This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Meta‐analysis of flavonoids for the treatment of haemorrhoids. BJS 2006; 93: 909-920.
Published: 31st May 2006
Authors: P. Alonso‐Coello, Q. Zhou, M. J. Martinez‐Zapata, E. Mills, D. Heels‐Ansdell, J. F. Johanson et al.
Background
The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of flavonoids on those symptoms important to patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids.
Method
A comprehensive search strategy was used. All published and unpublished randomized controlled trials comparing any type of flavonoid to placebo or no therapy in patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies for inclusion, retrieved all potentially relevant studies and extracted data.
Results
Fourteen eligible trials randomized 1514 patients. Studies were of moderate quality and showed variability in the results with potential publication bias. Meta‐analyses using random‐effects models suggested that flavonoids decrease the risk of not improving or persisting symptoms by 58 per cent (relative risk (RR) 0·42 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·28 to 0·61)) and showed an apparent reduction in the risk of bleeding (RR 0·33 (95 per cent c.i. 0·19 to 0·57)), persistent pain (RR 0·35 (95 per cent c.i. 0·18 to 0·69)), itching (RR 0·65 (95 per cent c.i. 0·44 to 0·97)) and recurrence (RR 0·53 (95 per cent c.i. 0·41 to 0·69)).
Conclusion
Limitations in methodological quality, heterogeneity and potential publication bias raise questions about the apparent beneficial effects of flavonoids in the treatment of haemorrhoids. Copyright © 2006 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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