Comparative efficacy of Ma Yinglong ointment and Gangtai suppository for hemorrhoids: A retrospective cohort study

Background: Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a common anorectal condition that can have negative impacts on both physical and mental health as well as public health. Objective: This retrospective analysis evaluated the use of Ma Yinglong hemorrhoid ointment versus Gangtai suppositories. Methods: A retrospective comparative study of the efficacy and safety differences between Ma Yinglong hemorrhoid ointment and Gangtai Suppositories in the treatment of hemorrhoids. In this retrospective cohort, 514 hemorrhoid patients (2024) were equally divided into Ma Yinglong (n=257) and Gangtai suppository (n=257) groups. Symptom scores, quality of life and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups at days 7 and 14. Results: Baseline characteristics were balanced between the two groups. After 14 days of treatment, the Ma Yinglong Hemorrhoid Ointment demonstrated significant advantages in pain relief Visual Simulation Score (VAS score: 1.2 vs 2.0) and swelling reduction, with markedly improved quality of life scores (88.7 vs 76.3). The Gangtai Suppository treatment group showed superior bleeding control (bleeding score: 0.6 vs 0.7). The overall response rates (92.61% vs 89.88%) and incidence of adverse reactions (5.06% vs 5.84%) were comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that Ma Yinglong Hemorrhoid Ointment provides rapid relief for external hemorrhoid swelling and pain, while Gangtai Suppository are more suitable for controlling bleeding from internal hemorrhoids.