New treatment for piles approved by NICE

Simple walk-in, walk-out procedure is now available in London and eleven other locations

SOME eight million of us suffer from the irksome problem of haemorrhoids, or piles, according to recent estimates. Yet NHS data shows that surprisingly few come forward for treatment. And perhaps it’s little wonder. Surgery can leave patients in pain for weeks afterwards. Not to mention the embarrassment factor. Only sexually transmitted diseases cause people more medical blushes, a survey by YouPoll reveals. One in seven piles sufferers even avoids sport or taking a holiday, and one in six has needed to take time off work. But there is a new treatment that could shrink piles without the worry. The treatment works by applying a very low voltage current to the base of the pile for up to ten minutes, causing it to shrink. This procedure is completely non-invasive - no needles or sharp instruments are used. Many patients feel instant relief from the moment they stand up. Almost all can then return to normal activities without having to spend time recovering. More than120,000 patients have now been treated worldwide. What’s more, this is the first new treatment for haemorrhoids to be approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in more than five years. NICE approval is given only to treatments that are safe and effective. This new therapy is only available privately at the moment, but the NICE decision should open the door to such treatment on the NHS. Patients seem to agree. Ann Collins from Yorkshire had the procedure last year.

“I researched reviews on Ultroid from the US and knew immediately that I had nothing to lose. My GP supported my decision so I rang them. The treatment itself took no time at all; I was out of the clinic within about an hour. The treatment was pain-free, and I actually walked out of the clinic in less discomfort than when I walked in and went sightseeing and shopping. There was no recovery time at all. I honestly feel like a new woman! I am able to do things that I have not been able to do for years, and my social life has never been so active.” Richard Atwood from North Yorkshire said,

“The Ultroid treatment was virtually painless, I needed no sedative or painkillers. The treatment was not uncomfortable in any way and I was able to speak and laugh whilst this was going on. In my case I had 3 piles needing treatment and the procedure was over within 30 minutes. I was then able to stand up and walk away with no adverse effects whatsoever, no discomfort.”

“There was no recovery time at all. I honestly feel like a new woman!”