhoids
According to Dr. Nguyễn Văn Hậu, hemorrhoids occur due to weakened blood vessels in the anus and stretched ligament systems. However, the exact cause of the disease has yet to be identified. The likelihood of developing hemorrhoids increases with age.
A survey by the Vietnam Society of Colorectal Surgery in several northern provinces, especially in Hanoi, revealed that 55% of people who sought medical attention for anal issues had hemorrhoids. Specifically, at the Surgery Department 1 of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, patients with this condition account for up to 50%. Among those, 60% to 70% are over 40 years old, while the rest are between 18 and 20 years old, including children.
Hemorrhoids are classified into three types: internal, external, and mixed hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are further divided into four degrees. Dr. Hậu emphasizes that this classification is crucial for determining treatment methods and when to use traditional medicine versus other methods.
“Currently, a significant mistake made by patients is not knowing what type of hemorrhoids they have and at what degree, leading them to seek their own treatment methods. Generally, traditional methods like topical treatments, herbal remedies, anti-constipation medications, and yoga exercises are only applicable for internal hemorrhoids of grades 1 and 2,” Dr. Hậu commented.
For other types, such as internal hemorrhoids of grades 3 and 4, external hemorrhoids, and mixed hemorrhoids, using traditional medicine often does not provide a complete cure and can result in complications such as anal stenosis, bleeding, and infection.
Hemorrhoids are common and not life-threatening. However, patients often feel embarrassed about seeking treatment or fear pain, which can sometimes lead to severe conditions or complications.
If experiencing blood during bowel movements, it is important to seek early medical attention to diagnose and treat potentially serious conditions, particularly cancer. This symptom is often overlooked, as many assume the bleeding is simply due to hemorrhoids. Notably, 50% of pregnant women commonly suffer from hemorrhoids; therefore, Dr. Nguyễn Văn Hậu advises mothers to have careful examinations before pregnancy to avoid complications such as vascular obstruction or hemorrhoid infarction.
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