Abstract: A method of treating external hemorrhoids comprises the preliminary and optional step of rubber band ligation of any associated internal hemorrhoidal tissue, followed by a laser beam-created incision around the perimeter of the base of the external portion. The surface of the external portion is then evaporated with a traversing movement of the laser beam. The laser beam is then employed to form a cavity into the core of the hemorrhoid, dimensioned to accommodate the subsequent insertion of a cryogenic probe, which freezes the hemorrhoidal tissue from the interior outwardly.