Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization: a systematic review

Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy Versus Dearterialization With Mucopexy for the Treatment of Grade III Hemorrhoidal Disease: The EMODART3 Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Over the past few decades, several surgical approaches have been proposed to treat hemorrhoids.

OBJECTIVE

This multicenter study aimed to compare transanal hemorrhoidal artery ligation and conventional excisional hemorrhoidectomy for grade III hemorrhoidal disease.

DESIGN

Multicenter retrospective study.

SETTINGS

Any center belonging to the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery in which at least 30 surgical procedures per year for hemorrhoidal disease were performed was able to join the study.

PATIENTS

Clinical data from patients with Goligher's grade III hemorrhoidal disease who underwent excisional hemorrhoidectomy or hemorrhoidal artery ligation were retrospectively analyzed after a 24-month follow-up period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary aims were to evaluate the adoption of 2 different surgical techniques and to compare them in terms of symptoms, postoperative adverse events, and recurrences at a 24-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Data from 1681 patients were analyzed. The results of both groups were comparable in terms of postoperative clinical score by multiple regression analysis and matched case-control analysis. Patients who underwent excisional hemorrhoidectomy had a significantly higher risk of postoperative complication (adjusted OR = 1.58; p = 0.006). A secondary analysis highlighted that excisional hemorrhoidectomy performed with new devices and hemorrhoidal artery ligation reported a significantly lower risk for complications than excisional hemorrhoidectomy performed with traditional monopolar diathermy. At the 24-month follow-up assessment, recurrence was significantly higher in the hemorrhoidal artery ligation group (adjusted OR = 0.50; p = 0.001). A secondary analysis did not show a higher risk of recurrences based on the type of device.

LIMITATIONS

The retrospective design and the self-reported nature of data from different centers.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemorrhoidal artery ligation is an effective option for grade III hemorrhoidal disease; however, it is burdened by a high risk of recurrences. Excisional hemorrhoidectomy performed with newer devices is competitive in terms of postoperative complications.HEMORROIDECTOMÍA POR ESCISIÓN VERSUS DESARTERIALIZACIÓN CON MUCOPEXIA PARA EL TRATAMIENTO DE LA ENFERMEDAD HEMORROIDAL DE GRADO 3: EL ESTUDIO MULTICÉNTRICO EMODART3ANTECEDENTES:En las últimas décadas se han propuesto varios abordajes quirúrgicos para el tratamiento de las hemorroides.OBJETIVO:Este estudio multicéntrico tiene como objetivo comparar la ligadura de la arteria hemorroidal transanal y la hemorroidectomía por escisión convencional para la enfermedad hemorroidal de grado III.DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico.ÁMBITO:Cualquier centro perteneciente a la Sociedad Italiana de Cirugía Colorrectal en el que se realizaron al menos 30 procedimientos quirúrgicos por año para la enfermedad hemorroidal pudo participar en el estudio.PACIENTES:Los datos clínicos de pacientes con enfermedad hemorroidal de grado III de Goligher que se sometieron a hemorroidectomía por escisión o ligadura de arterias hemorroidales se analizaron retrospectivamente después de un período de seguimiento de 24 meses.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los objetivos primarios fueron evaluar la adopción de dos técnicas quirúrgicas diferentes y compararlas en términos de síntomas, eventos adversos posoperatorios y recurrencias a los 24 meses de seguimiento.RESULTADOS:Se analizaron datos de 1681 pacientes. Los 2 grupos resultaron ser comparables en términos de puntuación clínica posoperatoria mediante análisis de regresión múltiple y análisis de casos y controles emparejados. Los pacientes sometidos a hemorroidectomía excisional tuvieron un riesgo significativamente mayor de complicaciones posoperatorias (odds ratio ajustado = 1,58; p = 0,006). Un análisis secundario destacó que la hemorroidectomía por escisión realizada con nuevos dispositivos y la ligadura de la arteria hemorroidal informaron un riesgo significativamente menor de complicaciones que la hemorroidectomía por escisión realizada con diatermia monopolar tradicional. En la evaluación de seguimiento de 24 meses, la recurrencia fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de ligadura de la arteria hemorroidal (razón de probabilidad ajustada = 0,50; p = 0,001). Un análisis secundario no mostró un mayor riesgo de recurrencias según el tipo de dispositivo.LIMITACIONES:El diseño retrospectivo y el carácter autoinformado de los datos de diferentes centros.CONCLUSIÓN:HAL es una opción efectiva para la enfermedad hemorroidal grado III; sin embargo, se ve afectado por un alto riesgo de recurrencias. La hemorroidectomía por escisión realizada con dispositivos más nuevos es competitiva en términos de complicaciones posoperatorias. (Traducción-Dr Yolanda Colorado ).

Results of sclerotherapy and mucopexy with haemorrhoidal dearterialization in II and III degree haemorrhoids. A 4 years' single centre experience

Introduction

Haemorrhoidal disease (HD) affects a considerable portion of the adult population. The aim of this study is to confirm the safety and efficacy of the treatments and to report the long-term outcomes of Sclerotherapy (ST) and Mucopexy and Haemorrhoidal Dearterialization (MHD) performed over the last 4 years in a single tertiary centre. The secondary outcome is to evaluate the usefulness of both techniques and to demonstrate how those can be associated as a bridge to surgery.

Materials and methods

Patients affected by second-third-degree haemorrhoids and undergoing ST or non-Doppler guided MHD between 2018 and 2021 were enrolled. Safety and efficacy, recurrence rate, Haemorrhoid Severity Score (HSS) and pain resulting from both techniques were evaluated.

Results

Out of 259 patients, 150 underwent ST. Further, 122 (81.3%) patients were male and 28 (18.7%) were female. The mean age was 50.8 (range 34-68) years. Most of the patients (103, 68.6%) were affected by second-degree HD, while 47 (31.4%) were affected by third-degree HD. The overall success rate was 83.3%. The median pre-operative HSS score was 3 (IQR 0-4, p = 0.04) and at 2 year the median HSS was 0 (IQR 0-1, p = 0.03). No intraoperative complications and no drug-related side effects occurred. The mean follow-up for ST was 2 years (range 1-4; SD ±0.88). MHD was performed on 109 patients. In detail, 80 patients (73.4%) were male while 29 patients (26.6%) were female. The mean age in this group was 51.3 (range 31-69). Further, 72 patients (66.1%) were affected by third-degree HD and 37 (33.9%) by second-degree HD. The median HSS score was 9 (IQR 8-10, p = 0.001) preoperatively two years after treatment was 0 (IQR 0-1, p = 0.004). Major complications occurred in three patients (2.75%). The overall success rate was 93.5% (second degree 89.2% vs. third degree 95.8%). The mean follow-up for MHD was 2 years (range 1-4; SD ±0.68).

Conclusions

The results confirm the usefulness of those techniques, which can be considered safe and easily repeatable procedures, with a low recurrence rate after 2 years of median follow-up.

Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation for the Treatment of Grade II-III Hemorrhoids: Is it Worth the Use of Doppler Guide in Long-Term Follow-Up?: A Single-Center Cohort Study

Background

Hemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) may reduce postoperative pain and complications and shorten patients' recovery when compared to standard hemorrhoidectomy. It is unclear if the Doppler guide (DG) is useful in reducing recurrence risk.

Objective

To compare two groups of patients (treated with DG-HAL or HAL) in terms of recurrence risk and patients' satisfaction grade.

Methods

Between January 1, 2014 and January 31, 2021, 122 patients affected by grade II-III hemorrhoidal prolapse underwent DG-HAL or HAL at Chivasso Hospital, Italy. Mucopexy was routinely performed. After discharge, patients were subjected to 1-week, 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month clinical assessment. Thereafter, they were interviewed by telephone annually.

Results

Seventy-six (62.3%) DG-HAL and 46 (37.7%) HAL procedures were performed. Median surgical time was 30 (15-45) minutes for DG-HAL versus 25 (15-40) minutes for HAL (P = 0.005). No intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperative bleeding needing surgery occurred in 2 (1.6%) patients in the DG-HAL group. During a median follow-up of 46 months (6-86), we registered 18 (23.7%) recurrences in the DG-HAL group and 13 (28.3%) in the HAL one (P = 0.574). No cases of incontinence or anal stenosis occurred. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of patients' satisfaction. At multivariate analysis, age ≥ 65 years resulted a protective factor for recurrence (odds ratio 0.31; 95% confidence interval 0.09-0.98; P = 0.047).

Conclusions

In our study, the use of DG did not reduce recurrence risk. Operative time was significantly increased in the DG-HAL group.

