[Analytical review of multicenter studies with polycresulene for hemorrhoidal pathologies]

Seven centres investigated the therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of policresulene associated to cinchocaine administered locally as ointment, suppositories or both formulations in 2287 patients with hemorrhoid pathology. The studies were conducted with a standardised protocol and case report forms and with the same score criteria for rating efficacy and tolerability according to the physicians and the patients. Highly satisfactory results were achieved in 1904 patients (83.2%) according to the investigators criteria. Patients rated the outcome most satisfactory for 1881 cases (82.2%). The following were found to be the principal indications: external and internal hemorrhoids associated with bleeding, acute anal fissures, rhagades and perforated or incised perianal thrombosis, anal eczema and anal pruritus, proctitis and wound treatment after proctologic surgery. None of the investigators found any serious adverse event. Mild to moderate adverse reactions in 10% of the patients were local discomfort, pruritus, burning or irritation. Such symptoms occurred at the beginning of treatment. The favourable effects of policresulene are attributed to its unique mechanism of action. The highly acid characteristics of the substance causes a selective coagulation of the necrotic tissues leaving healthy tissues unaffected. The desquamation and remotion of the necrotic tissues induces rapid wound cleansing, and a reactive hyperemia of the treated area enhancing epithelization. Its highly acid pH produces a marked bactericidal action on the most common pathogens and C. albicans as well. Policresulene has hemostyptic properties producing vasoconstriction of the myofibrils of the blood vessels arresting profuse bleeding from large areas. The local anesthetic cinchocaine contributes to the initial pain relief. None of the formulations contains corticosteroids which makes this preparations also suitable for long term treatment periods.