Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation (HALO)

When is a HALO performed?
A HALO operation is performed for patients with haemorrhoids (also known as piles). It can help many patients with haemorrhoids who still have significant symptoms despite simple measures such as changes in diet or treatments such as banding or injection.

How does the operation work?
The operation involves a general anaesthetic and takes about 40 minutes to perform. A special Doppler device is used to locate the arteries that supply the haemorrhoids, allowing the surgeon to put a stitch into the blood vessel to tie it off. This causes the haemorrhoid to shrink. A further series of stitches can then be placed to pull the loose haemorrhoidal tissue up into the back passage. Patients are usually able to go home the same day, though sometimes may stay overnight.

What are the advantages of the operation?
No tissue is cut away and so no “raw” or open wounds remain. The stitches are placed inside the back passage where there is little sensation, so there is relatively little discomfort. Patients may be able to return to work within a few days, which is much quicker than after conventional haemorrhoid surgery.

What are the results like from surgery?
Patients may experience a mild ache in their back passage after surgery or low down in their tummy. This usually settles within a couple of days. Around 80% of people will feel that their symptoms are cured or much improved by a HALO.

Where can I find out more about HALO?
There is more information available about HALO here