Hemorrhoid laser dearterialization: systematic review and meta-analysis

Hemorrhoidal disease is a common and troublesome condition. Excisional hemorrhoidectomy can assure the best chance of cure but it is hampered by postoperative pain and potential long-term morbidity therefore minimally invasive techniques have been developed. Since 2009 a doppler-guided hemorrhoidal dearterialization with laser (the hemorrhoidal laser procedure; HeLP) has been proposed to control symptoms without significant sequelae. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the benefits and disadvantages of HeLP for symptomatic hemorrhoids. The Medline/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched from January 2010 to March 2022, language was restricted to English and documents to the full text. Randomized and non-randomized, prospective and retrospective cohort studies were included. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Risk of bias for non-randomized studies (ROBINS-I) and the RoB2 Tool for randomized clinical trial. Primary outcome was to assess the efficacy of HeLP on symptoms' resolution. Secondary objectives were postoperative pain and complications, comparison with other interventional techniques, and evaluation of long-term recurrence. Whenever possible, a meta-analysis was conducted. The GRADE approach was employed to assess the certainty of evidence. We included six non-randomized and one randomized study. HeLP improved or resolved preoperative symptoms in 83.6 to 100% of patients during follow-up. In the randomized study symptoms resolved in 90% of patients after HeLP and 53.3% after rubber band ligation as comparator. Published data indicate that HeLP is effective, relatively safe, with limited recurrence rate, after a short to medium follow-up. The quality of evidence was however low. There is a paucity of studies assessing the benefits or harms of laser dearterialization for the treatment of hemorrhoids and randomized trials are furthermore rare, therefore trials with adequate power and proper design, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of HeLP versus other minimally invasive techniques, are needed. Furthermore, studies evaluating long-term follow-up are wanted.

Reducing Complications After Surgery for Benign Anorectal Conditions

While generally perceived as mundane and low-risk procedures, anorectal surgeries by virtue of their anatomic real-estate-dense with nerves, blood supply, and structures critical to the quality of life-are fraught with the potential for complications. While these complications are generally not life-threatening, their impact to the quality of life can be severe. Furthermore, the sheer volume of anorectal procedures performed each year means that even low complication rates or less severe complications can have significant economic impact.

Early and midterm results of radiofrequency ablation (Rafaelo® procedure) for third-degree haemorrhoids: a prospective, two-centre study

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating third degree haemorrhoids, with a follow-up over 2 years.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, two-centre study to assess RFA of third-degree haemorrhoids in an outpatient setting. Treatment was performed under local anaesthesia, optionally in combination with sedation. The primary endpoint was analysis of a proctological symptom score ([PSS] bleeding, itching, pain, soiling) and proctological examination to detect recurrence at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. The secondary endpoints were postoperative complications, incidence of postoperative pain, including administration of analgesics and time to return to daily routine.

Results

Ninety-eight patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 49.1 ± 10.9 (mean ± SD). 83 patients (84.7%) were male and 15 patients (15.3%) were female. The follow-up involved 100% (1 month), 95% (6 months), 86% (12 months) and 74% after 24 months. The individual symptom scores and overall PSS score decreased significantly in comparison to the initial score at each time point assessed. Prolapsed haemorrhoids decreased in comparison to the initial situation (100%) to 7.2% (1 month), 3.5% (6 months), 13.1% (12 months) and 13.7% (after 24 months). Thirteen patients (12.7%) required repeat haemorrhoid therapy during the 2-year follow-up period. The mean maximum pain score after the procedure was 2.5 ± 2.7 (determined with the visual analogue scale), while 33 (33.7%) patients reported having no pain. 59 (60.2%) patients did not take analgesics after the procedure. Eleven patients (11.2%) experienced minor complications (bleeding, fever, cramps, diarrhoea, anal venous thrombosis) but did not require additional treatment. Eight cases (8.2%) of major complications (infection, bleeding, severe pain) required treatment with antibiotics, a second intervention, analgesics or hospitalization.

Conclusions

RFA is safe and effective for treatment of third-degree haemorrhoids. The main advantages of this new method are its use on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia, a very low level of postoperative pain and significant control of haemorrhoid symptoms over 2 years.

Hemorrhoid laser procedure (HeLP) for second- and third-degree hemorrhoids: results from a long-term follow-up analysis

We aimed to analyze the results of 5-year consecutive use of the hemorrhoidal laser procedure (HeLP) in patients with second- to third-grade hemorrhoids with minimal or moderate mucosal prolapse. A total of 189 patients were treated between April 2012 and October 2017. We reported perioperative complications, postoperative pain, improvement of hemorrhoids grade, and relapse of hemorrhoidal disease (HD). Improvement of symptoms was assessed using the Patient Global Improvement (PGI) Scale. No severe intraoperative complications were observed. The median follow-up was 42 months (range 6-62 months). Pain after surgery was absent in 94% of patients. No cases of rectal tenesmus or alterations of defecation habits were reported. Symptoms and HD improvement reached a "plateau" at 3 to 6 months following surgery. We observed a significant decrease in HD degree, occurrence of bleeding, pain, itching, and acute HD. Complete resolution of HD was reported in > 60% of patients 1 year after surgery. The individual level of improvement in symptoms was consistent (very much and much improved, according to PGI-I score) for about 90% of patients during the follow-up. This study confirmed that the HeLP is a safe, painless, and effective procedure for the treatment of HD in selected cases.

The Laser Therapy for Hemorrhoidal Disease: A Prospective Study

Aim: This prospective study aimed to determine the outcomes and postoperative complications of hemorrhoid disease (HD) treated by hemorrhoidal laser procedure (HeLP).

Background: We, herein report the results of 18 months of methodical use of mini-invasive laser procedures in 100 patients with grades 2 and 3 hemorrhoids and minimum to a mild degree of rectal prolapse. The surgical technique is called HeLP.

Methods: Data were collected on the duration of the procedure, intraoperative complications, postoperative pain, the declivity of hemorrhoids, persistency or complete resolution, and recurrence of hemorrhoids were collected prospectively.

Results: No evidence of intraoperative complications occurred. The median follow-up was nine months. Postoperative pain was not significant or null in most patients. There was no rectal tenesmus or alteration of defecation habits. Plateau of hemorrhoid symptoms and downgrading of hemorrhoid size reached approximately three to seven months post-procedure. The frequency of pain, bleeding, pruritus ani, and acute hemorrhoidal syndrome decreased by 75-80%. There was a significant reduction in hemorrhoids with the rate of recurrence being 7% over 12 months of follow-up.

Conclusion: Our study evaluated and demonstrated that HeLP is an effective, safe, and non-painful procedure for the management of patients with the symptomatic second or third degree of hemorrhoid with mild to the minimum degree of rectal mucosal prolapse. It is a suitable ambulatory treatment.

LigaSure™ haemorrhoidectomy and the risk of postoperative bleeding

AIM

LigaSure™ is an electro-surgical device that has increasingly been utilized in haemorrhoid surgery. However, recent literature has highlighted a possible increased risk of delayed postoperative bleeding following LigaSure haemorrhoidectomy (LH). We aim to evaluate the rates of postoperative bleeding following LigaSure compared to Ferguson (closed) haemorrhoidectomy (FH).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken at our single academic safety-net county hospital from August 2016 through July 2019 evaluating patients who received FH or LH. Patient demographics, surgical data, postoperative emergency department visit for pain or bleeding within 30 days and resulting transfusion requirement, and rates of readmission and interventions within 30 days were collected.

RESULTS

Sixty-one FH and 66 LH patients were identified. The groups had no difference in demographics. The LH group and FH group had similar rates of postoperative emergency department visits (29% vs. 23%, P = 0.454), as well as visits for bleeding (20% vs. 11%, P = 0.204). The average operating time was also significantly shorter with LH (14.5 min vs. 24.9 min, P ≤ 0.001). On multivariate analysis, male sex (OR 7.28, 95% CI 1.88-28.25) and haemorrhoid grade ≤2 (OR 4.64, 95% CI 1.31-16.49) were significantly associated with postoperative bleeding on multivariate analysis. Use of LH was not independently associated with postoperative bleeding risk (OR 1.89, 95% CI 0.70-5.11).

CONCLUSIONS

LH and FH have similar risks for postoperative bleeding and other complications. Male sex and haemorrhoid Grades 1 or 2 may be associated with increased postoperative bleeding risk. Excisional haemorrhoidectomy should be undertaken with caution for male patients with lower internal haemorrhoid grades.

Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation with suture mucopexy compared with LigaSure™-assisted pile excision for the treatment of grade III hemorrhoids: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Doppler-guided hemorrhoid artery ligation and stapled hemorrhoidopexy have been used in surgical practices to avoid post-hemorrhoidectomy pain. Our study compared Doppler-guided hemorrhoid artery ligation with suture mucopexy (DGHAL-SM) and ligature-assisted pile excision (LAP) for greater than three grades of internal hemorrhoids.

METHODS

Eighty patients with greater than 3 grades of internal hemorrhoids were selected (age range: 20-28 years; average age: 23 years) between January and June 2015. The patients were randomly divided into group A (DGHAL-SM) and group B (LAP); each group had 40 patients.

RESULTS

With respect to the postoperative cure rate and anal skin tags, group A was inferior to group B, but the postoperative pain assessment and satisfaction were better than group B (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The DGHAL-SM cure rate was high; the postoperative pain was mild; 97.5% of the patients did not return to hospital because of pain. LAP has a higher cure rate than DGHAL-SM, but the postoperative pain and return rate within 6 h was as high as 65%, and the postoperative satisfaction assessment was lower than DGHAL-SM. Therefore, we recommend that DGHAL-SM for outpatient surgery in patients with greater than three grades of internal hemorrhoids.

Non-Doppler hemorrhoidal artery ligation and hemorrhoidopexy combined with pudendal nerve block for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In this study, we proposed a combined outpatient treatment modality for hemorrhoidal disease.

