Fast food technology treats hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids happen when the veins of the lower rectum become inflamed. A light called an infrared coagulator helps shrink away excess tissue. Doctors simply apply the light for less than a second.

"It uses infrared light, which is the same sort of light fast food restaurants use, only it's much more focused," said gastrointerologist Dr. Benjamin Krevsky.

Doctors say treatment with the infrared coagulator is relatively painless, and patients are back to their normal activities within a day.