"Clinical Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction of Foam Sclerotherapy for Hemorrhoid Treatment"

Abstract

Background: Hemorrhoids are a common anorectal disorder affecting a large portion of the population, often causing symptoms such as bleeding, prolapse, and pain. Traditional treatment options include conservative management and invasive procedures, but they can be associated with complications and prolonged recovery times. Foam sclerotherapy has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative, offering potential advantages in terms of efficacy, safety, and recovery.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction with foam sclerotherapy for the treatment of hemorrhoids in a tertiary care setting.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, involving 100 patients diagnosed with grade II or III internal hemorrhoids. Patients underwent foam sclerotherapy under local anesthesia. Clinical outcomes, including the reduction of symptoms such as bleeding, prolapse, and pain, were assessed at baseline and at follow-up intervals of 1, 3, and 6 months. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, with paired t-tests and chi-square tests for statistical significance.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in all clinical outcomes. Bleeding decreased from 85% to 20%, prolapse from 70% to 10%, and pain from 80% to 15%. Overall improvement was reported by 95% of patients. Adverse events were minimal, with 12% of patients reporting mild injection site pain and 8% experiencing temporary bleeding. Patient satisfaction was high, with 90% of patients expressing satisfaction, citing ease of the procedure and fast recovery as key factors.

Conclusion: Foam sclerotherapy is an effective and safe treatment for hemorrhoids, offering significant clinical improvement with minimal adverse events. It provides high patient satisfaction and can be considered a viable alternative to more invasive treatments.

Recommendations: Given its effectiveness and low complication rate, foam sclerotherapy should be considered as a first-line treatment for grade II and III hemorrhoids. Further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are recommended to confirm its long-term safety and efficacy.