METHODS

This study was a prospective non-inferiority randomized controlled trial (RCT). The experimental group included the dearterialization and hemorrhoidopexy under pudendal nerve block, whereas the comparator consisted of the standard Doppler guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation and hemorrhoidopexy, under spinal anesthesia. As primary hypothesis, we considered the non-inferiority of the proposed modality in terms of the presenting symptom remission rate (non-inferiority margin: 10%). Randomization was based on a 1:1 ratio. Blinding was confined to the patient and the investigator.

RESULTS

Overall, 60 patients were enrolled. The primary hypothesis of this RCT (96.7% vs 73.3%) was validated. The experimental group was associated with a lower operation duration and an expedited onset of mobilization and feeding. Moreover, a favorable profile regarding short-term morbidity and analgesia was identified. The control group displayed a higher pile recurrence rate and a suboptimal patient satisfaction. A significant effect of the treatment modality in most of the SF-36 components was confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed treatment modality was associated with favorable short and long-term outcomes. Due to specific limitations, further RCTs, with a larger sample size, are required. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT03298997.

Superior Rectal Artery Embolisation for Haemorrhoids: What Do We Know So Far?

Haemorrhoids are abnormally enlarged anal cushions within the lower rectum. They are common, and have potential to significantly impact patients' quality of life. Superior rectal artery embolisation is a technique which has been discussed in the literature as far back as 40 years ago. More recently, there has been interest in the role of embolisation in the treatment for haemorrhoids, as an alternative to established minimally invasive and conventional surgical techniques. In this review, we discuss the current literature on the topic, with particular focus on technique, clinical outcomes and complications. Emerging procedural and technical considerations are discussed, with further review of the role of coil vs. particle embolisation.

A new technique of doppler dearterialization for hemorrhoidal disease: arterial detection ligation (ADL)

PURPOSE

We describe the arterial detection ligation (ADL) technique, designed to find arteries at time-appropriate depth for ligating, and report our preliminary results of using this technique to treat patients with the hemorrhoidal disease (HD).

METHODS

The subjects of this retrospective analysis were patients with symptomatic grades 2 or 3 HD. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, postoperative complications, recurrence, and patient satisfaction of the patients treated with ADL.

RESULTS

A total of 75 patients were included in the study (male/female ratio 1.88; mean age 48 ± 19 years; mean BMI 24 ± 3 kg/m²). Thirty-nine patients (52%) did not require hospitalization and were discharged from the day clinic approximately 4 h postoperatively. Four patients (5.3%) suffered tenesmus for about 1 week postoperatively and two (2.7%) suffered temporary rectal bleeding. The mean VAS scores 1 day postoperatively, then at 1 week, 1 month and 1 year were 2.9, 1.5, 0.4, and 0, respectively. At the 1-month follow-up, there was no sign of recurrence and the satisfaction rate was 78.6% (n = 59). At the 1-year follow-up, three patients (4%) had a recurrence and the satisfaction rate was 86.7% (n = 65).

CONCLUSION

Based on our preliminary findings, ADL is an effective technique for treating HD, generally as an outpatient procedure, without serious morbidity. We anticipate that the incidence of tenesmus, which is encountered frequently after other dearterialization methods, will be lower after the ADL technique, which avoids both mass ligation of hemorrhoidal arteries deeper than 12 mm and running a long mucopexy suture line.

Improvement in Hemorrhoidal Disease Surgery Outcomes Using a New Anatomical/Clinical-Therapeutic Classification (A/CTC)

Introduction  The introduction and diffusion of new techniques for hemorrhoidal surgery have made it clear how much Goligher classification is inadequate in the modern times, lacking in any correlation between anatomical and clinical features to a surgical procedure. The aim of the study was to evaluate if the application of a new classification of hemorrhoidal diseases might lead to an improvement in the postoperative surgical outcomes.

Methods  From January 2014 to December 2015, all patients undergoing surgery for hemorrhoidal disease were enrolled. The procedures performed were based upon a new anatomical/clinical–therapeutic classification (A/CTC) considering these items: anatomical presentation, symptom types and frequency, associated diseases, and available surgical treatments and their related contraindications. The new classification identified four groups: A (outpatient), B, C, and D (surgical approaches). The overall outcomes were assessed and then stratified by surgical groups. These data were then analyzed in comparison with the published data about all the surgical procedures performed.

Results  A total of 381 patients underwent surgery and they were stratified as follows: Group B (39), C (202), and D (140). Group B underwent Doppler-guided dearterialization with mucopexies or tissue selective therapy, Group C stapled procedures, and Group D hemorrhoidectomy. The mean follow-up was 30 months. The overall outcomes were: success rate 92.4%, recurrences 7.6%, postoperative complications 4.8%, long-term complications 5.4%, and reoperation rate 2.7%. The success rates stratified by groups were: B, 85%); C, 91.4%; and D, 95.7%.

Conclusion  The A/CTC proved to be useful in stratifying the patients and choosing the proper treatment for each case. This classification seems to improve the outcome of different surgical procedures if compared with those already published.

TRANSANAL HAEMORRHOIDAL DEARTERIALIZATION WITH MUCOPEXY (THD-M) FOR TREATMENT OF HEMORRHOIDS: IS IT APPLICABLE IN ALL GRADES? BRAZILIAN MULTICENTER STUDY

Background:

Transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialization with mucopexy (THD-M) is a valuable option for treating patients with haemorrhoidal disease. However, there is still controversy with regard to its efficacy for more advanced grades.

Aim:

To evaluate the effectiveness of THD-M technique for treating hemorrhoidal disease and to compare the immediate and late results in different grades.

Method:

Seven hundred and five consecutive patients with Goligher’s grade II, III or IV symptomatic haemorrhoids underwent surgical treatment using the THD-M method in five participating centres. Six well-trained and experienced surgeons operated on the patients. Average follow-up was 21 months (12-48).

Results:

Intraoperative complications were observed in 1.1% of cases, including four cases of haematoma, two of laceration of the mucosa, and two of bleeding. All of these were controlled by means of haemostatic suturing. In relation to postoperative complications, the most common of these were as follows: transitory tenesmus (21.4%); pain (7.2%); mucosal or haemorrhoidal prolapse (6.4%); residual skin tag (5.6%); faecal impaction (3.2%); haemorrhoidal thrombosis (2.8%); bleeding (2.1%); anal fissure (0.7%); and anal abscess (0.3%). Most of the complications were treated conservatively, and only 7.5% (53/705) required some type of surgical approach. There was no mortality or any severe complications. The recurrence of prolapse and bleeding was greater in patients with grade IV haemorrhoidal disease than in those with grade III and II (26.54% and 7.96% vs. 2.31% and 0.92% vs. 2.5% and 1.25%), respectively.

Conclusion:

The THD-M method is safe and effective for haemorrhoidal disease grades II and III with low rates of surgical complications. However, for grade IV hemorrhoids, it is associated with higher recurrence of prolapse and bleeding. So, THD-M method should not be considered as an effective option for the treatment of grade IV hemorrhoids.

Long-term functional results after excisional haemorrhoidectomy

AIM

The aim of this work was to perform a long-term evaluation of a randomized trial focusing on functional aspects after excisional haemorrhoidectomy with a minimum follow-up of 9 years.

METHOD

A questionnaire-based study including patients operated on for haemorrhoids in Sweden between 1999 and 2003. A total of 225 patients were randomized to Milligan's or Ferguson's operation. Twenty-six patients had died and 151 (76%) participated after a median follow-up of 10.7 years (range 9.2-12.6 years).

RESULTS

Seventy-seven patients were in the Milligan group and 74 in the Ferguson group. Forty-eight (32%) reported recurrence. Anal bleeding was reported in 80% at baseline but in 28% at long-term follow-up (P < 0.0001). At baseline, 49% had spontaneous anal pain and 25% pain at defaecation. At follow-up, these figures were 17% and 11%. At follow-up, 19% described a sense of anal stenosis. At baseline, soiling was reported in 51% but in 20% at long-term follow-up (P < 0.001). Nineteen per cent used pads preoperatively and 6% at follow-up (P < 0.0001). Straining at defaecation was reported by 35% at baseline. At follow-up, this figure was 25% (P = 0.055).

CONCLUSION

Symptoms associated with haemorrhoids were reduced at long-term follow-up. The most common problems were perceived recurrence and a sense of anal stenosis.

