[Favorable results of conservative treatment with isosorbide dinitrate in 25 patients with fourth-degree hemorrhoids: a pilot study].
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate application of isosorbide dinitrate 1% ointment in the treatment of fourth-degree haemorrhoids. DESIGN: Prospective pilot study. METHOD: Twenty-five consecutive patients, 12 men and 13 women, with a median age of 48 years (range: 30-78), presenting in the period October 1999-December 2001 with fourth-degree haemorrhoids, were treated with isosorbide dinitrate 1% ointment. RESULTS: In 24 out of 25 patients (96%) the objective, reduction of the stangulated haemorrhoids and relief of pain, was achieved. In one patient the haemorrhoids were not reduced. This patient was cured after classic haemorrhoidectomy. Two patients interrupted the treatment because of severe headache, but after renewed instructions they continued the therapy and were cured. CONCLUSION: Isosorbide dinitrate 1% ointment gave good results in the treatment of fourth-degree haemorrhoids, with only few side effects.