Sclerotherapy as a treatment option for hemorrhoidal disease
Hemorrhoidal disease is a common condition and experts estimate that it affects almost every second adult. The main risk factors for the development of the disease are congenital weakness of the connective tissue, lack of fiber in food and wrong toilet habits. As many patients may fear a surgery, doctors should inform them of sclerotherapy as a painless and less unpleasant method of treatment. Patients should be aware that the earlier the disease is treated, the greater the chances are that it can be cured without surgery.
Sclerotherapy – the treatment of choice for 1st and 2nd degree hemorrhoidal disease (sometimes 3rd)
Treatment of hemorrhoidal disease with Aethoxysklerol® is safe and effective, does not require anesthesia and can be performed on an outpatient basis within minutes. This treatment preserves the hemorrhoidal cushion which is needed for anal continence. A study showed that 88% of patients with 1st and 2nd degree hemorrhoidal disease were free from symptoms after only one treatment and up to 97% after two treatments.4 According to the German guidelines sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice for 1st degree hemorrhoidal disease.5 In the treatment of 2nd degree hemorrhoidal disease, sclerotherapy provides a good alternative to rubber band ligation.
4 Akerud L. Sclerotherapy of Haemorrhoids. A prospective Randomized Trial of Polidocanol and Phenol in Oil. Coloproctology 1995; 17: 73-86.