In defense of cryotherapy for hemorrhoids. A modified method.

The rationale of nonoperative hemorrhoid treatment, whether injection, ligation, or cryotherapy, consists of correction of prolapse and bleeding by the creation of submucosal fibrosis. Cryotherapy of hemorrhoids is most effective and has the least side effects when directed at the internal hemorrhoids only, at a high level, and in stages, each application being for a period of one minute only. A plan of treatment selection is presented, based on the stage of the hemorrhoids. The results of 528 treatment procedures are reported.