Surgical technique is the main predictor of recurrence in the management of haemorrhoids

Causal association between adiposity and hemorrhoids: a Mendelian randomization study

Background

Hemorrhoids are a very common anorectal disorder affecting a large number of individuals throughout the world. This study aimed to evaluate the causal effects of four adiposity traits including body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio on hemorrhoids by Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

We used summary statistics of BMI (N = 461,460), body fat percentage (N = 454,633), waist circumference (N = 462,166), waist-to-hip ratio (N = 212,244), and hemorrhoids (N = 337,199) from large-scale genome wide association studies of European ancestry. Univariable and multivariable MR were carried out to infer causality. The MR Steiger directionality test was used to test the causal direction.

Results

The primary MR analysis using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method showed that there were positive effects of genetically determined BMI [odds ratio (OR) = 1.005, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.003-1.008, per standard deviation (SD), p = 7.801 × 10-5], body fat percentage (OR = 1.005, 95% CI: 1.001-1.008, per SD, p = 0.008), waist circumference (OR = 1.008, 95% CI: 1.005-1.011, per SD, p = 1.051 × 10-6), and waist-to-hip ratio (OR = 1.010, 95% CI: 1.003-1.017, per SD, p = 0.003) on hemorrhoids. These findings were robust in multivariable MR adjusting for physical activity. The Steiger directionality test showed evidence against reverse causation.

Conclusion

Our MR study supports a causal role of adiposity in the development of hemorrhoids. Adiposity prevention may be an important strategy for reducing hemorrhoids risk.

Establishment and validation of clinical prediction model for hemorrhoid recurrence after procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids

This study aimed to establish a clinical model to predict the risk of hemorrhoid recurrence after procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids. The clinical data of patients who underwent stapler hemorrhoidal mucosal circumcision in Shanxi Bethune Hospital from April 2014 to June 2017 were collected retrospectively and followed up regularly after the operation. Finally, 415 patients were included, which were divided into training group (n = 290) and verification group (n = 125). Logistic regression method was used to select meaningful predictors. The prediction model was constructed with nomographs, and the model was evaluated with correction curve, receiver operating characteristic curve and C index. The decision analysis curve was used to determine the clinical utility of the nomogram. Birth history, muscle attachment, postoperative anal urgency, anal resting pressure, postoperative nutritional index, body mass index, Wexner score, and hemorrhoid grading were included in the nomogram. The area under the curve of the prediction model was 0.813 and 0.679, respectively, in the training and verification groups, and 0.839 and 0.746, respectively, for the 5-year recurrence rate. The C index (0.737) and clinical decision curve showed that the model had high clinical practical value. The prediction model of hemorrhoid recurrence risk after hemorrhoidectomy based on multiple clinical indicators can be used for individualized prediction of hemorrhoid recurrence in patients after hemorrhoidectomy, and early intervention measures can be given to individuals with a high recurrence risk to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Picking Up the Threads: Long-Term Outcomes of the Sutured Haemorrhoidopexy: A Retrospective Single-Centre Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the short- and long-term safety and efficacy of the sutured haemorrhoidopexy (SH) in patients with haemorrhoidal disease (HD).

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed, assessing the following treatment characteristics: number of sutures needed; operation time; perioperative complications; postoperative pain; hospital stay. The short- and long-term postoperative complications, HD recurrence and data on current HD symptoms were assessed according to the Core Outcome Set for HD.

RESULTS

Between January 2009 and December 2021, 149 patients with HD underwent a SH. One-hundred and forty-five patients were included, with a mean age of 61 years (±12.8), of which 70 were women (48.3%). Patients were predominantly diagnosed with grade III (37.2%) HD and the median follow-up was nine years (5-11). Perioperative complications occurred in four cases (2.8%). In two patients (1.4%), short-term postoperative complications were reported, and in seven patients (6.2%), long-term complications were reported. The cumulative efficacy in terms of freedom of recurrence was 88.3% (95% CI, 83.1-93.5) at six months, 80.0% (95% CI, 73.5-86.5) at one year, and 67.7% (95% CI, 59.7-75.7) at five years.

CONCLUSIONS

Sutured haemorrhoidopexy is a safe treatment for patients with HD and can be proposed as a minimally invasive surgical treatment if basic and outpatient procedures fail.

The Clinical Effect and Mechanism of Prostant on Urinary Retention and Anal Pain

Anal pain and urinary retention are the two most outstanding complications of the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) surgery. This study intended to assess the clinical effect and mechanism of Prostant on urinary retention and anal pain after the PPH. Here, 30 patients received PPH surgery. The role and mechanism of Prostant in patients and mice with urinary retention and anal pain were evaluated. ANOVA tests were executed and differences between groups were regarded as statistically significant when p < 0.05. Prostant effectively improved the urination status, lower abdomen symptoms, time to urinate and score of VAS, and the reduction of TNF-α and IL-6. Similarly, Prostant can ameliorate the outcome of urodynamics in urinary retention mice. Mechanically, Prostant reversed the urinary retention-elevated the serum level of hs-CRP and TNF-α, reduction of IL-2, imbalance of Treg/Th17, and level of JAK2 and phosphorylated STAT3. Besides, Prostant ameliorated the pain as shown by the reduction of writhing response, and the elevation of threshold of pain and degree of swelling. Moreover, Prostant antagonized the pain-induced dysregulation of Treg/Th17. Therefore, Prostant can treat patients and mice with anal pain and urinary retention by modulating the balance of Th17/Treg to regulate the secretion and production of inflammatory factors. We hope our results can establish a scientific treatment approach for solving anal pain and urinary retention after PPH surgery of mixed hemorrhoids.