THE IPPOCRATE CENTER PROMOTES A PAINLESS AND HOSPITAL TECHNIQUE

These are varicose veins of the visceral extremity, a very frequent problem that affects the population, as well as a nuisance. We talk about hemorrhoids with Prof. Paolo Casoni of the Hippocrates Center, who brings to Parma an important innovation in terms of treatment, “a non-surgical technique – he explains – carried out with sclerosing foam, the same one we use to treat varicose veins” .

Please explain this technique to us better. What is it about?

“Our team has changed and, thanks to the collaboration with Prof. Edoardo Cervi from the University of Brescia, we have brought to Parma a new technique to treat hemorrhoids with enormous advantages for the patient through the use of sclerosing foam with polydocanol. (drug known for years and registered for use in the form of foam). The diagnosis is very important, therefore the patient undergoes an accurate proctological examination and anoscopy to identify the feasibility of the method (in over 95%) of the patients, then an endoscope is used and the sclerosing foam is injected directly at the origin of the hemorrhoid, which has an endo rectal site, in an area where there are no pain fibers, so the method is painless and absolutely outpatient.”

What has changed compared to conventional treatment?

“Hemorrhoidectomy treatment is usually performed under epidural anesthesia, hospitalization is required for at least 24 hours, and involves ligation of the endorectal hemorrhoidal pedicle and then the removal of external hemorrhoids. It is known that the post-operative period is accompanied by discomfort and pain for at least two weeks. This new approach is completely different and allows for a resumption of work the day following the procedure. These are the two advantages that make it unique: 1 the treatment is painless and does not require anesthesia, and 2 there is no hospitalization.”

Is it possible to intervene with the mousse even for the most serious cases?

“In general, only cases of third and fourth degree hemorrhoids are treated, therefore serious. When the patient has several pathologies, for example hemorrhoids and fissures together, or when there is an important prolapse, we can act with a mixed or combined method, with foam of the hemorrhoidal peduncles, and simultaneous surgery of the fissure or prolapse; it is obvious that in these particular and selected cases (5%) it is necessary to be admitted to a day hospital in a protected structure.”

What benefits can be seen immediately on the patient? And when is it not applicable?

“It is very useful in case of bleeding, which stops immediately after the therapy, or in case of pain or tenesmus (that discomfort of full rectal ampoules that patients know well). In case of complication of the haemorrhoidal pathology, such as for example the thrombophlebitis of the gavocciolo, the sclerosing foam is not applicable and surgery is necessary.”

What are the tips to follow after therapy? Or generally with haemorrhoidal pathology

“In the meantime, it is useful to walk a lot, at least half an hour a day, because it promotes both pelvic and vascular lymphatic drainage. And then you need to drink a lot of water and favor foods based on fiber, cereals and whole flours. A healthy diet involves the intake of about 30 g per day of fiber, in foods that contain it, such as fruit and vegetables, in particular apples, pears, citrus fruits, cabbage, spinach, peas, beans and brown rice.”

On the other hand, what foods to avoid?

“Spicy or spicy ones, which are irritating foods. Or aged cheeses, sausages, shellfish, chocolate and spirits. And don’t overdo it with caffeine.”

Does this apply to aftercare?

“These are tips that are valid for everyone, not just for those who have already suffered from this disorder, prevention is very important. Specifically, after the treatment, special decongestant creams and phlebotonic therapy are recommended for a period of one / two months.”