Radiofrequency coagulation: a new option in early grades of bleeding hemorrhoids.

BACKGROUND

The treatment for hemorrhoids has undergone significant changes on introduction of new techniques in the last few years. Radiofrequency coagulation is a new approach for treating grades I and II of hemorrhoids. In this procedure, the hemorrhoidal tissue is coagulated by means of high-frequency radio wave. The author has described his own experience with this new technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The procedure was performed using an Ellman radiofrequency generator. Over a period of 18 months, patients with bleeding hemorrhoids were treated with this technique and a 16-month follow-up was carried out to assess relief in bleeding episodes, complications, and recurrence rate.

RESULTS

While 13 % of patients had persistent or recurrent bleeding, 2 % of patients needed readmission for secondary hemorrhage. None had reported with any infective complication. The overall ratio of comfort, and patient's satisfaction due to relief of pain and bleeding were quite satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of bleeding hemorrhoids by using radiofrequency coagulation is technically simple, therapeutically effective and virtually complication-free. The equipment is portable, easy to handle, durable, and needs little maintenance. Long-term follow-up is necessary to justify the reliance on this method (Ref. 49).