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Patient Information

What is HALRAR Haemorrhoid Surgery

HALRAR haemorrhoid surgery -  Haemorrhoid Artery Ligation Recto Anal Repair 

Why have HALRAR haemorrhoid surgery?

Excision of haemorrhoids (hemorrhoidectomy) is a very effective operation. However, this can sometimes be associated with significant post operative pain that can last several weeks. HALRAR haemorrhoid surgery is a very effective operation to treat haemorrhoids and is generally associated with less pain than a haemorrhoidectomy. When patients who do experience post operative pain following HALRAR hemorrhoid surgery, it is generally for a much shorter time than experienced with a hemorrhoidectomy. 

What is HALRAR haemorrhoid surgery?

HALRAR haemorrhoid surgery essentially involves internal stitching with dissolvable sutures. There are two components of HALRAR haemorrhoid surgery. The first part is the HAL (hemorrhoid artery ligation). An ultrasonic probe is utilized to identify the haemorrhoid arteries with are ligated (and occluded) with a stitch. This reduces the blood flow to the hemorrhoids and results in shrinkage of the haemorrhoids and reduces bleeding.

The second component of HALRAR hemorrhoid surgery is the RAR (recto anal repair). A series of stitches are placed in the prominent haemorrhoid tissue and then these are tied together which pulls the haemorrhoid tissue up and inside the rectum. This leads to further scarring and shrinkage of the haemorrhoid tissue. Importantly there is no tissue excised and no raw wounds. Also, stitches are not placed at the lowest, most sensitive part of the anus. 

What can I expect after HALRAR haemorrhoid surgery?

The experience after any haemorrhoid surgery can be different for each individual. Some patients can have minimal pain after surgery and some may experience some pain post operatively. This can be dependent on how large the haemorrhoids were. 

Regular pain relief is important and regular laxatives to avoid any constipation after surgery. Most patients arrange to have at least 1 week off work, depending on the type of work they do. 

Do I need a referral from my GP?

No, you are welcome to self-refer without a letter from your GP. To make an appointment please phone the Tauranga Specialist Centre on (07) 571 5548. For your appointment it may be helpful to bring along any relevant information regarding tests / investigations or scans which have been performed relating to your current health condition and be ready to provide information regarding any allergies or medications you may be taking.

When you are referred by your GP these referrals often contain important information regarding any allergies, medications, your current health condition and relevant investigations/scans/tests which may have already been performed.

To self refer please phone the Tauranga Specialist Centre on (07) 571 5548 or send us an email through our contact form.

Prior to your consultation please complete our patient registration form and ideally bring any relevant medical documents to your consultation, including the results from any relevant investigations and your medication list. The surgeon can also request further information or results from your doctor or other medical provider if required.

When should I contact my Health Insurance Provider?

It is best to contact your insurance provider prior to your consultation. Your insurance provider will often cover the cost of your surgical consultation, any investigations or scans which may be required and the surgery itself, depending on your policy.

Dr Cribb is an approved provider for Southern Cross Consultations and services and an NiB first choice network provider. Speak with our reception team about how they can assist you with your pre-approval if required.

Your insurance provider will likely require an estimate for the cost of the operation in order to provide you with pre-approval. There will be three costs, the surgeon fee, The anaesthetist fee and a fee for Grace Hospital. The quote for your Surgeon fee will be provided to you on completion of your consultation.

You can request an estimate for the Grace Hospital and Anaesthetist fee's through the Grace Hospital website: https://www.gracehospital.co.nz/Patient+Information/Request+an+Estimate.html

If your insurance provider requires any further information please contact us at taurangaspecialistcentre@gmail.com or phone 07 5775548

When do I pay for my surgery?

There will be three invoices relating to your surgery. If you are using health insurance, you will be provided with these invoices after the surgery which can be passed onto your insurance provider. 

If you are self-funded, Grace Hospital will require any estimated hospital fees to be paid up-front, prior to your surgery. Your estimated surgeon fee may also be required prior to surgery and the remaining Anaesthetist fees will be invoiced post surgery.

When will my operation be performed?

After your initial consultation we will be in contact with you to schedule a date for your operation. This is generally between 2-8 weeks after your initial consultation, provided the results from any relevant further investigations have been obtained (scan results, lab tests etc.)