Effects of a sucralfate-containing ointment on quality of life and symptoms associated with hemorrhoidal disease: patient-reported results of a Slovakian, pharmacist-led observational survey

PurposeThis pharmacist-led study evaluated the effect of a rectal ointment containing sucralfate on quality of life, symptom frequency and time to relief of symptoms in Slovakian individuals with hemorrhoidal disease (HD).MethodsThe multicenter prospective survey was conducted at 45 community pharmacies in Slovakia. Pharmacists invited adults (≥18 years) using sucralfate-containing ointment for their HD-related symptoms to participate.Results241 patients completed the HEMO-FISS-QoL questionnaire and a survey of symptom frequency at the beginning and end of the 14-day survey period. The primary endpoint was the change in HEMO-FISS-QoL scores in patients with hemorrhoidal symptoms during the 7 days before the initial pharmacy visit. Of the 241 patients enrolled in the survey, 144 had experienced hemorrhoidal symptoms within the preceding 7 days (mean age 51 years; 59.0% female). For these 144 patients, the total HEMO-FISS-QoL score decreased (i.e., quality of life was improved) from baseline by a mean of –8.7 (95% confidence interval –12.6, –6.2; P