Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for external hemorrhoids. It involves the injection of prescribed solutions around the external hemorrhoid. The commonly used solutions in sclerotherapy include polidocanol, zinc chloride, and quinine. Sclerotherapy is indicated to cause damage to blood vessels that directly contribute to the growth of hemorrhoids.
This procedure can only be performed on smaller hemorrhoids outside of the anus. Using sclerotherapy, only Grade 1 and 2 hemorrhoids with no signs of prolapse can shrink in size. Besides reducing the size of external hemorrhoids, sclerotherapy also alleviates other symptoms, including itching, pain, and redness. In addition, patients can resume their normal activities a few days after a successful sclerotherapy procedure.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically does not require general anesthesia. It is best to obtain the services of a colorectal surgeon with extensive expertise in this procedure to ensure a successful treatment. It is a quick treatment solution that guarantees a 70 percent success rate. The external hemorrhoids will detach within seven to ten days, leaving only small patches of scar tissue on the skin’s surface.
