Efficacy of Daflon in the treatment of hemorrhoids

To demonstrate the value of Daflon in the management of hemorrhoidal symptoms in Saudi patients attending the Surgical clinic.

This is a prospective clinical study of 105 consecutive patients suffering from hemorrhoidal problems including thrombosed piles. Detailed history and proctoscopic examination to determine position, size, and degree of hemorrhoids was conducted in all patients attending the Surgical Clinic at Dammam Central Hospital, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The study was conducted over a 6-months period (December 2000 to May 2001). All were started on Daflon; 2 tablets twice daily for 4 weeks and were followed up weekly during the study period and proctoscopic examination was conducted at each consultation.

The mean age was 35 (range 19-70) years. The majority (77%) suffered congested hemorrhoidal disease and only 8% had thrombosed piles. Previous surgery for piles was noted in 11%. Concomitant medical diseases were present in 10%. The degrees of piles were first degree (23 patients), 2nd degree (73), 3rd degree (9) and 4th degree (0). There was a statistically significant (p<0.001) improvement in pain, heaviness, bleeding, pruritus, and mucosal discharge from baseline to last visit. There was also a significant (p<0.001) improvement on the proctoscopic appearance. Five patients failed to improve on Daflon; therefore, they underwent surgery. The side effects of Daflon (mainly gastrointestinal symptoms) were encountered in 5 patients but did not force interruption of the medication.

Daflon is a very safe and effective drug in the treatment of all hemorrhoidal symptoms in the population of Eastern KSA.