Red hot chili pepper and hemorrhoids: the explosion of a myth: results of a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

Purpose: Spicy foods are appreciated by a large part of the world population but have been blamed for causing hemorrhoids or exacerbating their symptoms, although no epidemiologic studies have been performed supporting this hypothesis. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, we have studied the effects of a single dose of red hot chili pepper on the hemorrhoidal symptoms.

Methods: Fifty patients with second-degree and third-degree symptomatic hemorrhoids were randomly assigned to take a capsule containing red hot chili powder or placebo during lunch, scoring five hemorrhoidal symptoms (bleeding, swelling, pain, itching, and burning) on a visual analog scale.

[FastTrack approach to major colorectal surgery].

Intensive rehabilitation programs after major abdominal, thoracic and vascular surgery have been published over the last few years, showing early recovery, fewer complications and a quicker discharge. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a multimodal intensive rehabilitation program (FastTrack) after major colorectal surgery, according to the experience of Dr. H.