Correlation Is Not Suitable for Comparison of Outcomes

Excerpt

We have read the article comparing the role of hemorrhoidectomy and rubber band ligation in patients with second- and third-degree hemorrhoids by Gagloo et al. [1] with interest. Hemorrhoidal diseases account for bulk of the patients attending the surgical clinics. A wide array of management options are available for this common ailment that range from simple lifestyle modification to invasive excisional hemorrhoidectomy. The selection of appropriate management strategy depends on the classification of hemorrhoids. Higher degrees of hemorrhoids often necessitate more invasive interventions. Recently, efforts are being made to extend the benefits of minimal invasive methods to more and more patients with higher degree hemorrhoids. …