Comparison Between Two Endoscopic Treatments of Bleeding Internal Hemorrhoids:Band Ligation and Electrocoagulation Probe

Randomized Study Of Endoscopic Band Ligation Versus Bipolar Probe Electrocoagulation Of Bleeding Internal Hemorrhoids

The purpose of this study is to determine which treatment, band ligation (placing rubber bands around the hemorrhoids) or BICAP electrocoagulation (using electricity to cauterize) is safer and more effective endoscopic treatment for bleeding internal hemorrhoids.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Grade II or III internal hemorrhoids with chronic rectal bleeding, which failed at least 8 weeks of intensive medical therapy.
2. Age over 18 years
3. A life expectancy of at least 24 months
4. A signed written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The patient was uncooperative or could not return for routine outpatient follow-up
2. Severe or end-stage co-morbid illness
3. Prior endoscopic or surgical treatment of hemorrhoids within the past 6 months
4. Ongoing need for anticoagulation therapy or high doses of aspirin or non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents
5. Presence of severe rectal pain
6. Recently thrombosed internal or external hemorrhoids
7. Anal stricture,fissure, fistula,or abscess
8. Rectal carcinoma or bleeding distal colonic polyp
9. Rectal varices
10. Acute or chronic colitis
11. Rectal prolapse
12. Radiation telangiectasia of the rectum
13. Prothrombin time >3 seconds over control
14. Platelet count <75,000