Treating hemorrhoids with the method of foam sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatment: a chemical product (sclerosing agent) is injected into the hemorrhoidal formations to block the blood flow that feeds their tissues. The procedure takes only a few minutes, is done on an outpatient basis, requires no type of anaesthesia and no hospitalisation — and according to statistics, it is the preferred treatment method for grade 1 hemorrhoids.

Sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids at a glance

• Type of procedure: injection of a sclerosing agent, minimally invasive
• Anaesthesia: not needed
• Duration: a few minutes, outpatient; maximum 3 hemorrhoids per session
• Hospitalisation: not needed
• Indications: grade 1 and 2 hemorrhoids, sometimes grade 3
• Results: visible in 7–10 days; last about one year
• Efficiency: 88% symptom-free after one session, 97% after two (grade 1–2)

What is sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids?

Sclerotherapy uses a sclerosing agent — a saline solution or phenol, an extract from almond oil — injected at the base of the hemorrhoids. The agent blocks the blood flow feeding the hemorrhoidal tissue and fibroses it: the hemorrhoid, deprived of its blood supply, shrinks progressively. The procedure thus relieves both the cause of the hemorrhoids and their symptoms.

Who is it recommended for?

The procedure is indicated for treating and eliminating small hemorrhoidal formations — grade 1 and 2 hemorrhoids, sometimes even grade 3. According to statistics, sclerotherapy is the preferred treatment method for grade 1 hemorrhoids.

Treating large hemorrhoids through sclerotherapy carries, however, a fairly high risk of failure — for those, other methods are recommended, especially the steam method.

How does the procedure work, step by step?

1. No special preparation — the procedure is done on an outpatient basis, without anaesthesia; you come, get treated and go home.
2. The injection — with a fine injection needle, about 2–3 ml of sclerosing agent are introduced into the hemorrhoidal mass, blocking the blood flow that feeds the hemorrhoids.
3. The per-session limit — considering the local swelling that the injection causes, a maximum of 3 hemorrhoids are treated in one session.
4. The effect — results appear in about 7–10 days: the hemorrhoid shrinks, then falls off. The procedure’s results last about one year.

What do you feel during the procedure?

A fine needle prick and, possibly, a short pressure sensation on injection. Anaesthesia is not needed — the discomfort is minimal, and post-operative pain is much lower than that caused by traditional surgery.

What are the advantages of sclerotherapy?

• safe and effective treatment: 88% of patients with grade 1 and 2 hemorrhoids had no more symptoms after a single session, and 97% after two sessions
• requires no anaesthesia and no hospitalisation
• minimally invasive method, with an intervention of just a few minutes
• much less discomfort and post-operative pain than traditional surgery
• side effects of minimal severity
• preserves the hemorrhoidal cushion — the anatomical structure needed for optimal anal continence

What is the recovery like?

You need no hospitalisation and can resume your activities immediately after the intervention. In the first days, the doctor may prescribe a stool-softening treatment (to reduce discomfort during defecation), pain medication and a venotonic treatment, to lower the local pressure. Chamomile sitz baths, the suppositories, anti-inflammatories or creams indicated by the doctor, a balanced diet and fighting constipation through natural means — avoiding laxatives — are all recommended.

Risks and limitations

Side effects are of minimal severity: transient local swelling, mild discomfort, rarely small bleeding. The method’s limits relate to its indication: with large hemorrhoids, the risk of failure is high, and the results — which last about one year — may require repeating the treatment, especially if the risk factors (constipation, sedentariness) persist.

Sclerotherapy compared with the other methods

• vs the steam method — sclerotherapy wins on simplicity (no anaesthesia, no hospitalisation), steam on durability and on large hemorrhoids — see the steam method
• vs cryotherapy — both are outpatient; sclerotherapy needs no anaesthesia at all, cryotherapy also covers the larger external formations — see cryotherapy
• vs classic surgery — for grades 1–2, sclerotherapy delivers excellent results without a single day of hospitalisation

Frequently asked questions

Does sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids hurt?

It needs no anaesthesia — you feel only a fine needle prick. The discomfort is minimal, and post-operative pain is much lower than with traditional surgery.

How many sessions are needed?

Often a single one is enough (88% of patients remain symptom-free); it can be repeated if needed — after two sessions, 97% of patients have no more symptoms. A maximum of 3 hemorrhoids are treated per session.

How long does the result last?

The results last about one year. A lifestyle that fights constipation and sedentariness prolongs the effect; if needed, the treatment can be repeated.

What happens to the treated hemorrhoid?

Deprived of its blood supply, the hemorrhoid shrinks within 7–10 days, then falls off — without pain and without any additional intervention.