Haemorrhoids (Piles) Treatment in Singapore — Managed by a Dedicated Colorectal Surgeon

Topical piles treatment creams and ointments reduce itching and inflammation. They do not shrink or remove the haemorrhoid. Stool softeners, fibre supplements, and adequate hydration address the root cause — straining — and are useful as part of a broader management plan.

Appropriate for Grade 1 haemorrhoids. Billed as standard outpatient fees. Not MediSave-claimable.

Rubber band ligation is my first-line office procedure for Grade 1 and Grade 2 internal haemorrhoids. A small elastic band is placed at the base of the haemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply. The tissue shrinks and detaches within one to two weeks. The procedure takes under five minutes and requires no anaesthesia. Most patients return to normal activity the same day. There is typically mild pressure or discomfort for 24 to 48 hours afterwards.

Ligation has one important limitation: haemorrhoids that are too large to band effectively, or that have failed ligation previously, are not good candidates for repeat ligation. That is where laser haemorrhoidoplasty becomes relevant.

Billed as an outpatient clinic procedure. Generally not MediSave-claimable.

Laser haemorrhoidoplasty fills a specific clinical gap. It is the right option for patients whose haemorrhoids are too large or symptomatic for rubber band ligation — where ligation has failed or is unlikely to work — but who do not yet have the degree of prolapse that makes conventional surgery necessary.

A small opening is made to introduce the laser fibre into the haemorrhoidal tissue, which coagulates and shrinks it from within. This wound typically heals within seven to ten days. During this period, patients may experience some discomfort and a small amount of bleeding, both of which are normal and expected.

Post-operative discomfort is significantly less than conventional haemorrhoidectomy, and most patients return to normal activity within a few days.

I use laser haemorrhoidoplasty primarily for Grade 2 to Grade 3 haemorrhoids in this middle range. For patients with significant prolapse, I prefer stapled haemorrhoidopexy or conventional haemorrhoidectomy — they have superior long-term outcomes for that presentation. Laser is not the right tool for every case, and I will tell you clearly if it is not right for yours.

Laser haemorrhoidoplasty is billed under the same MOH table code as conventional haemorrhoidectomy (TOSP SF836A). Cost figures reflect private hospital day surgery.

Before MediSave and MediShield Life payouts. Actual out-of-pocket costs may be lower depending on Integrated Shield Plan coverage.

Stapled haemorrhoidopexy is a technique I particularly favour for haemorrhoids that have prolapsed around the full circumference of the anal canal — what is clinically referred to as circumferential prolapse — combined with significant Grade 3 prolapse. A circular stapling device repositions the prolapsed tissue back into the anal canal and reduces its blood supply, rather than removing it entirely. The result is less post-operative pain and a faster recovery than conventional haemorrhoidectomy.

For the right patient, this is an excellent procedure. Some studies report higher long-term recurrence rates compared to conventional haemorrhoidectomy, and I discuss that trade-off openly before you decide.

When it comes to the final choice of surgical technique: under general anaesthesia, the sphincter muscles relax completely — allowing me to assess your anatomy accurately in a way that is simply not possible in clinic. That assessment is what determines whether stapled haemorrhoidopexy or conventional haemorrhoidectomy is the right choice for you. I will explain both options at consultation so you understand what to expect either way.

Cost figures are drawn from MOH recommended fees and transacted bill data (TOSP SF837A), reflecting private hospital day surgery.

Before MediSave and MediShield Life payouts. Actual out-of-pocket costs may be lower depending on Integrated Shield Plan coverage.

Conventional haemorrhoidectomy is the most definitive option and carries the lowest long-term recurrence rates. I use LigaSure vessel-sealing technology, which reduces intraoperative bleeding and post-operative discomfort compared to older techniques. It is the procedure I recommend for Grade 3 to Grade 4 haemorrhoids, large or thrombosed external piles, and cases where other treatments have not provided lasting relief.

For a full overview of what the procedure involves, see the Piles Surgery (Haemorrhoidectomy) procedure page.

I want to be direct about recovery.

Most patients experience pain around 4 to 5 out of 10 in the first week, settling to 2 to 3 out of 10 by the second week. After that, most patients notice mild discomfort of 1 to 2 out of 10 mainly during bowel movements. A yellowish mucoid discharge for two to three weeks is normal as the wound heals.

Post-haemorrhoidectomy pain is real. Part of what drives it is sphincteric spasm — something most patients have no prior experience with. Knowing what to expect makes recovery meaningfully easier than being surprised by it.

Cost figures are drawn from MOH recommended fees and transacted bill data (TOSP SF836A), reflecting private hospital day surgery.

Before MediSave and MediShield Life payouts. Actual out-of-pocket costs may be lower depending on Integrated Shield Plan coverage.