Electrotherapy for the treatment of haemorrhoids

1 Recommendations

1.1 Current evidence on the efficacy and safety of electrotherapy for the treatment of grade I to III haemorrhoids is adequate to support the use of this procedure provided that normal arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit.

1.2 During the consent process patients should be informed, in particular, about other treatment options, including non‑surgical treatments for lower grade haemorrhoids. They should be told that electrotherapy is not always successful and that repeat procedures may be necessary. They should also be told that the procedure can be painful, and general or regional anaesthesia may be needed to deliver electrotherapy at higher levels of current.