Laxatives for the treatment of hemorrhoids
Alonso-Coello P, Guyatt G, Heels-Ansdell D, Johanson JF, Lopez-Yarto M, Mills E, et al.
Published in Cochrane Database Syst Rev, Vol. 2005 (4), pp. CD004649
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of randomised trials comparing any laxative with placebo or no therapy in people with symptomatic hemorrhoids. Seven trials (378 participants) compared fiber with a non-fiber control.
Key Findings
Fiber cut the risk of persisting symptoms by 53% (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.32-0.68) and the risk of bleeding by half (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28-0.89). Effects on prolapse, pain and itching pointed the same way but were not statistically clear. Results were consistent at about 6 weeks and 3 months.
Conclusions
Fiber consistently relieved overall symptoms and bleeding in symptomatic hemorrhoids.
Limitations
Small, older trials of only moderate quality; the authors flag a risk of publication bias. The abstract does not break results down by fiber type or dose.
Supplements Studied
laxatives in the form of fiber had a beneficial effect
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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