The purpose of this study was to investigate how a scanner device would imp
rove the outcome of laser hemorrhoidectomy regarding pain, healing, secreti
on, and hemostasis, Background Data: The technology of the laser has been a
pplied since the 1960s in several clinical and surgical specialties. The in
herent advantages, due to the biological characteristics of this instrument
are: (1) it does not affect the neighborning tissues, (2) it is hemostatic
, (3) it favors healing, (4) it is bactericidal, and (5) it presents less p
ostoperative pain. Several authors have questioned these supposed advantage
s, After scanners were introduced, better results were accomplished, includ
ing in proctological surgery. Methods: A total of 350 patients, consecutive
ly, went through a laser hemorrhoidectomy using a CO2 laser coupled to a sc
anner device in a 3-year period. Patients were monitored for pain, healing,
bleeding, and local secretion for up to 36 months. Results: Almost 13% of
the patients required bondage of arteries during the operation; 96% used an
algesics for up to 3 days; and 5 patients (1.42%) complained of strong pain
for several days, Only 2 patients (0.6%) reported intense pain for more th
an 7 days. All patients presented complete healing between the 30th and the
40th POD. In the 90th POD tissue regeneration appeared healthy. The immedi
ate complications included 2 cases of nipple hemorrhage that demanded a rev
iew. Stenosis occurred in 4 patients, Residual "plicoma" was often present
with the laser technique (20%), Return to work, regardless of its nature, w
as an average, on the 3rd postoperative day. Conclusions: Our evaluation of
the results led to the conclusion that the scanner coupled to the CO2 lase
r was fundamental for better postoperative outcome in our patients, at leas
t compared to other laser techniques.