Results of linearly polarized near-infrared irradiation therapy in patients with intractable anorectal pain.

PURPOSE: Electrogalvanic stimulation and biofeedback therapy for the treatment of intractable anorectal pain have been reported. However, these therapeutic modalities have some disadvantages and insufficient effectiveness. We noticed that digital examination revealed the strongly tender point in both lateral sides of the rectum and introduced linearly polarized near-infrared irradiation therapy to the strongly tender point. The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes and estimate its usefulness. METHODS: A total of 35 consecutive patients complained of vague and deep pain in the anorectum. Fourteen patients had a history of lower abdominal surgery. Eighteen patients had disordered defecation. The linearly polarized near-infrared light was irradiated to the strongly tender point on or a few centimeters apart from the skin for ten minutes. The effect of the therapy was assessed as excellent, good, no change, or worse by the patients themselves. RESULTS: Ten patients had the strongly tender point in the left side, 8 in the right posterior, and 17 in both. Five patients estimated as excellent, 28 as good, and 2 as no change. Mean total number of irradiation was 18.8 (range, 1-235), and mean number of irradiation for relief from pain was 2.5 (range, 1-9). Anorectal pain recurred in four patients, who received the same therapy and improved. Four patients felt hot during the irradiation, and a patient had frequent micturition after the irradiation. These mild complications easily disappeared. CONCLUSION: The linearly polarized near-infrared irradiation therapy is a simple, safe, and effective modality for relief from intractable anorectal pain and recommended for primary therapy.