Haemorrhoid energy therapy versus rubber band ligation for the management of grade I and II haemorrhoids: a randomized trial

Backgrounds Grade I and II haemorrhoids are commonly managed in colorectal practice. Management often involves rubber band ligation. The haemorrhoid energy therapy (HET) device (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) has been developed as an alternative to rubber band ligation (RBL). This study is the first to prospectively evaluate the device versus RBL in the management of grade I and II haemorrhoids. Methods A single blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in the colorectal outpatient department. Patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids suitable for banding were prospectively recruited and randomized. Primary outcome was post procedural pain at 1 h as recorded on a 10‐point Likert scale. Secondary outcomes were efficacy in reduction of haemorrhoidal symptom score at 12 weeks, daily average and maximum pain scores for 14 days and complications arising from the intervention. Results Thirty patients were randomized (14 HET, 16 RBL). There was no significant difference between the two group's pre‐intervention symptom score and haemorrhoidal grade. The mean pain scores at 1 h in the HET group were 1.5 ± 068 (95% confidence interval), and in the RBL group 4.64 ± 1.74 (95% confidence interval) (P