FAQ
frequently asked questions
Yes, eXroid® electrotherapy is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for UK patients, and has been shown to be an effective method for treating smaller haemorrhoids. It can also be used as an alternative to surgery for treating larger haemorrhoids, but there is less evidence (at present) for its effectiveness.
Please visit NHS website for more information
No, we’ll take care of everything for you and we’ll even write to your GP afterwards to let them know.
Electrotherapy for haemorrhoids is a treatment that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has evaluated and recommended for UK patients (source NHS.UK).
From 1st April 2019, the NHS has implemented restrictions in the scope of its services which means that over 17 procedures will only be funded by the NHS in exceptional individual circumstances. The list includes:
Breast reduction;
Removal of benign skin lesions;
Grommets for Glue Ear;
Tonsillectomy for sore throats;
Haemorrhoid surgery;
Hysterectomy for heavy menstrual bleeding;
Chalazia (lesions on eyelids) removal;
Removal of bone spurs for shoulder pain;
Carpal tunnel syndrome release;
Dupuytren’s contracture release for tightening of fingers;
Ganglion excision – removal of noncancerous lumps on the wrist or hand;
Trigger finger release;
Varicose vein surgery
Where possible, we’re doing all we can to support patients appeal their referrals, and we’re here to help where the NHS are unable to cover treatment.
We advise patients to review the ‘limited procedure lists’ which their local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) via their website and contact us for further advice.
Please get in touch to find out about our payment options. You can contact us using our live chat service or call us on 0203 974 6950.
We take full payment at time of booking. We accept all major debit or credit cards including American Express.
The cost of exroid® electrotherapy is £995. For any follow up treatments we charge £745.
Electrotherapy treatment usually causes minimal or no discomfort. However, as pain thresholds do vary, some patients find it more uncomfortable than others.
It can take up to 10 minutes for each pile, or up to 30 minutes for one session treating 3 piles. An initial consultation and treatment takes 45 – 60 minutes.
No, you don’t need to do anything before your treatment.
This is usually possible for most. However, for some patients, a short recovery time may be required.
No, however, the nurse will be able to suggest the possible number of treatment sessions you might need compared to other patients with similar numbers and grade of piles. The larger the piles, the more treatments you will usually need for complete eradication.
We cannot guarantee how many treatments you’ll need; as per any medical treatment, everyone has different responses to electrotherapy, dependant on the severity of your condition.
Yes, we will always make sure there is someone there for you.
We would advise against having the treatment if you have any of the below conditions:
- Pregnancy
- Pacemaker and / or defibrillator implant
- Bleeding disorder
- Anticoagulant therapy where the INR is greater than 3.0
- Active anorectal infection
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Lower abdominal / lower quadrant transplant patients
- Purely external haemorrhoids
- Diagnoses of grade 4 haemorrhoids
- Megacolon
Electrotherapy is a relatively new treatment in the UK and not all GP’s have heard of it. We believe your GP should find all the information they need right here on our website in order to advise you. Further information can also be found on NICE’s website: haemorrhoids
We would be happy to provide further information to your GP if they are interested in learning more about the treatment. Please contact our team on 0203 974 6950 or email info@wrenhealthcare.co.uk if you need our assistance.
- The nurse and chaperone will arrive at your home at time of booking (nurse will ring ahead to confirm arrival time).
- They will recap your medical information ask you to fill in a consent form
- The nurse will setup all equipment and the treatment will commence (treatment will take around 30 minutes).
- After the treatment the nurse will give you aftercare and lifestyle advice
- The nurse will call you 48 hours after treatment and again 4 weeks later to see how your symptoms are.
No treatment for haemorrhoids is 100% safe or effective for all patients, and electrotherapy is no different —there are some risks even the most safest and effective treatment.
Rectal bleeding can be a symptom, yet this is normally temporary. Following treatment, there may be bleeding, which is possible if there has been recent bleeding from the haemorrhoids.
Some patients will experience sensitive skin on their left hip for up to 48 hours post procedure, where the saline soaked sponge pad rests during the treatment. Other side effects are very rare or have not been reported, but can include more prolonged discomfort or pain, an external thrombosed haemorrhoid, infections, scarring, strictures or perforation of the bowel.
In view of the patients who’ve shared their experiences, most patients return to normal daily activities on the same day. If there is any discomfort post treatment your nurse will advise you to take some over the counter analgesics such as paracetamol. Overall, the treatment has been proven to be complication free.
