What is IRC?
(Infrared Coagulation)

Q: What is IRC?
A: IRC has become the most widely used office treatment for internal hemorrhoids. No special preparation is needed and there is no restriction of activity after the treatment.

A small probe is placed on the area just above the internal hemorrhoid  and the tissue is exposed to about one second of infrared light. This infrared light coagulates the veins above the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and recede. Blood cannot flow in these treated veins so that the hemorrhoid is no longer full of blood and swollen. In addition, a small amount of scar tissue forms where the light is applied and helps "anchor" the hemorrhoid to the inner canal to keep it from prolapsing to the outside.

Patients may feel a sensation of heat momentarily, but the procedure is generally not painful and an anesthetic is not required. There are very few or no nerve endings in the area IRC is applied, so discomfort is minimal.

Most patients require several visits one to two weeks apart to treat all the hemorrhoid areas. Patients with multiple large hemorrhoids require more visits than those with smaller or fewer hemorrhoids. Each treatment only takes minutes.

Q: Will my hemorrhoids come back?
A: The success rate of IRC depends upon several factors, but over 92% of patients in one study remained symptom free at the end of two years. Those patients with large prolapsing hemorrhoids that have been long neglected see somewhat less of a "cure" rate at the end of two years.

However, virtually all patients see their pain, discomfort, and bleeding eliminated with IRC even if some prolapse with bowel movement remains. If symptoms start to return after a few years, they generally respond to a additional treatment session.

Q: Are there any side effects or danger of IRC?
A: Complications such as serious bleeding or infection have not been reported with IRC in the medical literature. In fact, IRC is considered the safest treatment for hemorrhoids. IRC is the most widely used office treatment for hemorrhoids and is preferred over other methods because it is safe, effective, and virtually problem-free. There may be slight bleeding with bowel movements in the week following IRC treatment, or none at all.

Q: How is IRC done?
A: Laxative preparations or fasting are not needed nor recommended. You do not need someone to drive or accompany you. The procedure is done in the privacy of a physicians office. Patients lie on their left side on an exam table. The hemorrhoids are viewed directly through a short disposable plastic scope and the IRC probe is placed on the target area through the scope.

Q: Can I be treated if my hemorrhoids are bleeding?
A: Yes. Most of the time your first treatment with IRC will reduce or stop active bleeding.

Q: After the IRC treatment, will I have pain or difficulty with bowel movements?
A: No. IRC will not affect your bowel habits, but will relieve pain.

Q: Can I be treated with IRC if I am taking medication?
A: In most cases it is not necessary to stop any of your medications prior to treatment, but there are a few exceptions. A physician will review your medication profile with you prior to treatment.

Q: Do I have to do anything special after the procedure?
A: No. You may resume all your usual activities on the day of treatment.