Rafaelo procedure at Spire Tunbridge Wells

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Haemorrhoids (or piles as they are commonly known) are generally an unspoken curse from which many of us suffer, but are too embarrassed to discuss with our loved ones, let alone our GP. They are enlarged vascular ‘cushions’ just inside or around the bottom (anus and lower rectum), thought to be caused by a variety of factors but commonly constipation, diarrhoea or excessive straining.

They're very common; it's been estimated that up to 50% of the population may suffer from symptomatic haemorrhoids at some point in their lives (source: Haemorrhoids: diagnosis and management. Am Surg 75 (8): 635–42).

After 3 years of development and over 2,000 patients successfully treated across Europe with outstanding results, we’re able to offer the Rafaelo Procedure. Using the safe and established technology of radio frequency ablation, the Rafaelo procedure can be performed on a walk-in, walk-out basis.

Benefits

You won't need a general anaesthetic, and can return to your normal daily activities immediately after treatment, rather than needing three weeks to recover. You’ll be virtually pain free after the procedure and your symptoms should improve almost immediately. Find out more about the Rafaelo procedure.

If you have haemorrhoids which are between grades 1, 2 or 3, Rafaelo could be the treatment for you.  Some grade 4 haemorrhoids may be reduced, but it's unlikely that they will not reach a complete resolution, which often will require surgery.

Your consultant

Mr Christopher Wright

I am a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon working across both sites of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW). I was appointed permanently in November 2014 having worked as Locum Consultant there since March 2014. I graduated from the University of Birmingham Medical School in 2002 and completed my higher surgical training in the London Deanery in 2013. At the end of my training I was awarded one of just 6 prestigious Ethicon Laparoscopic Colorectal Fellowship available nationally, giving me broad experience in advanced laparoscopic techniques. I undertook this six month Fellowship at the internationally renowned laparoscopic training unit at Colchester University Hospital.

As a Colorectal Surgeon, I deal with a range of problems affecting the bowel. Colorectal problems can largely be divided into functional (such as irritable bowel syndrome - by far the commonest group of problems I see in colorectal clinics - or problems with leakage of stool), inflammatory (such as bowel infections, colitis or diverticulitis), anatomical (for example prolapse of the bowel, haemorrhoids or anal skin tags) or related to a growth (including benign polyps and bowel cancer).

Book an appointment

If you’d like a consultation with Mr Wright about Rafaelo - available for just £1,980 if you’re funding your own treatment – call us on 01892 629338