Still a Case of "No Pain, No Gain"? An Updated and Critical Review of the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management Options for Hemorrhoids in 2020

The treatment of haemorrhoids remains challenging: multiple treatment options supported by heterogeneous evidence are available, but patients rightly demand a tailored approach. Evidence for newer surgical techniques that promise to be less painful has been conflicting. We review the current evidence for management options in patients who present with varying haemorrhoidal grades. A review of the English literature was performed utilizing MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases (31 May 2019). The search terms (haemorrhoid OR haemorrhoid OR haemorrhoids OR haemorrhoids OR "Hemorrhoid"[Mesh]) were used. First- and second-degree haemorrhoids continue to be managed conservatively. The easily repeatable and cost-efficient rubber band ligation is the preferred method to address minor haemorrhoids; long-term outcomes following injection sclerotherapy remain poor. Conventional haemorrhoidectomies (Ferguson/Milligan-Morgan/Ligasure haemorrhoidectomy) still have their role in third- and fourth-degree haemorrhoids, being associated with lowest recurrence; nevertheless, posthaemorrhoidectomy pain is problematic. Stapled haemorrhoidopexy allows quicker recovery, albeit at the costs of higher recurrence rates and potentially serious complications. Transanal Haemorrhoidal Dearterialization has been promoted as nonexcisional and less invasive, but the recent HubBLe trial has questioned its overall place in haemorrhoid management. Novel "walk-in-walk-out" techniques such as radiofrequency ablations or laser treatments will need further evaluation to define their role in modern-day haemorrhoid management. There are numerous treatment options for haemorrhoids, each with their own evidence-base. Newer techniques promise to be less painful, but recurrence rates remain an issue. The balance continues to be sought between long-term efficacy, minimisation of postoperative pain, and preservation of anorectal function.

Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization: Lessons learned from a personal series of 200 consecutive cases and a proposal for a tailor-made procedure

Background

Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) is an effective treatment for hemorrhoidal disease (HD). However, the surgical technique is not standardized and the results for advanced HD are controversial. The aim of this study was to assess surgical outcomes after a long follow-up and compare total and partial mucopexy.

Materials and methods

Between March 2011 and July 2014, THD was offered to patients with symptomatic prolapsed hemorrhoids (Grades II, III and IV). Dearterialization was performed with the guidance of Ultrasound Doppler and mucopexy for prolapsed piles, and regarded as total or partial (if less than 6 mucopexies). Post-operative complications, long-term results and patients’ satisfaction rates were analyzed.

Results

200 consecutive patients were recruited with a mean follow-up of 43 months (range 29 - 57 months). HD distribution was GII (N = 35, 17.5%), GIII (N = 124, 62%), and GIV (N = 41, 20.5%). Postoperative complications included transient tenesmus (26,5%), pain (14%) and fecal impaction (2,5%). Recurrence rates were 0, 2,4% and 17,1% for prolapse (p < 0,01) and 2,9%, 4% and 9,8% for bleeding (p = 0,33) in grades II, III and IV, respectively. Total mucopexy resulted in more tenesmus (31,2%) than partial mucopexy (14,5%), (p < 0,01). After 12 weeks of follow-up, 85% of patients were either very satisfied or satisfied; 8,5% were dissatisfied.

Conclusion

THD-mucopexy is safe with low overall recurrence. Grade IV HD is associated with more recurrence and postoperative complications. Total mucopexy is associated with more tenesmus, pain and fecal impaction. A tailor-made procedure with selective dearterialization and mucopexy may be the next step in this evolving technique.

•

.THD is safe procedure for hemorrhoids with low overall recurrence of prolapse and bleeding.

•

.THD for grade IV hemorrhoidal disease is associated with more recurrence.

•

.THD with partial mucopexy achieves similar good results compared to total mucopexy.

•

.THD with total mucopexy is associated with more postoperative tenesmus, pain and fecal impaction.

•

.The number of dearterializations and mucopexies should be tailor-made.

Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operations-Recto-Anal Repair (HALO-RAR) Procedure for Recurrent Haemorrhoids: Excellent Patient Satisfaction

Background

Haemorrhoid is the most common anal canal disease. Treatments may vary from non-invasive to invasive depending on the symptoms. Haemorrhoidectomy has been widely used. However, it has some drawbacks like severe postoperative pain, longer time to return to daily activities and complications such as anal stenosis. To overcome these, various new treatment methods have been introduced. Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation operations (HALO) are becoming popular among surgeons. HALO has been reported to have a lower recurrence rate of less than 10% and higher patient satisfaction of approximately 90% with minimal postoperative pain. It achieves very good postoperative outcomes in the treatment of early haemorrhoids where per rectal bleeding and/or perianal discomfort are main symptoms. Nevertheless, it has a limitation in the treatment of prolapsing haemorrhoids. To tackle this, simultaneous recto-anal repair (RAR) has been recently introduced. HALO, in combination with RAR, has been reported to achieve good postoperative outcomes and excellent patient satisfaction.

This is a two-stage open operation. The stages are:

 - Doppler-guided HALO and

 - RAR (recto-anal repair)

Methods

We are presenting a single-centre one-year experience of Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation operation and recto-anal repair (DG-HALO and RAR) conducted on haemorrhoidal patients to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of the procedure. Retrospective data were collected for the patients who underwent HALO over one year period from June 2018 to August 2019. A total of 10 patients were treated with the HALO-RAR procedure.

Results

The male to female ratio was 7:3, median age was 47.98 (28.38 - 61.7) years, median body mass index (BMI) was 30.23 (23.8 - 39.1). Eight patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grade II, one patient was ASA I and one was ASA III. Time from initial consultation to the HALO procedure was 9.90 (3.5 - 19.8) months. All patients complained of preoperative bleeding and six of them complained of pain or discomfort. Nine patients underwent previous bandings in the clinic and one patient declined banding. The average time of the procedure was 57 mins. The average number of ligations was 10 (0-21). In one case, the proctoscope did not pair with the speaker. The average number of plications was three (2-4). Postoperatively, nine patients had no immediate complications; one patient had acute urinary retention. Seven patients were discharged on the same day. One patient had to stay overnight for monitoring prior to restarting apixaban, one patient for his learning difficulties and one patient had an unplanned overnight stay due to acute urinary retention requiring catheterization. Eight patients had their first follow-up; improvement of symptoms was found in 100% patients on the first follow-up.

Conclusion

HALO-RAR should be considered as a treatment option for recurrent symptoms after banding for haemorrhoids. The study showed good overall results with no immediate surgical complications. Excellent patient satisfaction was found even in long-term follow-up.

Minimal Open Hemorrhoidectomy Versus Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization: The Effect on Symptoms: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence on the long-term efficacy of transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization compared with hemorrhoidectomy. Most studies investigated short-term effects with postoperative pain as the primary outcome. Being a benign disease, the long-term goal of treatment for hemorrhoids is the resolution of symptoms and improvement of quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of minimal open hemorrhoidectomy versus transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization on patient-reported symptoms.

DESIGN

This was an open-label randomized controlled trial.

SETTINGS

This was a single-center study.

PATIENTS

Patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids grade II to IV (Goligher's classification) were included.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly allocated to minimal open hemorrhoidectomy or transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was symptoms assessed by the Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score 1 year postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life, patient satisfaction, postoperative pain and recovery, adverse events, recurrence, and hospital costs.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients received minimal open hemorrhoidectomy, and 50 patients received transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization. No difference in symptom score at 1-year follow-up was found. Median (range) symptom score was 3 (0-17) after minimal open hemorrhoidectomy and 5 (0-17) after transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (median difference = -1.0 (95% CI, -3.0 to 0.0); p = 0.15). Residual hemorrhoidal prolapse was reported more frequently (p = 0.008), and more patients had treatment for recurrence after transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (7 vs 0 patients; p = 0.013). Patient satisfaction was higher after minimal open hemorrhoidectomy (p = 0.049). No differences were found in the impact on health-related quality of life, average and peak postoperative pain, recovery, or adverse events (p > 0.05). Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization was more expensive (median difference = &OV0556;555 (95% CI, &OV0556;472-&OV0556;693); p < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS

No blinding was included in this study.

CONCLUSION

No difference was found in symptom score 1 year postoperatively. Minimal open hemorrhoidectomy had a better effect on the hemorrhoidal prolapse and higher patient satisfaction. More patients needed treatment for recurrence after transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization. Minimal open hemorrhoidectomy has an immediate postoperative course similar to transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B152.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02061176. HEMORROIDECTOMíA MíNIMA ABIERTA VERSUS DESARTERIALIZACIóN HEMORROIDAL TRANSANAL: EL EFECTO SOBRE LOS SíNTOMAS: UN ESTUDIO ABIERTO CONTROLADO Y ALEATORIZADO: Hay evidencia limitada sobre la eficacia a largo plazo de la desarterialización hemorroidal transanal en comparación con la hemorroidectomía. La mayoría de los estudios han investigado los efectos a corto plazo con el dolor postoperatorio como el resultado primario. Al ser una enfermedad benigna, el objetivo a largo plazo del tratamiento de la enfermedad hemorroidal es la resolución de los síntomas y la mejora en la calidad de vida.Comparar el efecto de la hemorroidectomía abierta mínima versus la desarterialización hemorroidal transanal en los síntomas reportados por el paciente.Ensayo controlado aleatorizado abierto.Estudio en sede única.Pacientes con enfermedad hemorroidal sintomática de grado II-IV (clasificación de Goligher).Los pacientes fueron asignados aleatoriamente a hemorroidectomía mínima abierta o desarterialización hemorroidal transanal.El resultado primario fueron los síntomas evaluados por el Score de Síntomas de Enfermedad Hemorroidal un año después de la operación. Los resultados secundarios incluyeron calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, satisfacción del paciente, dolor y recuperación postoperatorios, eventos adversos, recurrencia y costos hospitalarios.Cuarenta y ocho pacientes recibieron hemorroidectomía abierta mínima y cincuenta pacientes recibieron desarterialización hemorroidal transanal. No se encontraron diferencias en la puntuación de los síntomas al año de seguimiento. La puntuación mediana (rango) de síntomas fue 3 (0-17) después de una hemorroidectomía mínima abierta y 5 (0-17) después de la desarterialización hemorroidal transanal (diferencia mediana [IC95%]: -1.0 [-3.0-0.0], p = 0.15). El prolapso hemorroidal residual se informó con mayor frecuencia (p = 0.008) y más pacientes recibieron tratamiento por recurrencia después de la desarterialización hemorroidal transanal (7 frente a 0 pacientes, p = 0.013). La satisfacción del paciente fue mayor después de una hemorroidectomía abierta mínima (p = 0.049). No se encontraron diferencias en el impacto sobre la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, el dolor postoperatorio promedio y máximo, la recuperación o los eventos adversos (p> 0.05). La desarterialización hemorroidal transanal fue más costosa (diferencia mediana [IC95%]: &OV0556; 555 [472-693], p <0.001).Estudio sin cegamiento.No se encontraron diferencias en la puntuación de los síntomas a un año después de la operación. La hemorroidectomía mínima abierta tuvo un mejor efecto sobre el prolapso hemorroidal y una mayor satisfacción del paciente. Más pacientes necesitaron tratamiento para la recurrencia después de la desarterialización hemorroidal transanal. La hemorroidectomía abierta mínima tiene un curso postoperatorio inmediato similar a la desarterialización hemorroidal transanal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B152. (Traducción-Dr. Jorge Silva Velazco).ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02061176.

