[Hemorrhoidal surgery: new trends for day-case surgery]

The Role of Pudendal Nerve Block in Colorectal Surgery: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Colorectal surgery is associated with significant pain often requiring opioid and non-opioid analgesics. Pudendal nerve blocks (PNBs) can be administered with the aim to reduce pain and improve patient satisfaction. However, there are no current accepted guidelines for the use of PNB in colorectal surgery.

METHOD

We evaluated the available literature on the role of PNB in colorectal surgery to determine which technique and anesthetic agent may provide optimal pain relief and safety. Studies from January 1970 to December 2019 assessing PNB in colorectal surgery were retrieved from MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Indication for PNB, technique, anesthetic agent, postoperative pain outcomes, patient satisfaction and complications were extracted.

RESULTS

We initially identified 339 studies of which 17 (nine randomized controlled trials, three cohort studies, one case-control study and four reviews) specifically met the inclusion criteria. The most common indication found for PNB is hemorrhoidectomy using either bupivacaine or lidocaine. The anatomical landmark and neurostimulation are the most favorable techniques being applied. The majority of studies reported better pain scores, less analgesia requirement and higher patient satisfaction when performing a bilateral PNB, with no major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence, though limited, supports the use of bilateral PNBs in colorectal surgical procedures in particular hemorrhoidectomies. PNBs can be safe and effective in improving patient outcomes particularly when using bupivacaine or lidocaine with either the anatomical landmark or neurostimulation technique.

Surgical treatment of haemorrhoidal disease - the current situation in Poland

Introduction

In cases of haemorrhoidal disease resistant to conservative treatment, surgical treatment is necessary to relieve the symptoms.

Aim

To investigate the current methods used by Polish surgeons.

Material and methods

Surveys were distributed to members of the Association of Polish Surgeons (APS), in which participants were asked a number of closed-ended questions regarding haemorrhoidal disease and the way they treated suffering patients

Results

Out of the 1523 members of APS who received questionnaires, responses were received from 807 (52.9%) members. The Milligan-Morgan technique was indicated by 72.5% of surgeons as a leading surgical treatment, followed by Ligasure (15.5%), Ferguson (3.5%), DGHL (3.5%), other methods (3.5%), Parks (1.7%), and Longo (0%). The majority of participants (93%) indicated from 0 to 1 life threatening complications, 5% – from 2 to 3, and 2% > 4. A total of 83% of participants use a single dose of antibiotics prior to surgery.

Conclusions

The Milligan-Morgan technique is the preferred method. The majority of procedures are performed in regional hospitals and university departments, and less commonly in private practices. The vast majority of surgeons in Poland are not convinced about the stapler technique, justifying this fact with the possibility of developing serious complications