Infrared coagulation is the world’s leading office treatment for hemorrhoids. It is a fast and simple office procedure which is quick, effective, and painless. Gastroenterologist Vasudha Dhar, M.D., has brought this treatment to central New Jersey and encourages women and men suffering from hemorrhoids to learn more so they may get quick relief.
“This is a non-surgical, painless treatment that helps people avoid surgery,” said Dr. Dhar, an assistant professor at Columbia University in New York. “It’s completely reimbursed by insurance, and doesn’t require any pre-preparation, such as an enema. A small probe is placed above the hemorrhoid and short bursts of infrared light coagulates the blood vessels causing the hemorrhoids to shrink.”
Dr. Dhar, who is on staff at University Medical Center at Princeton, CentraState Medical Center and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, explains there are different gradings for hemorrhoids, from one (small) to 4 (those that pop out and stay out). In some cases, larger-stage hemorrhoids may shrink with medication, making the patient a candidate for infrared coagulation rather than surgery.
“The smaller they are, the better they respond to this laser treatment,” she added. “This treatment really is a game-changer.”
Something else Dr. Dhar is passionate about: colon cancer screening, particularly in the underserved female population. Statistics show colon cancer is the third most common cancer among women but mortality is close to that of breast cancer.
“Women go for mammograms and PAP smears, but don’t tend to go for colon cancer screenings,” she stated. “Colon cancer risk for women is almost the same as for men. We need to be more aggressive about getting women screened. “
Dr. Dhar says everyone’s risk is different depending on their family history and personal risk factors. Average risk people with no family history should have a screening colonoscopy performed at age 50. Screenings begin early for patients with family members with cancer, younger-age at diagnosis of cancer and/or history of polyposis syndromes. Patients with a history of inflammatory bowel disease are at a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer, as well.
“Endoscopic ultrasound is also offered at my practice. It is a specialized endoscopic procedure for the most accurate staging of gastrointestinal tract cancer and obtaining tissue diagnosis in a minimally invasive way, ” she said. “It requires special training and procedures are performed both at University Medical Center at Princeton and Centrastate Medical Center.”
Accurate staging means doctors can create better treatment plans and tailor therapies for the best possible prognosis. Endoscopic ultrasound also allows sampling from cysts in the pancreas which helps to differentiate benign cysts from premalignant cysts and cystic cancers, according to Dr. Dhar.
For more information about hemorrhoid treatment, and/or colon cancer screenings and treatment, contact Dr. Dhar at (609) 918-1222
Vasudha Dhar, M.D. 300B Princeton-Hightstown Road, Suite 206, East Windsor. 609-918-1222.
