Radiofrequency Ablation for Treatment of Hemorrhoid Disease, in the Outpatient Clinic

Published Date: 11th July 2025

Publication Authors: Maharjan. A, Rajaganeshan. R, Win. M, Ngo. V

Conference Abstract

Aim: To describe our result of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), assessing patient symptoms and quality of life (QoL) before and after the intervention. As we are aware hemorrhoids are on the most common surgical presentations, affecting up to 1 in 3 people. We aim to evaluate the outcomes of this alternative procedure for the management of grade 2-3 hemorrhoid at a single center. The management of hemorrhoids is dependent on the severity of symptoms and grade of hemorrhoids.

Methodology: A single center retrospective study between March 2022 and July 2023 of patients who had RAFAELO under local anesthetic without sedation for the treatment of grade 2-3 hemorrhoids. Primary outcomes were assessed by hemorrhoid severity score (HSS) and EQ-5D-5L VAS score before and after the procedure at 2-4 months and at 12 months.
Result(s): 53 patients were included for analysis. Mean age of patients was 55 years old (SD +/- 14) with 2:3 ratio of female to male. 14% of patients grade 2 hemorrhoids and 86% had grade 3 Hemorrhoids. In addition, 47% of patients previous had rubber band ligation, 6% had previous THD and 47% had no previous procedure. The mean HSS score pre-operatively was 13.78 which improved to mean postoperative score of 5.6. The mean EQ-5D-5L VAS score pre operatively was 64.75 which decreased to mean post operative score of 28.49.
Conclusion(s): This study supports previous findings that RAFAELO is a safe and effective procedure for haemorrhoidal disease. It also highlights that it can be performed in the out-patient setting safely under local anesthesia. However, further studies with larger samples, longer follow-up and comparison with other procedures are still required.

Maharjan, A.; Rajaganeshan, R.; Win, M.; Ngo, V. (2025). Radiofrequency Ablation for Treatment of Hemorrhoid Disease, in the Outpatient Clinic. Surgical Endoscopy. 39(Supp 2), pp.S618-S619. [Online]. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00464-025-11801-6 [Accessed 12 March 2026].