Can you get haemorrhoids removed on the NHS?
In 2019, the NHS resolved to reduce the routine commissioning of surgical procedures. Haemorrhoid surgery was one of the seventeen procedures to be cut back on, in an attempt to save the NHS £200 million a year.
In the UK, nearly 5 million people suffer from symptoms caused by haemorrhoids every year. This has caused growing concern amongst patients and the public, leading them to wonder why the access to treatment for haemorrhoids has been restricted and what other options are there for haemorrhoid sufferers?
Why are haemorrhoid procedures going to be offered to fewer patients?
NHS England has maintained that, by tightening the criteria for these treatments, millions of pounds every year will be saved and that all patients will receive the best treatment for their condition. These are difficult decisions for the NHS, given the need for efficiency in an increasingly difficult economic climate.
Speaking about the plans, National Medical Director of NHS England, Professor Stephen Powis, said that surgery is sometimes better avoided than given and often the “risks and harms outweigh the benefits.” He went on to say that “By reducing unnecessary or risky procedures for some patients we can get better outcomes while reducing waste and targeting resource to where it is most needed.” (NHS England, 2018)
How will this affect haemorrhoid sufferers?
A Shift from Theatre to Clinic.
The guidance clearly stipulates that the evidence shows that clinic-based treatments for grade 1, 2 and 3 haemorrhoids can be more effective than theatre-based surgery and should be considered as a leading option for treatment.
The NHS currently carries out three types of surgical interventions for haemorrhoids; a haemorrhoidectomy, haemorrhoidal artery ligation and stapling (NHS UK). However, the NHS is now advocating for the non-surgical procedure alternatives that are available in clinic. Surgical procedures will only be carried out if certain clinical criteria are met.
According to The Association of Coloproctology, surgery will only be undertaken in cases of persistent grade 1 or grade 2 haemorrhoids that have not improved from non-surgical interventions such as dietary changes or banding. Similarly, surgery may be performed on grade 3 or 4 haemorrhoids or those with a ‘symptomatic external component’.
Impact on patients
While these changes are more efficient and save a lot of money, there is undoubtedly an impact on the 5 million haemorrhoids sufferers. The symptoms of living with haemorrhoids can be detrimental to these individuals. The condition is often joked about. Living with it can be incredibly stressful. Sufferers can find it difficult to talk about the symptoms.
Can I get haemorrhoid electrotherapy on the NHS?
eXroid’s electrotherapy has been evaluated and recommended by NICE as an effective treatment for grade 1, 2 and 3 haemorrhoids. As a clinic-based, fully ambulatory (walk-in, walk-out) procedure, it is fully compliant with the NHS Commissioning Guidelines 2019.
eXroid is working with NICE and individual NHS CCG commissioning groups to make the treatment available in your area. Please see the ‘commissioned services’ section on your local CCG website for more information. We would encourage you to contact us for help and support if your local CCG does not commission the eXroid electrotherapy treatment in your area.
Would you like to speak with a trained haemorrhoid specialist?
Please use this form to request a call back at a time that suits you.
Watch our explainer video here
Where is my nearest clinic?
We have accredited and Care Quality Commission (CQC) approved haemorrhoid clinics throughout the UK.
Click here for our clinic locations
How does the eXroid treatment work?
The treatment itself is very simple and has been clinically researched for many years, with advances in medical technology now making it a mainstream practice.
How many people has eXroid treated?
We have completed over 4,000 successful treatments in the UK.
You can read some of their stories here
Can we help you with anything else?
Why not call us now on 0800 999 3777 if you have any questions or click here for other contact options.
We're here to help you
eXroid®: fully regulated and accredited
As a medical device manufacturer, all of our equipment is made and developed in the UK and we are proud to be CE and ISO 13485 accredited by the British Standards Institution BSi.
Our service has been evaluated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) who have produced two sets of approval guidelines which accredit the treatment as safe and effective (IPG525 and MIB201). eXroid is a registered and regulated service Provider with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as we strive for the highest levels of care and service standards.
The eXroid service is also PCI DSS compliant, giving both financial assurance and security to our patients when they make their payments with us.
Why choose the eXroid® haemorrhoid treatment
Fast
The eXroid® treatment takes 30 minutes or less. Effects can be felt from immediately and no waiting for a referral
Specialist
The procedure is supported and carried out by the UK's leading specialist consultant surgeons in CQC registered clinics
Safe
The eXroid® procedure is low risk, as it requires no anaesthetic, cutting or stitching
Convenient
Get back to your life straightaway, with no time off work needed after the eXroid® procedure
Approved
eXroid® electrotherapy is subject to NICE guidance (IPG525 & MIB201), is rated as Outstanding by the CQC and carries the CE mark
