In a new medtech innovation briefing, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended eXroid for the treatment of internal haemorrhoids.
eXroid is a minimally invasive treatment to shrink internal haemorrhoids through the application of direct current electrotherapy to the blood vessels of a haemorrhoid, without penetrating the mucosa. The system comprises a generator and connection leads, reusable patient pad and sterile single-use probe pack. The electric current is delivered to the base of the haemorrhoid through a dual-probe tip, and voltage is increased to a maximum of 16 milliamps. Treatment duration depends on the grade of the haemorrhoid and patient's tolerance, but the average treatment time per haemorrhoid is ~10 minutes.
Currently available standard care treatments for internal haemorrhoids include rubber band ligation, injection sclerotherapy, bipolar diathermy, haemorrhoidectomy or stapled haemorrhoidectomy, all of which are more invasive. Evidence from two non-comparative studies showed that eXroid could effectively treat internal haemorrhoids without any complications.
Unlike other therapies, treatment with eXroid does not require any general, regional or local anaesthesia. However, patients with anal fissures can be offered topical anaesthetic. eXroid should be used in outpatient clinics or primary care centres, only by clinicians fully trained and certified in delivering treatment through eXroid.
