Trans-radial Superior Rectal Artery Embolisation for Haemorrhoids
This study is exploring a new and less invasive way to treat bleeding piles (haemorrhoids) called trans-radial embolisation. Usually, this treatment is used in emergencies when surgery isn't possible. However, this study wants to see if it's also a safe and effective option for people who have ongoing bleeding piles but are not in an emergency. The procedure involves guiding a tiny tube from your wrist artery to the blood vessels feeding the piles, then blocking these vessels to shrink the piles and stop bleeding. It's a day procedure, meaning you can go home the same day, and it uses local anaesthetic, so you're awake but don't feel pain. The aim is to offer a good alternative to traditional surgery, with potentially fewer side effects and a quicker recovery.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into a different way to treat bleeding piles, also known as haemorrhoids. Piles are swollen blood vessels in or around your bottom, which can cause discomfort and bleeding. While there are different ways to treat them, this study focuses on a method called 'embolisation'. This treatment is already used quite a lot in emergency situations, for example, if someone has heavy bleeding from their piles and surgery isn't an option or hasn't worked.
Here, we want to find out if this embolisation procedure can also be a good choice for people who have ongoing bleeding piles but are not in an emergency. The process involves a doctor inserting a very thin tube, usually through a small cut in your wrist. This tube is then guided through your blood vessels to the ones that supply blood to your piles. Once there, tiny particles are released to safely block these blood vessels. This reduces the blood flow to the piles, causing them to shrink and stop bleeding.
The main idea behind this study is to offer a less invasive option compared to traditional surgery. Because it's a 'day case' procedure, you won't need to stay in hospital overnight, and it's done using a local anaesthetic, meaning you'll be awake but the area will be numb. For suitable patients, this could mean less discomfort, a faster recovery, and fewer potential problems than surgery. It could also be a more cost-effective treatment for the health service in the long run.
Key takeaways
- A study for a new, gentler way to treat bleeding piles without major surgery.
- The procedure uses a small tube from your wrist to block blood flow to piles.
- It's a day procedure under local anaesthetic (you're awake but numb).
- Aims to offer a faster recovery and fewer side effects than traditional surgery.
- Patients are followed up for up to two years to check the treatment's success.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you must be at least 18 years old and have piles that are causing repeated or ongoing bleeding. This treatment might be for you if you don't want to have surgery for your piles, or if you've already had surgery but your bleeding piles have come back. It's important that you understand what the study involves and are happy to give your permission to take part.
However, this study isn't suitable for everyone. You wouldn't be able to join if you have other serious health problems in your bottom area, such as cancer, infections, or abscesses. If you're pregnant, have a history of serious bowel conditions, or have had a major bowel operation in the past, you also wouldn't be able to take part. Similarly, if you've had an allergic reaction to the special dye used in X-rays, or if you're currently involved in another research study, you wouldn't be eligible.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have piles that are causing repeated bleeding?
- Are you happy to try an alternative to traditional piles surgery?
- Do you have any serious bowel conditions like cancer or infections?
- Are you pregnant or have you recently had major bowel surgery?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first have some checks to make sure this study is right for you. The procedure itself is a 'day case', meaning you come to the hospital, have the treatment, and usually go home on the same day. It's done under local anaesthetic, so you'll be awake but won't feel pain. After the procedure, the study team will follow up with you for up to two years to see how you're doing and if the treatment has been successful. This will involve scheduled check-ups or phone calls.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS TrustVerified postcodeStoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What exactly are haemorrhoids (piles)?
Piles are swollen veins in your bottom or around your back passage, similar to varicose veins, which can cause discomfort, itching, and bleeding.
Is this procedure a type of surgery?
No, it's not traditional surgery. It's a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it involves smaller interventions than a typical operation for piles.
Will I be awake during the treatment?
Yes, you will usually be awake, as the procedure is done with a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the tube is inserted.
How long will I need to be in hospital?
It's a 'day case' procedure, so you should be able to go home on the same day after the treatment.
What happens after the procedure?
The study team will keep in touch with you for up to two years to see how well the treatment has worked and how you are feeling.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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