Rafaelo® Hemorrhoid Treatment

A Modern, Minimally Invasive Treatment for Internal Hemorrhoids

If you are experiencing bleeding, discomfort, itching, or prolapsing hemorrhoids, Rafaelo® may be an excellent treatment option. This advanced, minimally invasive procedure uses controlled radiofrequency energy to treat internal hemorrhoids with minimal discomfort and a quick recovery.

At The Colorectal Surgery Clinic, we offer comprehensive hemorrhoid care and will recommend the treatment that is best suited to your symptoms, examination findings, and lifestyle.

  • Rafaelo® is a modern treatment for hemorrhoids that uses gentle radiofrequency energy — no cutting, no stitches, and no downtime. It's done right in the office, takes about 20 minutes, and most patients are back to their normal routine the same day.

    If you've been putting off dealing with hemorrhoids because surgery sounds daunting, Rafaelo is often a much easier path — with less pain and a much faster recovery.

  • The procedure is performed by a colorectal surgeon using a specialized radiofrequency probe.

    After the hemorrhoid is identified, local anesthetic is administered to ensure comfort. The radiofrequency probe is then placed into the hemorrhoid, where controlled energy is delivered for a few seconds. This causes the hemorrhoidal tissue to shrink over the following weeks.

    Depending on the number of hemorrhoids being treated, several areas may be treated during the same visit.

    The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes.

  • Rafaelo® is designed to treat internal hemorrhoids — especially for people who've tried dietary and lifestyle changes without lasting relief. It works well across a range of hemorrhoid grades, from mild to more advanced cases, without requiring traditional surgery.

    Rafaelo® treats symptoms of bleeding, itching, mucus discharge, or mild prolapse

    Not every patient is a candidate. During your consultation, your colorectal surgeon will perform an examination and discuss whether Rafaelo®, rubber band ligation, or conventional hemorrhoid surgery is the most appropriate option.

    While Rafaelo specifically targets the internal component, many patients also notice improvement in their external symptoms (skin tags) as a result of treating the internal hemorrhoids.

    It's not the right fit for everyone, and during your consultation, we'll determine whether Rafaelo is the best option for your specific situation — or whether another treatment path makes more sense.

  • The procedure takes place right in the office — no hospital visit, no general anesthetic. A local anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable, and the treatment itself takes about 20 minutes.

    Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Some mild discomfort or a feeling of pressure is common for a day or two, but it's generally well-tolerated with over-the-counter pain relief if needed.

    You'll typically notice improvement over the following weeks as the treated tissue resolves, with most patients seeing full results within a few weeks.

  • Compared to traditional hemorrhoid surgery, Rafaelo offers:

    • No cutting or stitches — the procedure uses radiofrequency energy instead of a scalpel

    • Minimal downtime — most patients are back to work and daily life the same day, instead of weeks of recovery

    • Less pain — with local anesthetic only, and a much gentler recovery than surgical removal

    • In-office procedure — no hospital stay, no general anesthetic

    Compared to banding (rubber band ligation), Rafaelo can offer more consistent, longer-lasting results — especially for hemorrhoids that haven't responded well to banding in the past.

    For many patients, Rafaelo offers real relief without the recovery time and discomfort that comes with more invasive options.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The best way to determine whether Rafaelo® is right for you is through a consultation with a colorectal surgeon. We will review your symptoms, perform an examination, and discuss all available treatment options. Rafaelo® is often an excellent choice for patients with Grade I or II internal hemorrhoids and selected Grade III hemorrhoids, but the most appropriate treatment depends on your individual condition and goals.

  • Most patients describe the procedure as causing pressure or mild discomfort rather than significant pain. A local anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable throughout the treatment, and any post-procedure discomfort is usually mild. Most patients manage well with over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if appropriate).

  • A small amount of spotting or light bleeding is normal for a few days after treatment. Heavy bleeding is uncommon. If you experience significant bleeding, severe pain, fever, or difficulty passing urine, you should contact our office or seek medical attention.

  • Rafaelo® is designed to treat internal hemorrhoids and does not directly treat external hemorrhoids or skin tags. However, because internal and external hemorrhoids often share the same blood supply, treating the internal hemorrhoids may reduce blood flow to the external component, allowing it to become smaller and less symptomatic in some patients.

    If significant external hemorrhoids or skin tags are present, a different procedure or surgery may provide the best long-term result. During your consultation, we'll recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your specific condition.

  • Some patients notice improvement within days, while others experience gradual symptom relief over several weeks as the treated hemorrhoids shrink. Maximum benefit is often seen over the first two to three months.

  • Recovery is typically very quick. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities within 24 hours, and many return to work the same day or the following day. You may experience mild discomfort, a sensation of fullness, or light spotting for a few days as the treated hemorrhoids begin to shrink.

  • The physician assessment and consultation are covered by OHIP. However, the Rafaelo® procedure itself is currently not covered by OHIP and is offered as a privately funded treatment. Our team will discuss the fees with you before your procedure so that you can make an informed decision.

  • Many patients experience significant improvement after a single treatment session. Depending on the size and number of hemorrhoids, some patients may benefit from an additional treatment to achieve the best possible result. Your surgeon will discuss the expected treatment plan during your consultation.

  • No hemorrhoid treatment can permanently prevent future hemorrhoids. While Rafaelo® provides excellent symptom relief for appropriately selected patients, recurrence is possible over time—particularly if constipation, prolonged straining, heavy lifting, or chronic diarrhea persist. Maintaining healthy bowel habits, including a high-fibre diet, adequate hydration, and avoiding excessive straining, can help reduce the risk of recurrence.

  • Healthy bowel habits are one of the best ways to reduce your risk of recurrence:

    • Eat a high-fibre diet (25–35 grams per day)

    • Drink plenty of water

    • Avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet

    • Do not strain during bowel movements

    • Exercise regularly

    • Treat constipation or chronic diarrhea promptly

    These lifestyle changes can improve the long-term success of any hemorrhoid treatment.

  • Both Rafaelo® and rubber band ligation (RBL) are minimally invasive office-based procedures used to treat internal hemorrhoids. RBL works by placing a small band around the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and fall off. Rafaelo® uses radiofrequency energy to shrink the hemorrhoid from within.

    While both treatments are effective, Rafaelo® may provide longer-lasting symptom relief with fewer repeat treatments for appropriately selected patients. During your consultation, we'll recommend the treatment that is best suited to your symptoms and the severity of your hemorrhoids.

  • Both Rafaelo® and traditional hemorrhoid surgery are effective treatments, but they are designed for different types of hemorrhoids.

    Rafaelo® is a minimally invasive office-based procedure for appropriately selected internal hemorrhoids. Compared with traditional hemorrhoid surgery, it typically results in significantly less pain, a much quicker recovery, and minimal downtime, allowing most patients to return to normal activities within a day or two.

    Traditional hemorrhoid surgery remains the best option for patients with large external hemorrhoids or advanced prolapsing hemorrhoids, where a more definitive surgical approach may be needed.