ArticleTechniques in coloproctology2022
Early and midterm results of radiofrequency ablation (Rafaelo
Article in Techniques in coloproctology, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 10 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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10 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 13 citations in OpenAlex.
- The Italian Unitary Society of Colon-Proctology (Società Italiana Unitaria di Colonproctologia) guidelines for the management of acute and chronic hemorrhoidal disease.Annals of coloproctology · 2024Guideline
- Evaluating the Timing of Sitz Baths After Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty: An Exploratory Study.Health science reports · 2026Article
- Radiofrequency Ablation for Hemorrhoidal Disease.Life (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
- Feasibility and advantages of delivering radiofrequency ablation treatment for haemorrhoids under local anaesthesia in the outpatient setting in the UK: our initial experience.Techniques in coloproctology · 2026Article
- Short-term and patient-reported outcomes of laser hemorrhoidoplasty plus excisional hemorrhoidectomy for the treatment of grade IV hemorrhoid.Scientific reports · 2025Article
- Propensity score-matched comparative study of radiofrequency ablation (with the Rafaelo device) versus hemorrhoidectomy for the treatment of grades II-III internal hemorrhoids.Annals of coloproctology · 2025Article
- [Hemorrhoidal disease and stage-dependent treatment (including anal prolapse)].Chirurgie (Heidelberg, Germany) · 2025Review
- What can patients expect in the long term from radiofrequency thermocoagulation of hemorrhoids on bleeding, prolapse, quality of life, and recurrence: "no pain, no gain" or "no pain but a gain"?Annals of coloproctology · 2024Article
- Article
- French multicentre prospective evaluation of radiofrequency ablation in the management of haemorrhoidal disease.Techniques in coloproctology · 2023Article
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7 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating third degree haemorrhoids, with a follow-up over 2 years.
methodsWe conducted a prospective, two-centre study to assess RFA of third-degree haemorrhoids in an outpatient setting. Treatment was performed under local anaesthesia, optionally in combination with sedation. The primary endpoint was analysis of a proctological symptom score ([PSS] bleeding, itching, pain, soiling) and proctological examination to detect recurrence at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. The secondary endpoints were postoperative complications, incidence of postoperative pain, including administration of analgesics and time to return to daily routine.
resultsNinety-eight patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 49.1 ± 10.9 (mean ± SD). 83 patients (84.7%) were male and 15 patients (15.3%) were female. The follow-up involved 100% (1 month), 95% (6 months), 86% (12 months) and 74% after 24 months. The individual symptom scores and overall PSS score decreased significantly in comparison to the initial score at each time point assessed. Prolapsed haemorrhoids decreased in comparison to the initial situation (100%) to 7.2% (1 month), 3.5% (6 months), 13.1% (12 months) and 13.7% (after 24 months). Thirteen patients (12.7%) required repeat haemorrhoid therapy during the 2-year follow-up period. The mean maximum pain score after the procedure was 2.5 ± 2.7 (determined with the visual analogue scale), while 33 (33.7%) patients reported having no pain. 59 (60.2%) patients did not take analgesics after the procedure. Eleven patients (11.2%) experienced minor complications (bleeding, fever, cramps, diarrhoea, anal venous thrombosis) but did not require additional treatment. Eight cases (8.2%) of major complications (infection, bleeding, severe pain) required treatment with antibiotics, a second intervention, analgesics or hospitalization.
conclusionsRFA is safe and effective for treatment of third-degree haemorrhoids. The main advantages of this new method are its use on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia, a very low level of postoperative pain and significant control of haemorrhoid symptoms over 2 years.
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