Management of haemorrhoids: protocol of an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of haemorrhoidal diseases was high in general population, and many treatments are proposed for the management of haemorrhoids. The treatments include conservative and surgical interventions; the credibility and strength of current evidence of their effectiveness are not comprehensively evaluated. We aim to evaluate the credibility of systematic reviews and meta-analyses that assess the effectiveness of the treatments for haemorrhoidal diseases through an umbrella review.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search Ovid Medline, Embase, Cochrane library and Web of Science from inception to March 2020 without any language restriction. We will include meta-analyses that examine the effectiveness of treatments in the management of haemorrhoids. Two reviewers will independently screen the titles and abstracts of retrieved articles, and they will extract data from the included meta-analyses. For each meta-analysis, we will estimate the effect size of a treatment through the random-effect model and the fixed-effect model, and we will evaluate between-study heterogeneity (Cochrane's Q and I2 statistics) and small-study effect (Egger's test); we will also estimate the evidence of excess significance bias. Evidence of each treatment will be graded according to prespecified criteria. Methodological quality of each meta-analysis will be evaluated by using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2. The corrected cover area method will be used to assess the impact of overlap in reviews on the findings of the umbrella review.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

We will present the results of the umbrella review at conferences and publish the final report in a peer-reviewed journal. The umbrella review does not require ethical approval.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019140702.

Consensus statement of the Italian society of colorectal surgery (SICCR): management and treatment of hemorrhoidal disease

Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is the most common proctological disease in the Western countries. However, its real prevalence is underestimated due to the frequent self-medication.The aim of this consensus statement is to provide evidence-based data to allow an individualized and appropriate management and treatment of HD. The strategy used to search for evidence was based on application of electronic sources such as MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Review Library, CINAHL, and EMBASE.These guidelines are inclusive and not prescriptive.The recommendations were defined and graded based on the current levels of evidence and in accordance with the criteria adopted by American College of Chest Physicians. The recommendations were graded A, B, and C.

Hemorrhoid laser procedure with suture-pexy (HeLPexx): a novel effective procedure to treat hemorrhoidal disease

BACKGROUND

The hemorrhoid laser procedure with suture-pexy (HeLPexx), consisting of Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal dearterialization with laser and the addition of anal mucopexy, is a novel non-excisional procedure to treat hemorrhoids. The aim of the present study was to describe the technique and report the clinical and long-term results.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted on patients with grade III hemorrhoids who had HeLPexx from January 2012 to February 2018. Pre- and postoperative assessment included a thorough clinical examination, constipation and incontinence scoring systems and a symptom questionnaire which was administered at all patients before surgery and at each follow-up visit to evaluate bleeding, prolapse, manual reduction, discomfort or pain, and impact on quality of life. Each symptom had a score between 0 and 4, (0 indicates no symptoms and 4 indicates daily symptoms). The sum of the score for each symptom constituted the Hemorrhoid Symptom Score. Resolution of symptoms, pain, morbidity, need for further medical and/or surgical therapy were also recorded.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy consecutive patients with grade III hemorrhoids [74 females; mean age 49.5 years (range 22-79) years] were included. Median length of follow-up was 36 (range 12-72) months. Postoperative morbidity included urinary retention (7 patients, 4.1%), bleeding not requiring transfusion (1 patient, 0.6%) and thrombosis of hemorrhoidal piles (2 patients, 1.2%). The mean postoperative pain VAS score at 1 week postoperatively was 1.8 ± 1.1 (range 0-5) and 12 (7%) patients used pain medications for more than 1 week postoperatively while none of the patients reported any pain by the end of the third week postoperatively. The Hemorrhoid Symptom Score significantly improved from 15.83 ± 3.04 to 1.3 ± 2.4 (p ≤ 0.001) and showed a statistically significant improvement in all items. Recurrent symptoms were reported in 12 patients (7%) who required further treatment. Severe chronic constipation prior to surgery was found to be a predictive factor of failure (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

HeLPexx appears to be safe and effective for treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids. Further studies are needed to confirm our results.

Hemorrhoid Banding: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhoid banding is an established treatment for symptomatic internal hemorrhoids with proven efficacy, low cost, and limited discomfort. Although the costs and quality of life following individual banding treatments have been investigated, little is known about cumulative cost and quality of life from sequential banding therapy or how these cumulative costs compare to surgical therapy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of sequential hemorrhoid banding therapy.

DESIGN

A retrospective review of historic banding treatment patterns was performed. Cost estimates and quality-of-life predictions were applied to observed treatment patterns in a decision-analytic cost-effectiveness model to compare sequential banding therapy with hypothetical surgical intervention.

SETTING

A retrospective billing record review for patients treated in a colorectal specialty clinic between 2012 and 2017 was performed.

PATIENTS

Patients initially treated with banding therapy for symptomatic internal hemorrhoids were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The primary outcomes measured were hemorrhoid banding treatment patterns, cost-effectiveness, and net monetary benefit.

RESULTS

Treatment of 2026 patients undergoing hemorrhoid banding identified 94% resolution with sequential banding and 6% requiring delayed surgical intervention. Average cumulative estimated cost for banding therapy was $723 (range, $382-$4430) per patient with an average quality-of-life deficit of -0.00234 (range, -0.00064 to -0.02638) quality-adjusted life-years. Estimates for hypothetical hemorrhoid artery ligation, stapled hemorrhoidopexy, or surgical hemorrhoidectomy found significantly higher cost (3.15×, 4.39×, and 2.75× more expensive) and a significantly worse quality-of-life deficit (1.55×, 5.64×, and 9.45× worse). For patients with persistent disease, continued sequential banding remained the dominant cost-effective therapy.

LIMITATIONS

This cost-effectiveness model relies on a retrospective review of billing records with estimated cost and quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemorrhoid banding is a valuable treatment modality with favorable cost-effectiveness. The majority of patients selected for banding find resolution without surgery. For patients with persistent disease, further banding procedures remain cost-effective compared with delayed surgical therapy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A982.

BANDA HEMORROIDAL

UN ANÁLISIS DE COSTO-EFECTIVIDAD: La banda para hemorroides es un tratamiento establecido para las hemorroides internas sintomáticas con eficacia comprobada, bajo costo y malestar limitado. Si bien se han investigado los costos y la calidad de vida después de los tratamientos de bandas individuales, se sabe poco sobre el costo acumulativo y la calidad de vida de la terapia de bandas secuencial o cómo estos costos acumulativos se comparan con la terapia quirúrgica.

OBJETIVO

Determinar el costo-efectividad de la terapia secuencial de bandas hemorroidales. DISEÑO:: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de la historia de los patrones de tratamiento con bandas. Las estimaciones de costos y las predicciones de la calidad de vida se aplicaron a los patrones de tratamiento observados en un modelo analítico de costo-efectividad para comparar la terapia de bandas secuencial con la intervención quirúrgica hipotética.

AJUSTE

Revisión retrospectiva de los registros de facturación de los pacientes tratados en una clínica de especialidad colorrectal entre 2012 y 2017.

PACIENTES

Pacientes tratados inicialmente con terapia de bandas para hemorroides internas sintomáticas.

PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO

Patrones de tratamiento con bandas de hemorroides, costo-efectividad y beneficio monetario neto.

RESULTADOS

El tratamiento de 2026 pacientes con bandas identificó una resolución del 94% con bandas secuenciales y el 6% requirió una intervención quirúrgica tardía. El costo promedio acumulado estimado para la terapia de banda fue de $ 723 (Rango: $382-$4430) por paciente con un déficit de calidad de vida promedio de -0.00234 (Rango: -0.00064 a -0.02638) años de vida ajustados por calidad. Las estimaciones para la hipotética ligadura de la arteria hemorroidal, la hemorroidopexia con grapas o la hemorroidectomía quirúrgica encontraron un costo significativamente mayor (3.15×, 4.39×, 2.75× más caro) y un déficit de la calidad de vida significativamente peor (1.55×, 5.64×, 9.45× peor). Para los pacientes con enfermedad persistente, la colocación de bandas secuenciales continuas siguió siendo la terapia rentable dominante.

