| Technique |
Uses a laser beam to burn/shrink hemorrhoidal tissue. |
Uses radiofrequency energy to shrink hemorrhoidal tissue with a precise probe. |
| Invasiveness |
Minimally invasive but may still cause thermal damage to surrounding tissue. |
Minimally invasive with more controlled, targeted energy – less collateral damage. |
| Anesthesia |
Usually performed under spinal or general anesthesia. |
Performed under regional anesthesia (walk-in, walk-out). |
| Procedure Time |
20–40 minutes. |
15–20 minutes. |
| Hospital Stay |
May require short admission or daycare. |
Strictly a daycare procedure – no overnight stay. |
| Pain/Discomfort |
Moderate discomfort post-procedure due to thermal spread. |
Minimal discomfort since radiofrequency is highly targeted. |
| Wound & Stitches |
No major cuts, but small tissue burns occur. |
No cuts, no stitches, no wounds. |
| Bleeding |
Mild bleeding possible post-surgery. |
Very minimal bleeding. |
| Recovery Time |
Usually 5–7 days before resuming normal activities. |
2–3 days – much faster recovery. |
| Recurrence Risk |
Lower than open surgery, but recurrence still possible. |
Even lower recurrence risk since it treats the root cause effectively. |
| Global Adoption |
Widely used worldwide for piles treatment. |
Newer but globally recognized and proven for over 10 years in Europe/UK. |
| Best For |
Patients with Grade II–III hemorrhoids. |
Patients with Grade I–III hemorrhoids seeking a quicker, less painful option. |
| Availability in India |
Available in many hospitals. |
Limited availability; Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chennai, is a pioneer with 200+ successful cases. |
| Doctor Expertise |
Requires a trained colorectal surgeon. |
Requires a certified RAFAELO proctor (e.g., Dr. Vani Vijay at Apollo Spectra). |
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