Abstract
Fifty patients with third-degree hemorrhoids were randomized to receive outpatient treatment with either bipolar diathermy or direct current therapy. Direct current therapy was used to treat 26 patients and bipolar diathermy was used to treat 24 patients. Twenty patients in each group were successfully treated as judged by resolution of symptoms and shrinkage of hemorrhoidal tissue. Both treatments are effective in the outpatient management of large, prolapsing hemorrhoids. Bipolar diathermy is less time consuming and better tolerated.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bailey H, Love M. The anal canal and rectum. In: Rains AJ, Cooper WM. Short practice of surgery. London: HK Lewis, 1971:1012–13.
Barron J. Office ligation of internal haemorrhoids. Am J Surg 1963;105:563–70.
Griffiths CD, Morris DL, Ellis IO, et al. Out-patient treatment of haemmorrhoids with bi-polar electrocoagulation. Br J Surg 1987;74:827.
Norman DA, Newton R, Nocholas GV. Management of haemmorrhoidal disease: an effective safe and painless out-patient approach utilising DC current. Gastrointest Endosc 1987;33:176.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
About this article
Cite this article
Hinton, C.P., Morris, D.L. A randomized trial comparing direct current therapy and bipolar diathermy in the outpatient treatment of third-degree hemorrhoids. Dis Colon Rectum 33, 931–932 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02139101
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02139101