Comparison of Early Clinical Outcomes Between ALTA (Aluminum Potassium Sulfate and Tannic Acid, Ziohn®) Injection Therapy and a Submucosal Hemorrhoidectomy in Patients with Internal Hemorrhoids

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate early outcomes of ALTA (aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid, ) injection compared with those of a submucosal hemorrhoidectomy for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids. Methods: From September 2008 to April 2009, a total of 50 patients who had internal hemorrhoids (Golliger grade II to IV) were treated by using either ALTA injection (n=25) or a submucosal hemorrhoidectomy (n=25). Outcomes with respect to pain scores, analgesics use, and satisfaction levels of the patients, and complications were compared. Results: The mean number of hemorrhoidal piles was 3.52 in the ALTA injection group and 3.56 in the operation group. The average amount of ALTA injection was 27.34 cc. Pain scores measured at one day and 7 days after the treatment, and the number of analgesics used in the injection group were significantly lower than those in the operation group (P