Outpatient treatment of hemorrhoids with a combined technique: results in 7850 cases.

A combination of sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation and infrared coagulation was performed in 7850 patients seen an outpatient clinic over a period of 9 years. The most common symptom was bleeding followed by prolapse, pain and itching. Results were considered satisfactory in 7100 patients (90.5%); 750 (9.5%) required a formal hemorrhoidectomy. Complications were mild to moderate pain in 1777 cases (22.6%), severe pain in 157 cases (2.2%), mild hemorrhage in 199 (2.5%) and hemorrhage requiring transfusion in 10 cases (0.1%). In conclusion, non-surgical outpatient treatment has a great impact on patient's perception of the disease and results in considerable savings for the healthcare system.