Comparing radiofrequency ablation and Doppler-guided ligation for treating hemorrhoids

Radiofrequency Haemorrhoidal Thermoablation Versus Doppler-guided Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation With Mucopexy in the Treatment of Haemorrhoidal Disease: a Multicenter Randomized Non-inferiority Trial

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Departemental Vendee · NCT06170736

This study is testing whether a new method called radiofrequency ablation works as well as another method called Doppler-guided ligation for treating bothersome internal hemorrhoids.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment168 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Departemental Vendee Academic / other
Locations18 sites (Amiens and 17 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06170736 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation (DGHAL) in treating symptomatic Grade II and III internal hemorrhoids. Both procedures are minimally invasive alternatives to traditional hemorrhoidectomy, with RFA showing promising outcomes and lower recurrence rates in preliminary studies. The trial will assess the non-inferiority of RFA compared to DGHAL in terms of failure rates, providing valuable insights into the best treatment options for patients. Participants will be monitored for postoperative outcomes to determine the most effective approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with symptomatic Grade II or III hemorrhoids requiring surgical management.

Not a fit: Patients with hemostasis disorders, external hemorrhoidal disease, or a history of colorectal cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with a more effective and less recurrent treatment option for hemorrhoidal disease.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been successful studies on RFA for hemorrhoids, this is the first to directly compare it with DGHAL.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Major patient,
* With symptomatic Grade II or III haemorrhoidal disease,
* Requiring surgical management,
* Patient able to understand the protocol and having given written informed consent to participate in the study,
* Patient affiliated to the social security system or entitled to it.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Hemostasis disorders
* Active external haemorrhoidal disease (thrombosis)
* History of surgical procedure for treatment of haemorrhoids (instrumental treatment is not a contra-indication)
* Associated proctological pathology (anal fissure, chronic suppuration, external rectal prolapse)
* History of colorectal cancer
* History of inflammatory bowel disease
* History of rectal resection
* Patient participating in another interventional clinical research protocol involving a drug or clinical investigation of a medical device
* Patient who is pregnant, breastfeeding or able to procreate without effective contraception\* at the time of inclusion
* Patient under guardianship, curators or deprived of liberty.
* Patient under court protection.

  * oral contraceptive (pill), monthly vaginal ring, weekly transdermal patch, subcutaneous implant, intrauterine devices (IUD), or sterilisation.

Where this trial is running

Amiens and 17 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HaemorrhoidsInternal HaemorrhoidsGrade II/III HaemorrhoidsRadiofrequencyDoppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.