Doppler device company wanted hospital to stop recruiting

Haemorrhoidal artery ligation operation (HALO) is an operation that ties off vessels to piles. This study examines whether the ultrasound (doppler) is necessary to guide this tying off or not.

HALO (haemorrhoidal artery ligation operation) has proved to be a popular and effective treatment for bleeding piles. Currently the HALO is a Doppler guided procedure though when the Doppler mechanism does not function it has been noted that the results are similar. This prompts the question does the Doppler guide the operation to tie off the important vessels to shrink he piles, or can the vessels that underlie the visible piles be treated without Doppler. Professor Phillips from St.Marks has reviewed the protocol and agrees that it is well designed and worthwhile.

Inclusion Criteria:

• For consenting adults (18-90 years) with grade one and two piles listed for HALO at Poole hospital by three consultants trained in the HALO technique, the patients will be offered to be involved in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Other grades of piles, age outside 18-90 or other anal condition

For consenting adults (18-90 years) with grade one and two piles listed for HALO at Poole hospital by three consultants trained in the HALO technique, the patients will be offered to be involved in the study.