…and so I went to Portugal to attend and certify in this phenomenal course. Laser Proctology run by the International Society of Laser Proctology (ISoLP). It took place in Porto, Portugal and ran over 3 days. There were plenty of hands of sessions and covered everything there is to know about the following;

Laser haemorrhoidoplasty (LHP)

Pilonidal disease laser (SiLac – sinus laser-assisted closure)

Anal fistula laser (FiLac – fistula tract laser closure)

Anal fissure laser (LaFIP – laser fissuroplasty)

Anal warts and AIN laser.

I was very impressed with the results presented by the experts and the knowledge they imparted. The treatment is certainly different to everything we have been offering here in the UK. Whilst each treatment is a personal choice for patients….and there is certainly no treatment that is 100% effective….this treatment offers the patients a chance to have anal surgery in a more minimally invasive fashion. Not everyone wants open wounds on their anus, even if it is the gold standard for care. This treatment is an alternative to traditional surgery that looks exciting.

What I learnt however, is that for anal skin tags surgical excision is still the king. It may be that the base of an external skin tag could be lasered if internal haemorrhoids are being treated at the same time. In my experience however, most patients want the opportunity to redundant anal skin tags fully removed in a bid to get back to a flatter bum that is easier to keep clean.

I will be offering the above laser treatments in my clinic under local anaesthetic. Watch this space for an update on results!