LIMITACIONES

Este modelo de costo-efectividad se basa en una revisión retrospectiva de los registros de facturación con el costo y la calidad de vida estimados.

CONCLUSIONES

Las bandas de hemorroides son una valiosa modalidad de tratamiento con una favorable relación costo-efectividad. La mayoría de los pacientes seleccionados para terapia con bandas encuentran resolución sin cirugía. Para los pacientes con enfermedad persistente, los procedimientos de colocación de bandas adicionales siguen siendo rentables en comparación con el tratamiento quirúrgico tardío. Vea el Resumen del video en http://links.lww.com/DCR/A982.

Short- and long-term outcomes of laser haemorrhoidoplasty for grade II-III haemorrhoidal disease

AIM

Laser haemorrhoidoplasty is associated with minimal postoperative pain and good symptom improvement in the short-term. However, less is known about its long-term efficacy. This study aims to determine the short- and long-term outcomes of laser haemorrhoidoplasty.

METHOD

Between October 2010 and May 2012, 50 consecutive patients with grade II-III haemorrhoids were treated with laser haemorrhoidoplasty. Short-term follow-up was assessed on days 1, 30 and 60 and long-term follow-up was at 5 years (haemorrhoidal stage reduction, pain, patient satisfaction, symptom improvement, incapacity for work, continence, complications, recurrence).

RESULTS

Short-term follow-up was achieved for all patients and long-term follow-up for 44/50 patients (88%). At short-term follow-up, haemorrhoidal stage reduction was documented in 49 (98%) patients. Complete or good symptom improvement was reported by 36/50 (72%) and 10/50 patients (20%) at 60 days. Postoperative complications occurred in 9/50 patients (18%) with three Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb complications (two fistulas, one incontinence), one grade IIIa (perianal thrombosis) and five grade I (one perianal thrombosis, two perianal eczema, one local bleeding, one anal fissure). Postoperative pain was low (visual analogue scale 0-1) at day 1 in 37/50 (74%), at day 30 in 47/50 (94%) and at day 60 in 50/50 patients (100%). After a mean follow-up of 5.4 years (SD 5.4 months) the recurrence rate was 34% (15/44 patients) with a median time to recurrence of 21 months (range 0.2-6 years).

CONCLUSION

Although laser haemorrhoidoplasty achieves a high short-term success rate with respect to stage reduction and symptom improvement, it is associated with a high rate of minor postoperative complications and long-term recurrence. Therefore, laser haemorrhoidoplasty should be used with caution.

Comparison of surgical procedures implemented in recent years for patients with grade III and IV hemorrhoids: a network meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the complications and recurrence rates of the different surgical procedures implemented in recent years for the treatment of grade III and IV hemorrhoids using a network meta-analysis approach.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published from January 2013 to August 2018, via PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Data related to anal stenosis, fecal incontinence, hemorrhoids thrombosis, and recurrence rates were extracted from the included studies, which were selected based on associations with surgical procedures for grade III and IV hemorrhoids. A network meta-analysis was conducted by using the automated software Aggregate Data Drug Information System (ADDIS) 1.16.8 to evaluate and rank the safety and efficacy of the different surgical methods.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies with 2799 participants involving nine surgical procedures for grade III and IV hemorrhoids were ultimately analyzed. Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) and stapled hemorrhoidectomy (SH) exhibited fewer anal stenosis than open hemorrhoidectomy (OH) and Harmonic scalpel (Harmonic). SH presented the highest fecal incontinence rates. OH and Harmonic presented lower hemorrhoids thrombosis than SH and THD. Importantly, SH and THD exhibited the highest recurrence rates, when compared with the other hemorrhoidectomy surgical procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, THD and SH were found to be associated with more complications and higher recurrence rates. In addition, the use of OH treatments resulted in less hemorrhoids thrombosis rate but higher recurrence rate. The use of Harmonic resulted in higher anal stenosis rate but lower recurrence rate.

Doppler-guided transanal hemorrhoidal dearterilization versus conventional hemorrhoidectomy for treatment of hemorrhoids - early and long-term postoperative results

Background

A variety of effective methods for treatment of hemorrhoids has been proposed. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of studies comparing transanal hemorrhoidal dearterilization (THD) and conventional hemorrhoidectomy (CH), but the focus of most studies has been about the early postoperative results. The data about long-term outcomes is still limited. We aimed to compare Doppler-guided THD and CH with regard to early and long-term postoperative results.

Methods

The conducted prospective research included 287 patients who underwent CH (167 cases) or Doppler-guided THD with mycopexy (120 patients) between November 2010 and December 2015. Information on hemorrhoidal stage, demographic data, presenting symptoms, complications, duration of hospital stay, postoperative pain, patients’ satisfaction and follow-up were obtained. Statistical tests were performed by SPSS 19.0.

Results

There was no significant difference between the studied groups according to gender, mean age, preoperative prolapse, pain and pruritus, hemorrhoidal stage and postoperative complications. Preoperative bleeding was more frequent in THD group (p = 0,002). The mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores in CH and THD groups on days 1, 2 and 7 were 7.01 vs 5.03, 5.07 vs 2.98, 2.39 vs 0,57 (p = 0,000). Practically, there was no difference in VAS on day 30 and patients’ satisfaction at the 18th month. Mean hospital stay was 5,13 (CH) and 3,38 days (THD), p = 0,000. The postoperative follow-up was between 18 and 78 months (mean 46 ± 16 months). During this stage, 5 patients (2,99%) in CH group required surgery for recurrence. In THD group, 3 patients (2,5%), all with 4th-degree hemorrhoids underwent additional procedures (p 0,802).

Conclusions

Doppler-guided THD seems to be an efficient and safe option for treatment of hemorrhoids, related to lower postoperative pain and excellent, similar long-term outcomes compared to CH. For advanced grades of hemorrhoids, Doppler-guided THD could be a valuable alternative, but there is a need for patients’ selection.

Trial registration

(retrospectively registered) researchregistry3090.

Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing HAL-RAR Versus Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy: Postoperative Pain, Clinical Outcomes, and Quality of Life

PURPOSE

To compare outcomes of hemorrhoid artery ligation with recto-anal repair (HAL-RAR) and excisional hemorrhoidectomy (EH). The primary objective was to compare postoperative pain, and the secondary objectives were the following: symptom resolution rates, postoperative morbidity, recurrence, and changes in quality of life.

METHOD

Prospective randomized controlled trial, including 40 patients with grades III-IV hemorrhoids who were allocated 1:1 to HAL-RAR and EH. Follow-up evaluation was performed at 15 days, 30 days, 6 months, 12 months, and then annually. Pain was measured using a Visual Analogic Scale and was self-recorded by patients. Quality of life was measured with Short Form Survey-36 questionnaire.

RESULTS

Postoperative pain was lower in the HAL-RAR group during the first 30 postoperative days. Moreover, from day 7 onward more patients in the HAL-RAR group reported complete absence of pain (Visual Analogic Scale score = 0). Globally, symptom resolution was significantly higher ( P = .03) in the HAL-RAR group at day 15. Bleeding resolution was observed earlier in the HAL-RAR group than in the EH group ( P = .04), but no differences in the resolution of prolapse, itching, and soiling were observed during the 30-day follow-up. After a mean follow-up of 15 months (range 12-27 months), no differences in postoperative morbidity and no recurrences were observed. An improvement was observed in all sections evaluated by the Short Form Survey-36 questionnaire with both techniques.

CONCLUSION

HAL-RAR provokes less postoperative pain during a shorter period than EH and achieves resolution of hemorrhoidal symptoms with less postoperative complaints. No differences in morbidity and recurrence rate were observed after 12 months of follow-up.

Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal dearterialization with laser (HeLP): a prospective analysis of data from a multicenter trial

BACKGROUND

Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal laser procedure (HeLP) is a new minimally invasive technique to treat symptomatic hemorrhoids. The aim of this multicenter study was to prospectively assess clinical results and patients' satisfaction in patients treated with HeLP.

METHODS

Indications for HeLP included patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids resistant to medical therapy, with low-grade prolapse. Clinical efficacy was evaluated assessing resolution of symptoms and patient satisfaction. Frequency of bleeding and frequency of acute hemorrhoid-related symptoms were given a score of 0 to 4 (where 4 = more than 3 episodes/week) and 0 to 3 (where 3 = more than 5 episodes/year), respectively. Quality of life, pain at rest, and pain with evacuation were scored using a visual analogue scale (VAS) of 0 to 10. Intra- and postoperative complications were recorded. Potential predictive factors for failure were assessed.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eighty-four patients (183 males, 101 females) with a mean age of 47.5 years were included in the study. At 6-month follow-up, symptoms had completely resolved in 257/284 (90.5%) and 275/284 (96.8%) patients were satisfied with the results. An analysis of a subgroup of 144 patients followed up for a minimum of 12 months revealed a resolution of symptoms in 130/144 (90.3%) and satisfaction in 139/144 (96.5%). There was a statistically significant improvement of the bleeding score (from 2.4 ± 1.07 to 0.36 ± 0.49; p < 0.0001), acute symptoms score (from 2.03 ± 0.16 to 0.61 ± 0.59; p < 0.0001), quality of life (from 4.63 ± 1.32 to 8.96 ± 1.35; p < 0.0001), pain at rest (from 3.0 ± 2.05 to 1.1 ± 0.99; p < 0.0006), and pain with evacuation (from 4.8 ± 1.22 to 1.7 ± 1.15; p < 0.0001). No significant changes in continence and constipation were observed. Univariate analysis failed to show factors significantly associated with failure.

