Researchers at Sechenov University in Moscow have introduced a minimally invasive and painless approach to hemorrhoid removal that uses a stream of argon gas to electrically dissect tissue. The coagulation equipment does not physically touch the tissue, which reduces the chance of wound infection and postoperative bleeding. This advancement was disclosed to socialbites.ca by the university press service.
Senior clinicians from the Faculty of Surgery No. 2 at the University Clinical Hospital of Sechenov University No. 4 led the way in Russia by adopting argon plasma coagulation. This technique guides the dissection with electricity while operating in a jet of argon gas, so the instrument itself remains non-contact. In this method, the argon plasma acts like a scalpel, enabling precise cutting of tissue without direct instrument contact. The argon plasma torch produces intense heat that coagulates tissue as it disinfects, causing a dramatic effect on the targeted area without visible smoke or odor. The outcome is a sterile field and a significantly lowered risk of infectious complications after the procedure.
Traditional options for hemorrhoid surgery have historically included the Milligan-M-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy and its various modifications, which involve excising hemorrhoids along with surrounding tissue. The current experience indicates that successful outcomes depend on two critical factors. First, how gently and precisely doctors handle the tissues during the operation matters. Second, the choice of instruments to excise the nodules plays a crucial role. A faculty member association at Sechenov University notes that the principle of minimal tissue handling correlates with fewer ancillary devices used to manage the area after the procedure. Dr. Sergey Efetov, a senior surgeon from the No. 4 department, emphasizes these observations and reflects on the practical implications for surgical practice.
Following hemorrhoid removal, the vessels are secured to minimize bleeding. Efetov explains that the typical diameter of hemorrhoidal vessels is about 2 millimeters, and argon plasma coagulation can effectively seal vessels up to 5 millimeters in diameter. This capability translates into a lower risk of bleeding after surgery and a smoother recovery process for patients undergoing these procedures.
Clinical testing of the argon plasma technique has demonstrated a noticeably reduced pain response compared with traditional monopolar coagulation, which remains a common method for hemorrhoid treatment. Patients tracked their pain levels on a 10 point scale each day, and many reported milder discomfort. A notable advantage observed by medical teams was that patients could leave the hospital the day after treatment in many cases, reflecting shorter stays and faster resumption of daily activities. At present, patent documents related to this method are under preparation to protect the innovations and the associated medical practices for broader dissemination. The researchers are optimistic about the potential for adopting this approach outside Moscow and across healthcare facilities in North America as well as Europe, as experts consider it compatible with existing minimally invasive surgical frameworks.
Historically, doctors from what is now Sechenov University have pursued a range of innovations in nerve preservation and tissue healing. Their ongoing work aims to refine surgical approaches that minimize tissue trauma while delivering reliable, durable outcomes. This continued emphasis on gentle tissue handling and advanced energy-based technologies aligns with a broader trend in modern colorectal surgery toward less invasive, faster recovery options for patients in Canada, the United States, and beyond. The medical community remains attentive to the careful evaluation of new devices, adherence to safety standards, and the rigorous documentation of patient outcomes as this technique gains broader clinical adoption. (Source: Sechenov University press service).