WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about infrared coagulation (IRC)? IRC is an outpatient procedure to shrink an internal hemorrhoid. How do I prepare for IRC? Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for the procedure. You may need an enema before the procedure. An enema is medicine given to empty out your colon. What will happen during IRC? You do not need anesthesia or sedation for IRC. You should not feel pain during the procedure. Your healthcare provider will insert an anoscope into your anus. An anoscope is a small tube that helps your healthcare provider see inside your anus more clearly. He will heat the tissue near the hemorrhoid. This will stop blood flow to the hemorrhoid and help it shrink. You may feel heat during the procedure. What can I expect after IRC? You may feel a dull ache or pressure for up to 3 days after the procedure. You may have bleeding from your rectum or with bowel movements for 2 weeks after the procedure. The hemorrhoid may fall off and come out with your bowel movement in 10 to 14 days. You may bleed more at that time. What are the risks of IRC? You may need more than one procedure to shrink your hemorrhoid. You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. You may have pain or swelling. You may have a problem urinating after the procedure. Your hemorrhoid may get bigger and become full of blood clots (thrombosed hemorrhoid). You may need another procedure to treat it. |