Anolift is a procedure for haemorrhoids that works by reducing the blood flow feeding them and lifting any prolapsed tissue back into position. It is carried out in a hospital setting by an experienced hospital doctor. Unlike conventional haemorrhoid surgery, no tissue is cut away or destroyed. No electricity, laser or any other tissue-destroying energy device is used in the Anolift procedure The doctor uses a Doppler-guided probe to locate the small arteries supplying the haemorrhoids and closes them with sutures. A second step, known as mucopexy, gathers and repositions tissue that has been protruding. The haemorrhoidal cushions themselves are left in place with their anatomy intact (NICE, 2010).

Yes. Anolift is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, performed in a hospital setting and under anaesthesia. What makes it different from conventional haemorrhoid surgery is that it treats haemorrhoids without cutting or removing tissue. Most patients go home the same day.

The Anolift procedure is carried out under anaesthesia, so you will not feel it. Afterwards, most patients report discomfort rather than the severe pain associated with other procedures where haemorrhoids are cut away or destroyed. Pain relief is provided and your surgeon will explain what to expect in your case.

A study from a leading London Hospital Doctor showed most patients who had an Anolift procedure were back at work within four days. Recovery varies from person to person and depends on the grade of your haemorrhoids, your general health and the type of work you do. Your hospital doctor will give you a timeline at your consultation. (Giordano et al., 2022)(Giordano P. et al. Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD) Anolift Prospective Assessment of Safety and Efficacy, 2021).

Anolift is used for haemorrhoids that have not responded to conservative or outpatient treatments (NICE, 2010). Depending on your symptoms and the severity of the prolapse, your hospital doctor will discuss with you whether to just reduce the flow of blood to your haemorroids, or combine it with a lifting of any prolapse that is present and returning in back its normal position.

Anolift haemorrhoid procedures are FREE in every UK NHS hospital where it is available. Patients who have medical insurance for their treatment, will find that all the major medical insurance provider companies, include THD Anolift in their list of accepted procedures for the treatment of haemorrhoids.

Yes, Anolift is available in most UK NHS hospitals. Ask your family doctor to refer you to your local NHS hospital

In 2010 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence issued guidance on haemorrhoidal artery ligation, considering it a safe and effective alternative to conventional surgery to remove haemorrhoids in the short and medium term (NICE, 2010). Since 2015 training in the method has been accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons. Anolift is offered by experienced Consultant Colorectal and General surgeons in most private hospitals across the UK.

In a haemorrhoidectomy the haemorrhoids are cut away, which removes tissue and is associated with a longer and more painful recovery. Anolift instead reduces the blood supply to the haemorrhoids and lifts prolapsed tissue back into place, leaving the anal canal intact.

Banding is usually used for lower-grade haemorrhoids and is often done without anaesthetic. Laser and radiofrequency treatments work by applying energy to the haemorrhoidal tissue. Anolift works differently again, by closing the arteries that supply the haemorrhoids and repositioning prolapsed tissue, without applying energy or removing tissue.

Symptoms can return after any haemorrhoid treatment, including Anolift. Published figures vary between centres. A systematic review of 2904 patients across many centres reported a pooled recurrence rate of 2.5 per cent, a 97.5 per cent success rate. A systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing surgical treatments for haemorrhoids found advantages for dearterialization in operating time, pain scores and postoperative complications, alongside a higher relapse rate than some tissue-removing procedures (Simillis et al., 2015). Your surgeon will discuss what this means for your case and the measures that help reduce the risk (Ratto et al., 2017) (Giordano P. et al., THD Anolift for advanced haemorrhoidal disease: a video vignette 2022) (Giordano et al., 2022)(Giordano P. et al. Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD) Anolift Prospective Assessment of Safety and Efficacy, 2021)

As anolift is a minimally invasive procedure, where nothing is left in the patient, except an absorbable suture, it is a less risky procedure than an excision of haemorrhoids, or the use of a tissue destructive energy device where sensitive tissues and burned away or destroyed. Anolift is safe in both the short and long term. Anolift treats both the bleeding component of haemorrhoidal disease and the prolapse, which is lifted and restored to it’s normal anatomical position. NICE guidelines for patients, 12 May 2010 ‘it is safe enough.’ As with any procedure carried out under anaesthetic, Anolift carries risks. In a published series of seventeen patients, three had bleeding after surgery that did not need further surgical treatment, one had temporary difficulty passing urine, and four needed pain relief beyond the fifth day. No haemorrhoidal thrombosis or long-term complications were recorded. Your surgeon will explain the risks that apply to you before you consent, along with how likely they are and what to do if you have concerns after going home.(Giordano P. et al., THD Anolift for advanced haemorrhoidal disease: a video vignette 2022). (Giordano P. et al. Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD) Anolift Prospective Assessment of Safety and Efficacy, 2021)

NHS patients will need to be referred by their local family doctor (GP). Private medical insurance or self-pay patients, may book an appointment with a doctor who offers Anolift, but please check with your medical insurance company first.

Anolift is available at NHS and private hospitals across the UK. Use the hospital and clinic finder on this page to see where you can have Anolift treatment for your haemorrhoid problem. NHS patients, please ask your GP to refer you.