Comparing Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization and Rubber Band Ligation for Bleeding Internal Hemorrhoids Treatment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are comparing two standard non-surgical treatments for bleeding from internal hemorrhoids hemorrhoidal artery embolization HAE and rubber band ligation RBL. This study aims to determine which treatment better controls bleeding, reduces symptoms, and improves quality of life for patients with chronic internal hemorrhoid bleeding. The trial is a prospective, open-label, randomized study involving 40 subjects followed for up to 18 months. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either HAE, a minimally invasive procedure where tiny particles or coils are placed via catheter into the artery feeding the hemorrhoid to block blood flow, or RBL, which uses small rubber bands to cut off blood supply to the hemorrhoids causing them to shrink. After initial treatment, follow-up visits will occur at various intervals up to 12 months. If bleeding continues at 6 months, participants have the option to switch to the other treatment and undergo similar follow-up. Throughout the study, participants will undergo physical exams, vital sign checks, blood tests, anoscopy, and complete questionnaires assessing hemorrhoidal symptoms, bleeding, pain, and treatment satisfaction. Imaging with CTA of the abdomen and pelvis will be performed during follow-up. Researchers will monitor the number of procedures needed to control bleeding, complication rates, time to bleeding control, adverse events, and patient satisfaction. The total study duration for each participant may be up to 18 months.

Rectal Arterial Embolization vs Band Ligation for the Treatment of Internal hemOrrhoidS