Thampan R. C, Dineshan P. P, Lakshmanan P. P
BACKGROUND: Purpose of this study is to show that for grade III & IV haemorrhoids, surgery can be avoided in selected group of patients. Fine faecal incontinence due to damage of anal cushion is a major concern of patients who under gone surgical procedures. Combined Infrared coagulation and rubber band ligation is completely safe and can be done as an office procedure.
METHODS: We have included 25 patients with grade III & IV haemorrhoids in this study. They were given 3 courses of infrared coagulation and rubber band ligation at an interval of 2 weeks for 8 weeks period.
RESULTS: 48% of patient had complete cure and 36% had improvement in symptoms and 16% had no improvement at all.
CONCLUSIONS: Management of grade III & IV normally involves haemorrhoidectomy. But combination of non-invasive procedure (infrared coagulation and rubber band ligation) shows symptoms free results in 48% of cases in this study. Most of the patients are not willing for surgical procedures due to excess apprehension regarding pain and incontinence. According to this study, surgery can be avoided in selected cases.
