[Submucosal laser ablation of internal hemorrhoids].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze efficacy and safety of submucosal laser ablation of internal hemorrhoids (SLT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic review included 10 articles published in electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Elibrary until January 2019. There were only full-text publications from prospective clinical trials devoted to submucosal laser ablation in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Isolated SLT was used in 4 trials, combination with other minimally invasive procedures was reported in 6 reports.

RESULTS: SLT was predominantly used in the treatment of hemorrhoids grade 2-3. Efficacy of procedure was 91.1-100% after 6 months and 87.5-100% after 12 months. Intra- and postoperative complications included intraoperative bleeding (8.4%), perianal and external piles edema (8.2%), postoperative bleeding (2.7%), urinary retention (1.2%), anal fistula (0.6%), perianal abscess (0.14%).

CONCLUSION: Submucosal laser ablation is quite effective and safe option for treatment of hemorrhoids grade 2-3. However, further researches are required considering the absence of clear recommendations on laser beam parameters, indications for procedure and data on long-term outcomes.