Are hemorrhoids linked to varicose veins in the legs?
Official title: Prospective Evaluation of the Association Between Hemorrhoids and Lower Extremity Varicose Veins Using Doppler Ultrasound (HEMOVAR Study)
Run by Aydin Adnan Menderes University · NCT07317492 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will see if adults with hemorrhoids are more likely to have varicose veins in their lower limbs by comparing 200 people with hemorrhoids to 200 patients with other benign anorectal conditions.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Aydin Adnan Menderes University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aydin, Efeler) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 19, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07317492 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older presenting to the proctology outpatient clinic at Aydın Adnan Menderes University Hospital with hemorrhoids or other benign proctologic conditions who can give written informed consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients under 18, those with prior lower-limb venous procedures, systemic venous disorders (such as portal hypertension or cirrhosis), pregnancy, known malignancy, severe comorbidities, or inability/refusal to consent are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-center, prospective, cross-sectional observational study will enroll 400 adults seen in the general surgery proctology outpatient clinic at Aydın Adnan Menderes University Hospital. Two groups of 200 participants each—patients with clinically diagnosed hemorrhoids and controls with other benign non-hemorrhoidal proctologic conditions—will undergo standardized clinical evaluation and lower-limb color Doppler ultrasonography performed by cardiovascular surgeons. Doppler parameters recorded will include presence of venous reflux, affected venous segments, reflux duration, venous diameters, and CEAP clinical classification, with hemoglobin measured as a limited laboratory test. There are no interventions, randomization, or invasive procedures, and participation requires written informed consent without additional cost to patients or the health system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If a clear association is found, patients with hemorrhoids might be routinely screened for lower-limb venous disease earlier, enabling timelier management of varicose veins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous observational studies have reported associations between hemorrhoidal disease and chronic venous insufficiency but evidence is limited and causality remains unproven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older * Patients presenting to the general surgery proctology outpatient clinic of Aydın Adnan Menderes University Hospital * Patients diagnosed with hemorrhoidal disease or other non-hemorrhoidal benign proctologic conditions * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patients younger than 18 years * History of lower extremity varicose vein surgery, endovenous ablation, or sclerotherapy * Presence of systemic venous disorders such as portal hypertension or liver cirrhosis * Pregnant women * Patients with known malignancy or severe comorbid conditions that could interfere with evaluation * Refusal or inability to provide written informed consent
Where it's running
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Aydin Adnan Menderes University Hospital
Aydin, Efeler, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Akay Edizsoy, MD
- Email: akayedizsoy@adu.edu.tr
- Phone: +905066332767
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.