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Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the management of haemorrhoidal disease with 1 year’s follow-up. Method This prospective multicentre study assessed RFA (Rafaelo©) in outpatients with grade II–III haemorrhoids. RFA was performed in the operating room under locoregional or general anaesthesia. Primary endpoint was the evolution of a quality-of-life score adapted to the haemorrhoid pathology (HEMO-FISS-QoL) 3 months after surgery. Secondary endpoints were evolution of symptoms (prolapsus, bleeding, pain, itching, anal discomfort), complications, postoperative pain and medical leave. Results A total of 129 patients (69% men, median age 49 years) were operated on in 16 French centres. Median HEMO-FISS-QoL score dropped significantly from 17.4/100 to 0/100 (p p p p Conclusion RFA is associated with an improvement in quality of life and symptoms with a good safety profile. As expected for minimally invasive surgery, postoperative pain is minor with short medical leave. Clinical trial registration and date Clinical trial NCT04229784 (18/01/2020).

Summary Any gastroenterologist must be trained to properly diagnose anoperineal lesions in patients with Crohn's disease (APLOC). The aim of this study was to establish whether adding pictures would improve teaching effectiveness of the diagnosis of APLOC to French gastroenterology trainees. Method Trainees were asked to answer a first web-based survey consisting of evaluating 12 pictures of APLOC with a closed answer questionnaire. They were then randomized in 2 groups. Group A received an online teaching with typical pictures and APLOC definitions and group B definitions only. Trainees were asked again seven days later to answer a second survey with 12 other pictures of APLOC and 14 experts also answered this survey. Diagnostic scores were expressed in %. The primary endpoint was the comparison of the score of survey 2 between the two groups of trainees. Secondary endpoints were to compare results of survey 2 between trainees of both groups and experts, and assess diagnosis of each lesion. Results Two hundred fourty eight trainees among 465 answered survey 1, and 195 survey 2. The diagnostic score was 71.9% for groups A and B and 74.6% for experts (differences NS). After training diagnosis of ulceration was 72% for group A and 72.9% for group B, fistulae 85.2% versus 85.8%, erythema 44.1% vs. 55.6%, anoperineal scars 67.5% vs. 65.6%, and abscess 100% (differences NS). Conclusion There was no difference between the two teaching methods. Further research should be performed aiming at improving teaching material and quotation baremes.