CONCLUSIONS

The HeLP procedure seems to be safe and effective in patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids. It is simple, minimally invasive, and relatively pain free. It can be performed in an ambulatory setting without anesthesia, and it achieves high patient satisfaction. It may, therefore, be considered a "first-line treatment" in all patients without significant hemorrhoidal prolapse in whom medical therapy has failed.

Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization Versus Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: Long-Term Follow-up of a Prospective Randomized Study

Aim. This study aims to compare the early and late outcomes of transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) versus stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease. Methods. From January 2013 to December 2014, 100 patients—50 patients on each arm—were randomly allocated to THD or SH groups. The inclusion criteria were grade III and IV hemorrhoids diagnosed by clinical examination and proctoscopy. The primary outcome was to compare the recurrence rate with a minimum follow-up of 2 years, and the secondary outcome was to compare complications rate, time to return to work postsurgery, procedure length, and patient’s satisfaction between the 2 techniques. Results. The mean follow-up period was 33.7 ± 7.6. The recurrence rate was 4% in the SH group and 16% in the THD group ( P = .04). There was no difference in the intraoperative and postoperative complications rate; the pain score was significantly higher in the THD group. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the SH group compared with the THD group. Patients in the THD group returned to work or routine activities significantly later compared with patients in the SH group. The overall satisfaction rate was also higher in the SH group. Conclusion. Both procedures are simple and easy to perform for the treatment of grade III and IV hemorrhoids. SH showed better results in terms of lower rate of recurrence, lower postoperative pain, quicker return to work, and higher patient satisfaction.

The HubBLe Trial: haemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) versus rubber band ligation (RBL) for symptomatic second- and third-degree haemorrhoids: a multicentre randomised controlled trial and health-economic evaluation

BACKGROUND

Optimal surgical intervention for low-grade haemorrhoids is unknown. Rubber band ligation (RBL) is probably the most common intervention. Haemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) is a novel alternative that may be more efficacious.

OBJECTIVE

The comparison of HAL with RBL for the treatment of grade II/III haemorrhoids.

DESIGN

A multicentre, parallel-group randomised controlled trial.

PERSPECTIVE

UK NHS and Personal Social Services.

SETTING

17 NHS Trusts.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged ≥ 18 years presenting with grade II/III (second- and third-degree) haemorrhoids, including those who have undergone previous RBL.

INTERVENTIONS

HAL with Doppler probe compared with RBL.

OUTCOMES

Primary outcome - recurrence at 1 year post procedure; secondary outcomes - recurrence at 6 weeks; haemorrhoid severity score; European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, 5-level version (EQ-5D-5L); Vaizey incontinence score; pain assessment; complications; and cost-effectiveness.

RESULTS

A total of 370 participants entered the trial. At 1 year post procedure, 30% of the HAL group had evidence of recurrence compared with 49% after RBL [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42 to 3.51; p = 0.0005]. The main reason for the difference was the number of extra procedures required to achieve improvement/cure. If a single HAL is compared with multiple RBLs then only 37.5% recurred in the RBL arm (adjusted OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.15; p = 0.20). Persistence of significant symptoms at 6 weeks was lower in both arms than at 1 year (9% HAL and 29% RBL), suggesting significant deterioration in both groups over the year. Symptom score, EQ-5D-5L and Vaizey score improved in both groups compared with baseline, but there was no difference between interventions. Pain was less severe and of shorter duration in the RBL group; most of the HAL group who had pain had mild to moderate pain, resolving by 3 weeks. Complications were low frequency and not significantly different between groups. It appeared that HAL was not cost-effective compared with RBL. In the base-case analysis, the difference in mean total costs was £1027 higher for HAL. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were higher for HAL; however, the difference was very small (0.01) resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £104,427 per additional QALY.

CONCLUSIONS

At 1 year, although HAL resulted in fewer recurrences, recurrence was similar to repeat RBL. Symptom scores, complications, EQ-5D-5L and continence score were no different, and patients had more pain in the early postoperative period after HAL. HAL is more expensive and unlikely to be cost-effective in terms of incremental cost per QALY.

LIMITATIONS

Blinding of participants and site staff was not possible.

FUTURE WORK

The incidence of recurrence may continue to increase with time. Further follow-up would add to the evidence regarding long-term clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. The polysymptomatic nature of haemorrhoidal disease requires a validated scoring system, and the data from this trial will allow further assessment of validity of such a system. These data add to the literature regarding treatment of grade II/III haemorrhoids. The results dovetail with results from the eTHoS study [Watson AJM, Hudson J, Wood J, Kilonzo M, Brown SR, McDonald A, et al. Comparison of stapled haemorrhoidopexy with traditional excisional surgery for haemorrhoidal disease (eTHoS): a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2016, in press.] comparing stapled haemorrhoidectomy with excisional haemorrhoidectomy. Combined results will allow expansion of analysis, allowing surgeons to tailor their treatment options to individual patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN41394716.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 20, No. 88. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

A national evaluation of the management practices of hemorrhoidal disease in the Netherlands

PURPOSE

In this study, we describe current practices in the management of hemorrhoidal disease in the Netherlands.

METHODS

A validated online survey was performed among Dutch surgeons and residents treating hemorrhoidal disease. Contact details were retrieved from the Dutch Association for Surgery resulting in 619 contacts. Only doctors who were treating hemorrhoidal disease regularly were asked to complete the questionnaire. The following items were assessed: initial treatment, recurrence, complications, and follow-up.

RESULTS

In total, 133 respondents completed the survey. Ninety percent of the respondents started with rubber band ligation (RBL) as the first treatment in low-grade hemorrhoidal disease. In case of recurrence, 64% of the respondents repeated RBL three times before switching to a more invasive treatment modality. In grade III hemorrhoidal disease, the respondents preferred more invasive techniques: a sutured hemorrhoidopexy was performed in 24%, Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation (DG-HAL) in 9%, stapled hemorrhoidopexy in 19%, and the traditional hemorrhoidectomy in 31% of the patients, respectively. The majority of the respondents (39%) reported a mild complication in 5-10% of the patients. The most reported complication was pain. Nearly all the respondents (98%) reported a major complication in less than 5% of the patients. The majority of the patients (57%) were seen in outpatient clinics 6 weeks post-treatment.

CONCLUSION

This Dutch survey showed areas of common practice for primary treatment of hemorrhoidal disease. However, it also demonstrated varying practices regarding recurrent hemorrhoidal disease. Practical guidelines are required to support colorectal surgeons in the Netherlands.

Evaluation of the effectiveness and patients' contentment with transanal haemorrhoidal artery dearterialisation and mucopexy (THD) for treatment of haemorrhoidal disease: a 6-year study

INTRODUCTION

With high incidence of haemorrhoidal disease and significant complication rates of traditional haemorrhoidectomy procedures, transanal haemorrhoidal artery ligation and mucopexy (THD) emerges as a minimally invasive procedure with superior results. However, it is crucial that effectiveness of results and patient satisfaction be gauged based on post-operative experience, symptomology and recurrence.

AIM

Our aim is to provide a long-term analysis of efficacy and patient's satisfaction for the procedure, for the largest patient population, in correlation to presenting symptoms and degree of haemorrhoids.

METHOD

A prospective study was conducted for all the patients (324) that underwent THD between 2011 and 2016 in Naas General Hospital. The assessment was done for postoperative complications, symptoms pre- and postoperatively and patients' satisfaction rating. Clinical follow-up was done after 6 weeks and long-term follow-up by standardized questionnaire filled by telephonic clinic.

RESULTS

Of the 324 patients who underwent surgery, 256 (79.0%) participated in the study. There were 119 (46.5%) males and 137 (53.5%) females. The average age of patients was 48.40 years (17-82). Two hundred and fifteen (84.0%) patients had no recurrence. Forty-one (16.0%) had recurrence requiring further treatment. There was statistically significant higher recurrence in patients with grade 3 and 4 haemorrhoids and per-rectal bleeding (p < 0.05) while there was no statistically significant recurrence for age, gender, sedentary lifestyle and constipation/pruritus. Two hundred and twenty-four (87.5%) patients were completely satisfied from the procedure and highly recommend the procedure.

CONCLUSION

THD is a comparably pain-free procedure with improved results that prides in higher long-term satisfaction, minimal recurrence and fewer complications, in comparison to other surgical modalities.

THD and mucopexy: Efficacy and controversy

AIMS

Transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation and mucopexy has evolved in recent years as a popular minimally invasive non-excisional surgery for symptomatic prolapsing haemorrhoids. The long-term outcome of this procedure however, remains to be established. We aim to analyse the long-term outcome of THD-mucopexy in the management of prolapsing haemorrhoids based on the evidence of a prospective data from a single institution.

