Small procedure with great effect - Dr. Allemeyer offers the low-pain LHP laser therapy
Small procedure with great effect - Dr. Allemeyer offers the low-pain LHP laser therapy
Dr. Erik Allemeyer has been head physician of proctology, continence and pelvic floor surgery at Franziskus-Hospital Harderberg in the Niels Stensen Clinics since 2019. In the same year, he interned with a colleague in Borken on laser methods in proctology. In the meantime, Dr. Allemeyer himself offers LHP laser therapy for hemorrhoidal disorders.
1. Dr. Allemeyer, first of all a question that some patients have certainly already asked you: How did you come to choose coloproctology of all things?
What is fascinating about coloproctology, and pelvic floor surgery is that the correct choice of diagnosis and therapy is often particularly challenging, and careful and targeted treatment can often alleviate or cure years of suffering.
2. what experiences have you made, how do patients deal with proctological diseases?
In our experience, successful work in coloproctology is only possible if we succeed in establishing a trusting doctor-patient relationship. To this end, we employ various measures, such as careful requiry of the medical history with sufficient time, a careful and targeted examination with clear limitation to what is necessary, and a comprehensive consultation for the appropriate choice of therapy. The examining specialists are all very experienced and personally trained by me.
For us it goes without saying that the visit to the proctologist and with it the presentation of the complaints as well as the examination of the rectum are particularly shameful. We meet the patient there and support them gently in their contribution to the solution of the problem.
We treat patients of all ages. In essence, our experience is that an empathetic approach by the doctor is a great benefit to patients of all ages.
3. Hemorrhoids" the word scares many, while the term does not even describe the disease. What does the word mean, what is the function of hemorrhoids and how are they to be distinguished from hemorrhoidal disease?
During the consultation, after carefully taking the patient's medical history and paying particular attention to the specific complaints of each patient, and after a careful examination, I first explain the anatomy in great detail, with the help of illustrations on the screen. I also explain that hemorrhoids are basically part of the normal anatomy at the transition from the rectum to the anal canal. This initially surprises many patients because the term "hemorrhoids" is commonly equated with a disease of the rectum. In a sense, hemorrhoidal pads are blood sponges in the upper part of the anal canal, which can flexibly fill with blood and contribute to continence. Only when the hemorrhoidal cushions are enlarged and cause discomfort such as bleeding, protruding outward and itching or burning at the anus, one speaks of hemorrhoidal disease and only this requires treatment. The choice of a suitable treatment method is individual and depends on the severity of the hemorrhoidal condition, the specific circumstances and the wishes of each individual patient.
4. What specific treatment methods are available to the patient for what degree of disease?
In principle, we strive to use the gentlest and mildest treatment methods possible for every disease of the rectum and pelvic floor. I find it remarkable that often a good result can be achieved by a so-called conservative therapy and thus an operation can be avoided. These gentle methods for grade I and grade II hemorrhoidal enlargements include hemorrhoid sclerotherapy, e.g. sclerosing with injections in or just above the enlarged hemorrhoidal cushions, or so-called rubber band ligation, i.e. constriction of the blood flow at the level of the mucosa just above the hemorrhoids by means of small rubber rings placed on the mucosa. Only if these measures do not work or are not desired by the patient from the beginning, we offer surgical measures. For grade II and grade III hemorrhoids, laser hemorrhoidoplasty may be considered, depending on the results of the individual consultation. This offers the great advantage of a very small intervention with a high degree of effectiveness.
5. Do you see any concrete advantages in using the laser?
The laser method is low pain and efficient. You couldn't ask for a better one, provided the patient doesn't ask for a more radical method in the first place.
6. The laser is now also used for numerous other proctological conditions: for example, fistulas, pilonidalis cysty, condylomas and acne inversa. Are you planning to integrate other laser therapies into your range of services?
My answer here is a resounding "yes". However, I always do thorough research before using modern methods. This includes carefully observing the scientific results on the new method and interviewing colleagues who are already using the treatment form. In addition, there are always hospitations, i.e. an exchange of experience with colleagues on site in the hospital department or practice - there I apply the method and critically evaluate my own results. Only when I see very clear improvements for the patients do I establish the method in my department and in the next step look for further application possibilities. In this way, I can ensure that as many patients as possible benefit from the innovative treatment options.