Infrared Coagulation
Infrared Coagulation (IRC) is the mostely widely used office treatment for hemorrhoids and is preferred over the other methods because it is fast, well-tolerated by patients, and virtually problem-free.
A small probe contacts the area above the hemorrhoid, exposing the tissue to a burst of infrared light for about one second. This coagulates the veins above the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and recede.
The patient may feel a sensation of heat very briefly, but it is generally not painful. Therefore, anesthetic is usually not required.