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

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

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Surgery

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/surgery/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2022.882030

DOI=10.3389/fsurg.2022.882030

ISSN=2296-875X

ABSTRACT=Background Sclerotherapy is defined as the injection of sclerosant materials causing fibrosis and scarring of the surrounding tissue. It is today 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 a polidocanol 3% foam.

Methods This is an observational study including 50 patients who underwent 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. 

Results Complete resolution of bleeding was achieved in 72% and 78% of patients, respectively, at one week and after three months from the procedure. Fourty 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.

Conclusions These 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.