Infra red photocoagulation of early grades of hemorrhoids--5-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND

Infra-red photocoagulation is used as an instrumental treatment for bleeding hemorrhoids. During this procedure the tissue is coagulated by infrared radiation. For treatment, mechanical pressure and radiation energy are applied simultaneously to ablate the blood supply to the hemorrhoidal mass.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This study describes the results of infrared photocoagulation of Grade I and II bleeding hemorrhoids with 5-year follow-up.

RESULTS

300 patients treated by infrared coagulation were followed up for a period of 60 months. 39 patients had persistence or recurrence of bleeding. Other post procedure complaints included post defecation discomfort, pruritus and discharge per anus. No patient had any septic or infective complication.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study shows that infra red coagulation for hemorrhoids in early stages could be an easy and effective alternative to conventional methods as it is quick, painless and safe. The procedure can be repeated in case of recurrence and should be considered as an alternative to conventional treatment in hemorrhoids (Ref. 30). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.