Sclerosing therapy of internal hemorrhoids with a novel sclerosing agent. Comparison with ligation and excision.

Background And Aims: Patients with prolapsing internal hemorrhoids were treated with a novel sclerosing agent (OC-108), and the results were compared with surgery of ligation and excision.

Patients And Methods: This study included 20 years or older patients with prolapsing internal hemorrhoids who visited ten medical institutions in Japan from October 2000 to October 2002. Investigation on surgery was also performed.

Results: Comparing OC-108 and surgery in patients with third- and fourth-degree internal hemorrhoids according to the Goligher's classification, for which surgery has been generally indicated, at 28 days after treatment, the disappearance rate of prolapse was similar between OC-108 and surgery, 94% (75/80 patients) and 99% (84/85 patients), respectively. The 1-year recurrence rate was 16% (12/73 patients) in the OC-108 group, and this value was satisfactory because of its less invasive nature while it was more or less higher compared with 2% (2/81 patients) in the surgery group. The incidences of pain and bleeding were lower in the OC-108 group.

Conclusions: OC-108 is a useful alternative treatment for hemorrhoids.