METHODS

A prospective data was collected on 100 consecutive cases of grade 3 and 4 symptomatic haemorrhoids between the period 03/2010 and 06/2015 who underwent the procedure as a day case under general anaesthetic. Overall median follow up was for two years with average age of 54.4 ranges from 34 to 79 and gender ratio of 61% Male and 39% Female. Pre-and postoperative symptoms were assessed with a view to evaluate the nature of complications and long-term recurrence rate.

RESULTS

[Table: see text].

CONCLUSION

THD mucopexy is a safe and effective minimally invasive modality for prolapsing symptomatic haemorrhoids with acceptable complication rates and a recurrence rate of 13% majority of which could be dealt with a repeat procedure. Long terms follow up and randomised (THD VS Haemorrhoidectomy) multicentre trials are warranted to compare its efficacy with that of conventional excisional surgery.

Cost-Effectiveness of Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation versus Rubber Band Ligation for the Treatment of Grade II-III Haemorrhoids: Analysis Using Evidence from the HubBLe Trial

AIM

Haemorrhoids are a common condition, with nearly 30,000 procedures carried out in England in 2014/15, and result in a significant quality-of-life burden to patients and a financial burden to the healthcare system. This study examined the cost effectiveness of haemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) compared with rubber band ligation (RBL) in the treatment of grade II-III haemorrhoids.

METHOD

This analyses used data from the HubBLe study, a multicentre, open-label, parallel group, randomised controlled trial conducted in 17 acute UK hospitals between September 2012 and August 2015. A full economic evaluation, including long-term cost effectiveness, was conducted from the UK National Health Service (NHS) perspective. Main outcomes included healthcare costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and recurrence. Cost-effectiveness results were presented in terms of incremental cost per QALY gained and cost per recurrence avoided. Extrapolation analysis for 3 years beyond the trial follow-up, two subgroup analyses (by grade of haemorrhoids and recurrence following RBL at baseline), and various sensitivity analyses were undertaken.

RESULTS

In the primary base-case within-trial analysis, the incremental total mean cost per patient for HAL compared with RBL was £1027 (95% confidence interval [CI] £782-£1272, p < 0.001). The incremental QALYs were 0.01 QALYs (95% CI -0.02 to 0.04, p = 0.49). This generated an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £104,427 per QALY. In the extrapolation analysis, the estimated probabilistic ICER was £21,798 per QALY. Results from all subgroup and sensitivity analyses did not materially change the base-case result.

CONCLUSIONS

Under all assessed scenarios, the HAL procedure was not cost effective compared with RBL for the treatment of grade II-III haemorrhoids at a cost-effectiveness threshold of £20,000 per QALY; therefore, economically, its use in the NHS should be questioned.

Haemorrhoids: an update on management

Haemorrhoids are common, affecting up to one quarter of all adults according to some estimates. Numerous interventions exist for their management, ranging from topical and medical therapies to outpatient treatments and surgical interventions that aim to fix or excise. Given the polysymptomatic nature of the disease, it is difficult to effectively judge which treatment option is best. Recently introduced novel haemorrhoid management techniques, such as stapled haemorrhoidopexy, Ligasure™ excision and haemorrhoidal artery ligation, aim to reduce harm whilst maintaining or improving on outcome. These new techniques are universally more expensive, and available good quality data suggest the additional cost does not necessarily equate to universally better outcomes compared with traditional older interventions, such as rubber band ligation and excisional haemorrhoidectomy. Whatever the intervention selected for treatment, it is clear that this should be tailored to the individual based on patient choice, convenience and degree of haemorrhoids.

Comparison of two procedures for symptomatic hemorrhoidal disease: Ligation under Vision and Ferguson Hemorrhoidectomy - a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To compare Ligation under Vision (LUV) with Ferguson Hemorrhoidectomy (FH) in patients with Grade II, III and IV hemorrhoidal diseases according to their postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

Between July 2008 and August 2014, 155 patients underwent FH and 120 patients LUV, in Sakarya University Teaching and Research Hospital. Our retrospective analysis focuses on postoperative complications, postoperative pain and rate of recurrence. In LUV procedure, submucosal tissue of the hemorrhoidal pile base was transfixed using absorbable sutures under direct vision through anoscope in the Jackknife position.

RESULTS

In a mean postoperative follow-up period of 51.76+/-22.3 months; ectropion, anal fissure, and anal incontinence were the most frequent complications. The overall complication rate was significantly less after LUV than FH, (6.7% vs. 14.2%, P=0.047). The complication rate and need for a second or third surgery did not significantly differ between the two procedures with the increase in affected quadrants (P>0.05). The visual analog scale (VAS) at 24 hours was similar in both groups (P=0.267).

CONCLUSIONS

LUV is a safe, and practical procedure with similar outcomes compared to FH. LUV may be a better choice than excisional hemorrhoidectomies when three or four quadrants of the anal canal are involved with hemorrhoids as this reduces mucosal defect related possible complications such as ectropion and anal stenosis.

Executive Summary - The Association of Colon & Rectal Surgeons of India (ACRSI) Practice Guidelines for the Management of Haemorrhoids-2016

This paper outlines the recommendations from the Association of Colon & Rectal Surgeons of India (ACRSI) practice guidelines for the management of haemorrhoids-2016. It includes diagnosis and management of haemorrhoids including dietary, non-surgical, and surgical techniques. These guidelines are intended for the use of general practitioners, general surgeons, colorectal surgeons, and gastrointestinal surgeons in India.

[Not Available]

Zusammenfassung. Der auf Höhe der Linea dentata gelegene Corpus cavernosum recti spielt eine tragende Rolle bei der Regulierung der Feinkontinenz. Kommt es zu einer pathologischen Vergrösserung des Corpus cavernosum verbunden mit Symptomen, spricht man von einem Hämorrhoidalleiden. Das Hämorrhoidalleiden ist eine Volkskrankheit mit einer Inzidenz von ca. 40 %, wobei die Rate an Selbsttherapien hoch ist. Im klinischen Alltag fällt der stadienadaptierten Therapie eine wichtige Rolle zu: Hämorrhoiden Grad I sind die Domäne der konservativen Therapie, Hämorrhoiden Grad II können in Abhängigkeit der Schwere der Symptome konservativ oder operativ angegangen werden. Hämorrhoiden Grad III und Grad IV sollten einer Operation zugeführt werden.

A Case Report of Acute Diverticulitis in "Pseudodiverticulosis" after Hemorpex System® Procedure

Introduction. In the last years many mini-invasive approaches were developed in order to reduce postoperative pain and complication after haemorrhoid surgery: one of these alternatives is represented by Hemorpex System, a relatively young technique that combines transanal dearterialization with mucopexy through a dedicated proctoscope. Case Presentation. A 78-year-old male patient was admitted to the Emergency Department for acute urinary retention and elevated temperature. Hemorpex procedure was performed 4 years before. Clinical, endoscopic, and radiological findings demonstrated the presence of multiple diverticula-like structures fulfilled by purulent fluid and a deep alteration of the normal anatomy of the rectum. He was treated following the standard protocol of acute diverticulitis and full recovery from symptoms was achieved. Discussion. Hemorpex System is a young technique, and nowadays-available studies lack long-term follow-up data. Anatomical changes induced by the procedure are consistent and definitive. Our patient luckily demonstrated a prompt response to conservative treatment, but it must be taken into account that, in case of medical treatment failure, surgical approach would be necessary and the actual patient anatomical changes could lead the surgeon to unavoidable threatening maneuvers.

Transanal hemorrhoid dearterialization is a safe and effective outpatient procedure for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease

INTRODUCTION

This prospective, observational study evaluated transanal dearterialization (THD) efficacy and safety in grade 2-4 hemorrhoids (HD).

METHODS

THD was performed under sedation-locoregional anesthesia in 402 outpatients. Patients had follow-up evaluation 3 days, 2 weeks, 1, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Postoperative complications and recurrence of symptoms at 12 months were analyzed. The relationship between the learning curve and the number of postoperative complications was studied.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 46.4 (range 20-85) years. A total of 268 patients (66.6%) were male. Sixteen patients (4.0%) had grade 2 HD, 210 (52.2%) had grade 3 and 176 (43.8%) had grade 4 HD. Surgery lasted 23 (17-34) min. A total of 67 patients had complications: bleeding in 10 patients (2.5%), hemorrhoidal thromboses in 10 (2.5%), perianal fistulas in 5 (1.2%), fissures in 14 (3.5%), urinary retention in 3 (0.8%), residual prolapse in 19 (4.7%), severe anal pain in 3 (0.8%), and perianal abscess in 3 patients (0.8%). Recurrent HD occurred in 6.3% (1/16) of grade 2 HD patients, 5.8% (12/210) of grade 3 patients and 9.7% (17/176) of grade 4 patients. Twelve months after THD, bleeding was controlled in 363 patients (90.5%), prolapse was controlled in 391 (97.3%) and pain markedly improved in 390 patients (97%).

CONCLUSION

THD appears safe and effective for grade 2-4 HD, and the number of complications decreased with increasing surgeon experience. THD advantages include mild pain, fast recovery, early return to daily activities and low incidence of complications.