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World Journal of Surgery

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01-04-2021 | Hemorrhoids | Scientific Review

Clinical Outcomes and Effectiveness of Laser Treatment for Hemorrhoids: A Systematic Review

Authors: Kasun Lakmal, Oshan Basnayake, Umesh Jayarajah, Dharmabandhu N. Samarasekera

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 4/2021

Abstract

Background

Laser treatment is increasingly used in the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids, and several studies have attempted to describe its clinical outcomes. In this systematic review, we aimed to comprehensively analyze the clinical outcomes and effectiveness of laser treatment.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of currently available data on laser treatment for hemorrhoids. We searched MEDLINE and Google Scholar between January 2009 and May 2020. Studies that described the clinical outcomes and effectiveness of laser treatment were selected based on pre-specified inclusion criteria with a minimum follow-up period of 3 months. Qualitative synthesis of the clinical outcomes, effectiveness and complications was performed.

Results

Nineteen studies including 1937 patients were analyzed. The majority were males (n = 1239) and included grade 2 and 3 hemorrhoids. In the majority (n = 1750, 90.34%), the 980 nm wave length diode laser was used as the energy source. Doppler-guided localization was performed in six studies (n = 579, 29.89%). All studies (n = 1937) reported low postoperative pain scores and nine studies (n = 1131) showed significantly lower pain compared to open technique. Furthermore, six studies (n = 1023) showed significantly less intra- and postoperative bleeding compared to open technique. Seven studies (n = 1052) reported long-term follow-up results and were found to be satisfactory in terms of symptom relief and recurrence. This study was limited by heterogeneity of outcomes precluding a meta-analysis.

Conclusion

Laser treatment had acceptable clinical outcomes for grade 2 and 3 hemorrhoids with lower rates of postoperative pain and bleeding with satisfactory long-term outcomes.

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Title: Clinical Outcomes and Effectiveness of Laser Treatment for Hemorrhoids: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kasun Lakmal
Oshan Basnayake
Umesh Jayarajah
Dharmabandhu N. Samarasekera
Publication date: 01-04-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Hemorrhoids
Laser
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-020-05923-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Clinical Outcomes and Effectiveness of Laser Treatment for Hemorrhoids: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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