Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ section.
Here, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about our Hemwellectomy procedure.
Whether you’re curious about the safety and efficacy of the procedure, insurance coverage, or what to expect during recovery, you’ll find all the information you need.
Most Interesting
HemWell Procedure Questions
What's a Hemwellectomy?
A Hemwellectomy is an electrosurgical procedure targeting hemorrhoids with precision, greatly reducing recovery time and discomfort. It’s a swift, effective method that has helped thousands regain comfort quickly.
Is the Procedure Safe?
Absolutely. The Hemwellectomy is FDA approved and has shown excellent safety and efficacy in clinical trials and years of clinical experience. It’s minimally invasive, minimizing risks such as pain, infection, bleeding, and damage to rectal tissue.
Is the Procedure Covered by Insurance?
Yes, most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, typically cover our procedure as a necessary medical procedure. However, coverage can vary based on your specific insurance policy.
Do Hemorrhoids Always Require Surgery?
No. The minimally invasive HemWell procedure can effectively treat internal hemorrhoids without invasive surgery. Your doctor can discuss whether this procedure is right for you.
How Does the Procedure Work?
The Hemwellectomy procedure uses a low-grade electrical current, comparable in energy to that of a pacemaker, to induce muscle contractions and blood clots within the arteries supplying the hemorrhoid.
This effectively blocks blood flow to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and eventually disappear. This process often requires only one session for lasting relief. The procedure is quick, typically taking only a few minutes, and many 90% of patients experience significant improvement after just one procedure.
What Are the Benefits?
The Hemwellectomy procedure offers a minimally invasive approach with minimal to no pain and a rapid recovery time. It is a cost-effective solution, generally covered by insurance, and provides a long-lasting resolution for hemorrhoids.
How Many Procedures Are Necessary?
With our modern protocol, most patients find relief after 1 session, but your doctor will tailor the procedure based on your specific situation during a consultation.
Does the Procedure Hurt?
The procedure is performed under light anesthesia similar to that used for a colonoscopy and you sleep through the procedure. Upon completion most patients typically experience a fullness, ache, or minimal discomfort. Less than 5% of patients experience mild pain relieved by a warm bath and/or Tylenol. Because the patient is sedated during the procedure, no pain is experienced during the procedure itself.
Will I Have to Miss Work or Other Activities?
No. You can typically resume work and normal activities immediately, though vigorous activity should be avoided until the following day or two. We recommend discussing the details with your physician.
Has Hemwellectomy improved over the years?
Yes, when first introduced in the 1990s, no anesthesia was used. While the full electric current did not produce significant tissue damage, it did cause pain. Reducing the current lessened the pain but also reduced the procedure’s success rate. Patients often needed to return 5-6 or more times to the doctor’s office for complete hemorrhoidal relief (to remove their hemorrhoids.) With gentle sedation, patients could tolerate the full FDA-approved current, and 90% of patients have successful outcomes (were successfully removed) with one treatment.
Is a Hemwellectomy as Successful as Other Treatments?
A Hemwellectomy boasts a higher success rate compared to other treatments, with a 90% success rate, matching that of surgical interventions. Some studies have shown success rates of up to 100% with multiple procedures.
Why Is a Hemwellectomy So SAFE (Effective)?
The low current used in a Hemwellectomy minimizes tissue destruction, sparing nerves and other tissues from permanent (stimulation) (or) damage. This results in a safe and virtually painless procedure with no reported complications such as infections, urinary retention, pain, or pelvic sepsis.
If My Doctor Recommends Surgery, Can a Hemwellectomy Be Performed?
Absolutely. The Hemwellectomy procedure is FDA approved for all grades of hemorrhoids, including those traditionally treated with surgery. In some instances, your provider may determine that more than one treatment is required, depending on the complexity of your specific case.
If a Hemwellectomy Is So Safe, Effective, and Virtually Painless, Why Doesn’t Everyone Choose It?
Awareness is key. Many physicians may not be familiar with the Hemwellectomy procedure. We encourage patients to discuss this option with their doctors. We at HemWell MD are available to educate any physician or surgeon interested. For an experienced gastroenterologist or surgeon, the Hemwellectomy is easy to learn.
How Can I Find a Doctor Who Performs a Hemwellectomy?
We can help you find a practicing physician by going to Find A Clinc or by email us at info@hemwellmd.com.
Most Popular
General Questions
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectal area, causing discomfort, burning, itching, bleeding, pain, and rectal masses. They are common but treatable.
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Factors include diet, lifestyle, genetics, straining during bowel movements, sitting for long periods, and pregnancy.
How Do I Know If What I Have Is a Hemorrhoid?
The best way to diagnose and treat hemorrhoids is through a consultation with your doctor, a gastroenterologist, or a surgeon.
How Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids?
Lifestyle changes such as increased fiber intake and proper hydration can help reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids. Sitting less and exercising more is also important.
Can I Just Use Over-The-Counter Treatments?
Yes. While these may offer temporary relief, they do not address the hemorrhoid’s root cause. The Hemwellectomy provides a lasting solution by addressing the root cause.
What Symptoms Do Hemorrhoids Cause?
Hemorrhoids can cause discomforts such as pain, burning, itching, rectal mass, and bleeding. They may also lead to sensations of rectal fullness or incomplete bowel movements. In some cases, they can clot, resulting in severe acute pain.
Can Hemorrhoids Cause Death?
Hemorrhoids themselves are not life-threatening. However, complications such as thrombosis (blood clot) can cause severe pain, necessitating emergency intervention. Surgical complications, although rare, can be serious and rarely even result in death.
How Is the Diagnosis of Hemorrhoids Made?
Diagnosis typically involves a gastroenterologist examining the rectum with an anoscope, a small instrument designed to visualize the anal canal.
What Happens If Conservative Treatments Fail?
When conservative treatments are insufficient, several options are available. The Hemwellectomy, a patented electrosurgical procedure by HemWell MD, is FDA approved to treat all grades of hemorrhoids and stands out as a cutting-edge, minimally invasive alternative to all other procedures.
Are Non-HemWell Treatments Painful?
Traditional treatments like rubber banding, sclerotherapy, and IRC can cause moderate discomfort for up to a week. Surgical interventions can result in severe pain lasting up to a month.