Treatment of haemorrhoids in out-patients by a controlled freezing technique (first results in 78 cases)
Parnaud, E.; Brulé, J.; Bidart, J.M.
Gastroenterologie Clinique et Biologique 4(12): 875-880
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0399-8320 PMID: 7461400 Document Number: 167058
The risks and disadvantages of direct freezing of hemorrhoids have greatly diminished the expectations initially held for this method. The vascular circulation in the internal hemorrhoidal mass is first blocked by use of a latex-O-band ligature; freezing is then easier and better controlled without the use of extreme cold and complex cryoprobes. Material, technique, postoperative course, indications and contraindications are described. In spite of a short follow-up, the disappearance of protrusions in 89.7% of cases, bleeding in 92.8%, pain in 95.8%, moistness in 87.5% and pruritus in all cases, were noted. This combined technique is apparently an effective, painless method for treating internal hemorrhoids of the 1st and 2nd degree and may reduce the therapeutic indications for surgery.