HELO Trial: Energy-Based Therapies vs. Conventional Hemorrhoidectomy for Grade III Hemorrhoids

This prospective, multicenter study compares the efficacy and functional outcomes of three surgical treatments for symptomatic Goligher Grade III internal hemorrhoids: Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP), Hemorrhoid Energy Therapy (HET), and conventional closed hemorrhoidectomy (Ferguson technique). Due to strong patient preferences in hemorrhoidal surgery, this study utilizes a pragmatic, preference-tolerant design. Eligible patients will undergo standardized counseling and select their preferred treatment arm. The study aims to evaluate whether minimally invasive energy-based therapies offer superior postoperative pain relief and faster functional recovery compared to conventional hemorrhoidectomy

NCT Number	NCT07333040
Lead Sponsor	Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Collaborators: Taiwan Colorectal Action Research Society, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, Jen Ai Hospital
Conditions	Hemorrhoids Third Degree, Internal Hemorrhoids, Mixed Hemorrhoids
Enrollment	60 participants
Start Date	2026-07-01
Primary Completion	2027-05-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2028-03-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-08-07