Injection sclerotherapy is a widely practised, effective, and generally safe method of treating first- and second-degree haemorrhoids. It consist in injecting a caustic agent (sclerosant) at the base of the haemorrhoid in order to reduce blood supply hence causing a shrinking and scaring of the haemorrhoid tissue This procedure is used to treat small internal haemorrhoids.
Many different substances have been used for injection sclerotherapy but the most popular sclerosant is 5% phenol in almond oil. It is generally safe but Retroperitoneal and subcutaneous abscesses, injection ulcers, necrotizing fasciitis, anal stricture, prostatic abscess and fistula, and superficial necrosis following sclerotherapy has been reported.
The procedure is done in a doctor’s office with no need of sedation.
Injection sclerotherapy is not a routine procedure and is done less often than other fixative procedures.
The success of injection sclerotherapy depends largely on the doctor’s expertise in the procedure and your ability to make changes in your daily habits that will make passing stools easier.
If haemorrhoids recur, injection sclerotherapy can be repeated, or another non-surgical treatment can be tried.
Why it is done | Doctors recommend injection sclerotherapy in cases where:
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How well it works | For small haemorrhoids, injection sclerotherapy relieves symptoms about as well as rubber band ligation. However, sclerotherapy does not work as well as ligation for large haemorrhoids. Haemorrhoids often recur after injection sclerotherapy. Treatments can be repeated. |
Risks | Rare complications include:
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What to expect after treatment | Rectal bleeding may occur 7 to 10 days after the procedure, when the haemorrhoid falls off. Bleeding is usually slight and stops by itself.
You may use mild pain relievers to relieve discomfort. To reduce the risk of bleeding, avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for 4 to 5 days both before and after injection sclerotherapy. Fibre rich diet is recommended. Straining during bowel movements can cause haemorrhoids to recur. |