Frequently Asked Question
Consultation
Firstly, has your doctor faxed a referral? If not, please have one sent to the fax number (Fax: 416.250.5888 ) as soon as possible. Without this step, as specialists, we are unable to see you, unless you are from abroad. A virtual visit is available if you don’t have ready access to a family doctor: https://rocketdoctor.ca/
Secondly, you can have a relaxed chat with our lead surgeon, Dr. Maharaj’s team regarding your situation as he can do a Zoom consultation and can do one when suitable for you? We can arrange a consultation within hours or days.
Operation
Yes, approximately 30-60 minutes depending on the severity of your disease.
Yes, both sides will be addressed and banding will not be necessary due to the advanced nature of the case, which is not amenable to banding with an acceptable side effect profile.
The success rate for Laser Hemorrhoidoplasy (ELETE) is equivalent to that of cutting surgery, which is typically 85-90% in cases like yours.
It is important to understand that even though you may invest in an advanced procedure, surgery is not a perfect science. All surgical procedures come with inherent risks and potential complications, regardless of the technology or techniques used. Despite the advancements in medical technology, there is always a possibility that a surgical procedure may not meet your expectations or lead to the desired outcomes. It is crucial to have realistic expectations and weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks of any surgical procedure. It is crucial also to discuss these potential risks with your surgeon so that you can make an informed decision.
Post-surgery Recovery
Recovery is generally faster, and exercise can generally be resumed after about one week.
Yes, it is safe to perform suppository or digital stimulation three days after the procedure.
It is difficult to predict in patients’ particular cases; however, our estimation is that the treatment should last between 10 and 20 years, barring any complications. There may be a need for occasional minor procedures to manage the residual disease. Rest assured that we will make every effort to ensure the best possible outcome.
While there is a possibility of this occurring, it is extremely rare, far less frequently than with surgical intervention.
Patients may experience bleeding when applying pressure to the area. To reduce the bleeding and inflammation, put the gel up there two to three times per day. Using a small amount of mineral oil as an enema instead may also be helpful.
Laser surgery is not a magic wand that can just remove a lesion without creating inflammation pain and bleeding after surgery. The operation occurred in an area that needs to be used every day immediately after surgery. This area is very unclean and creates inflammation bleeding and swelling post-surgery. Residual hemorrhoids not seen or treated initially will need to be treated if they become symptomatic at a later date.
On average, it is about a week to two weeks after surgery. It can be prolonged.
Cost & Coverage
Unfortunately, not at this time. This is a relatively new medical procedure, and advanced training surgical expertise and skill, equipment and procedures are needed to provide such advanced care. These procedures are not able to be charged to OHIP so those fees must be borne by the patient. These fees paid consist a tax credit when filing your taxes.
We do not currently offer any payment plans. The cost of this treatment is set by the clinics.
We have previously attempted to secure funding for other patients through provincial healthcare. However, since there is a standard operation (surgical) available for this condition, provincial healthcare typically does not provide coverage for this medical procedure.
Not all patients qualify for ELITE/THD. You may be assessed first and perhaps treated conservatively at first with a short look inside and tying off or endoscopic removal of the bag of blood vessels, the hemorrhoid. You can ask your family physician or walk-in clinic doctor to fax a referral to Dr. MAHARAJ @ 416.250.5888
The initial assessment for hemorrhoids is OHIP covered, and treatment may involve rubber band application or endoscopic removal of hemorrhoids. Out-of-town patients can receive phone assessments and tentative one-visit care to allow for same-day car travel or next-day flight. OHIP covers Fergusson hemorrhoid removal surgeries, but not ELITE/THD surgery.
ELITE surgery costs $1300-$7000, with $600 covered by provincial insurance. A $500 refundable fee is required for non-cutting advanced surgery booking, with the remainder due one week before surgery. Repeat reoperative non-cutting surgery can cost up to $2400 in 5-20% of patients. OHIP covers reoperative cutting surgery and all consultation, endoscopy, and hemorrhoidectomy costs for eligible patients with valid OHIP cards. Non-OHIP consultations are billed at $200. Please send the fee before the consultation by Interac to info@proctocan.com
The above fees are tax-deductible and not covered by most insurance, although some all-inclusive insurance policies may cover them. Laser surgery fees depend on estimated procedure time. Necessary information for insurance claims can be downloaded from the resources page on our website.
Anal surgery is a delicate and sensitive medical procedure that requires a high level of expertise and care. In many cases, patients undergoing anal surgery may have unreasonable expectations about the outcome of the procedure. These expectations can lead to disappointment, frustration, and even depression if they are not met.
One of the most common unreasonable expectations that patients undergoing anal surgery have is a quick recovery time. Many patients believe that they will be able to resume their normal activities immediately after the surgery, but this is not always the case. The recovery time for anal surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure performed, the patient’s general health, the severity of the disease treated and other factors. Patients may need to take a few days or even weeks off from work to recover fully.
Patients may feel their anticipated surgery will completely cure their symptoms. Anal surgery can be very effective at treating certain conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and rectal prolapse, but it is not a guaranteed cure for all anal problems. Patients may need to make lifestyle changes such as improving their diet and exercise habits to manage their symptoms and prevent worsening symptoms.
Patients undergoing anal surgery may also have unrealistic expectations about the cosmetic outcome of the procedure. While modern surgical techniques and technology can produce aesthetically pleasing results, patients should be informed that there may be scarring, discoloration, or other visual imperfections that may occur after the surgery. In certain cases despite our best efforts the external appearance may return immediately or at a later point in time due to the inherent weakness of tissues in that area that are required to immediately function normally passing highly infection causing feces.
Furthermore, patients may expect to have complete control over their bowels immediately after surgery. This expectation can be unrealistic as the surgery may cause temporary incontinence and patients may need to use incontinence products in the short-term. Some post-operative complications can also arise, including bleeding, infection, or delayed wound healing.
In conclusion, patients undergoing anal surgery may have unreasonable expectations about the procedure and the outcome. It is important for healthcare providers to educate patients about what to expect before, during, and after surgery to manage their expectations. By addressing these unrealistic expectations through proper communication, the patients can be better prepared for the physical and emotional demands of the surgery, leading to a more successful overall outcome.