Everything you need to know
What is Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (AIN)?
AIN means there are abnormal cells in the lining of the anus. Most AIN cells start in the skin around the back passage (perianal skin), but they can also be found inside the anal canal. There are different grades of AIN. The grade relates to the thickness of the surface layer of skin that is affected by abnormal cells.
The 3 different grades of AIN are:
AIN 1 – The abnormal cells are in the lower one third of the skin covering the anus
AIN 2 – The abnormal cells are in the lower two thirds of the skin
AIN 3 – The abnormal cells are in the full thickness of the skin of the anus
You and your specialist will decide together which treatment to use based on; the size of lesion, location of lesion and your preferences or ability to tolerate the treatment.
What is AIN laser ablation?
Ablation of AIN is a well-tolerated destructive surgical procedure performed with local or general anaesthesia on an outpatient basis and is a useful treatment for a disease that should be expected to be recurrent.
How does it work
The laser fibre is directed towards the lesion using a bespoke laser handpiece. The laser energy is absorbed by the lesion destroying the neoplastic tissue, and allowing the affected area to heal without the presence of intraepithelial neoplasia.
How long does it take?
The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes.
Why AIN laser ablation?
- No incision required
- Low pain treatment
- Minimal bleeding
- Short recovery time
- Performed in an outpatient setting or one-day surgery
Before
If you are worried about your symptoms or your GP has referred you, get in touch and we will book you in with one of our specialist consultants.
During your initial appointment, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, any test results, and take a detailed medical history. If you have copies of previous test results or treatment plans, please bring these with you. After this, they will talk through your options and let you know whether you should have additional tests. If an AIN ablation is recommended, your doctor will explain the procedure thoroughly, including the risks and benefits. We encourage you to ask questions and it may be helpful to write these down beforehand as a reminder.
Your consultant will provide a specific pre-procedure protocol for you to follow.
During
Access to general anaesthetic may be required for patients who may experience pain during examination and for larger volume ablative treatments.
The diode laser emits light at a specially designed frequency to target the AIN lesions. The light is guided through an optical fibre to deliver the energy to the affected area. A High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA) is carried out to assess the severity of lesion and treatment required. The intraepithelial neoplastic lesion is ablated using 1470nm wavelength laser light. This wavelength gives the specialist direct control of the ablation depth to fully treat the lesion.
The intraepithelial neoplastic lesion is ablated using 1470nm wavelength laser light. This wavelength gives the specialist direct control of the ablation depth to fully treat the lesion.
After
AIN laser ablation is considered an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients will go home the same day after a follow up with the consultant. Please consult your specialist for any pain relief and how to proceed with your regular activities.
Due to the minimally invasive nature of the treatment is it expected that the restrictions will be minimal. However, please ensure you consult your specialist directly to discuss any specifics to do with your case.
The procedure has a possibility for recurrence, however post-operative pain and recovery time is far less than alternative treatments. Please consult your specialist for any additional risks specific to your case.