Frontiers in Surgery (Apr 2022)

Preliminary Results of the First 50 Patients Undergoing Sclerotherapy for II-Degree Hemorrhoidal Disease Using an Automated Device

  • Marta Goglia,
  • Casimiro Nigro,
  • Paolo Aurello,
  • Elia Diaco,
  • Mario Trompetto,
  • Gaetano Gallo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2022.882030
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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BackgroundSclerotherapy is defined as the injection of sclerosant agents causing fibrosis and scarring of the surrounding tissue. It is currently employed for the treatment of I-III degree hemorrhoidal disease (HD). The aim of this study is to investigate the use of a new automated device for the injection of 3% polidocanol foam.MethodsThis is an observational study including 50 patients who underwent a sclerotherapy procedure with 3% polidocanol foam for II-degree HD according to Goligher classification. Patients were evaluated through validated scores [Giamundo score, Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score (HDSS), Short Health Scale (SHS-HD) and Vaizey score]. Follow-up was conducted until 3 months from the procedure.ResultsComplete resolution of bleeding was achieved in 72% and 78% of patients, respectively, at 1 week and after 3 months from the procedure. Forty eight percent of patients were symptom free after the last follow-up visit (HDSS = 0). No major surgical complications were reported. Three patients out of 36 successfully treated, recurred, and needed a second sclerotherapy injection, which was successful in 2 of them.ConclusionThese preliminary results of 3% polidocanol foam injection on 50 patients suggest the efficacy and reproducibility of the technique with this new device in the short-term follow-up.

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