Effect of fiber supplements on internal bleeding hemorrhoids.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess prospectively the effect of fiber additions on internal bleeding hemorrhoids.

METHODS

Fifty patients with bleeding internal hemorrhoids are studied and randomized in two groups. Patients in the study group were treated with a commercially available preparation of Plantago Ovata and those in the control group were treated with a placebo. Endoscopy was performed on every patient before and after treatment to establish: a) the degree of hemorrhoidal prolapse, b) the number of congested hemorrhoidal cushions and c) contact bleeding hemorrhoids.

RESULTS

During the 15 days of treatment, the average number of bleeding episodes was 4.8 +/- 3.8 for the study group versus 6.4 +/- 3 for the control group (n.s.). During the following 15 days, it decreased to 3.1 +/- 2.7 in the study group versus 5.5 +/- 3.2 (p < 0.05) in the control group and in the last 10 days of treatment a further reduction to 1.1 +/- 1.4 was found in the study group versus 5.5 +/- 2.9 (p < 0.001). The number of congested hemorrhoidal cushions diminished from 2.6 +/- 1 to 1.6 +/- 2.2 after fiber treatment (p < 0.01) and no differences were found in the control group. In the fiber group, hemorrhoids bled on contact in 5 out of 22 patients before treatment and in none after treatment; no differences were found in the control group. No modification of the degree of prolapse was observed after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of dietary fiber may improve internal bleeding hemorrhoids although with no immediate effect. Fiber addition should be ensured in patients who refuse invasive treatment, waiting for a more defined form of treatment, or with contraindications.