Cryotherapy for advanced haemorrhoids: a prospective evaluation with 2-year follow-up.

The early and long-term results of treating 125 patients with advanced haemorrhoids by cryotherapy have been studied. Hospitalization requirements were brief; 54 per cent of patients were hospitalized for less than 24 h. The only significant early postoperative problem was a profuse serous discharge (67 per cent of patients). Bleeding, pain, or pruritus were rarely encountered. Ninety-three per cent of patients returned to work within 3 weeks. The principal long-term disadvantage was residual peri-anal skin tags and these were excised 6 months postoperatively in 18 patients. Four patients had first or second degree haemorrhoids at 2 years but only one patient (0.8 per cent) had prolapsing piles which required operation. Factors which might have influenced the results have been discussed. It is concluded that cryotherapy is an effective low cost method of dealing with advanced haemorrhoids.