Development and validation of a symptom-based severity score for haemorrhoidal disease: the Sodergren score

Development and validation of the HDSIM™ assessment system: a measure of hemorrhoid disease symptom impact

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhoid disease (HD) affects 10 million people in the US at any given time, and 50% of the US population will develop symptomatic hemorrhoids during their lifetime. Approximately 60% of people with hemorrhoids experience symptoms. Despite its prevalence and impact on quality of life, the existing patient-reported outcome measures of HD have not been validated using standard psychometric methods. The present study thus aimed to develop the Hemorrhoid Disease Symptom Impact Measure™ (HDSIM™) assessment system, a patient-reported measure of HD symptoms and impact for use in HD clinical research.

METHODS

On the basis of results from qualitative cognitive interviews, we generated the conceptual model and item pool. A cross-sectional web-based survey (n = 1066) was done, including a randomly selected retest subsample (n = 100) 1-2 weeks later. The survey sample was selected to be evenly distributed across mild, moderate, and severe levels of disease and to be nationally representative of the general United States population in terms of race, gender, and region. Existing disease-specific measures of symptoms and generic measures of quality of life and well-being were compared to the new tool for construct validation.

RESULTS

The HDSIM system includes 38 items representing six conceptual-model-driven subscales, aligning with the conceptual model: Symptoms at Worst, Symptoms at Best, Bowel Health Impact, Life Impact, Mental Health Impact, and Manageability. Psychometric analyses documented that the subscales had excellent internal consistency reliability, cross-sectional construct validity (i.e., convergent and divergent validity, known groups validity), test-retest stability, and longitudinal construct validity (i.e., responsiveness).

CONCLUSION

The HDSIM system is fit for purpose in hemorrhoid disease clinical trials research. Since measures are validated in an iterative manner over many studies and over time, the present study results should be considered preliminary.

Transanal open haemorrhoidopexy: a well-tolerated, minimally invasive surgical method for haemorrhoids grade II to IV

BACKGROUND

To determine 1-year postoperative recurrence rates, postoperative pain and complication rates of transanal open haemorrhoidopexy applied also in grade IV haemorrhoids.

METHODS

Single-centre retrospective observational study without control group. The primary outcome was recurrence rate after 1 year postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were length of postoperative pain, use of opiates and postoperative complications. The recurrence rate was assessed with the Sodergren haemorrhoid symptom severity score questionnaire. For information on the early postoperative period, a retrospective chart review based on the routine 3-month clinical follow-up was done.

RESULTS

135 consecutive patients with haemorrhoids Goligher grades II-IV were operated with transanal open haemorrhoidopexy. 88 patients (65%) consented to participate in the study when approached later via mail. 23% of patients had haemorrhoids Goligher grade IV. 15 patients (17%) needed a second transanal open haemorrhoidopexy for residual haemorrhoidal prolapse. The recurrence rate of prolapsing haemorrhoids was 15% (13 patients) 1 year postoperatively. 21% of patients reported no postoperative pain, 54% described pain for a duration of up to 1 week and 22% for up to 2 weeks. Two patients reported a longer duration of pain of 3 and 4 weeks, respectively. No complications grade Clavien-Dindo III or higher were detected.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study indicate that transanal open haemorrhoidopexy has a recurrence rate comparable to traditional haemorrhoidectomy including grade IV haemorrhoids and is associated with less pain and tissue damage. A randomized controlled trial may provide further support for the routine application of this method, but may pose challenges.

The efficacy of topical sodium pentaborate formulation on hemorrhoid disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background

The topical application of boron has been significantly associated with intensifying wound healing. Using 3% boric acid in deep wounds significantly contributes to wound healing and reduces the duration of hospitalization in the intensive care. The objective of this study was to assess the therapeutic impact of a topical gel containing sodium pentaborate pentahydrate on the management of wounds resulting from grade 1 to 3 hemorrhoids.

Methods

In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, we applied a topical gel consisting of sodium pentaborate pentahydrate 3% on 206 eligible patients with the diagnosis of grade 1, 2, and 3 hemorrhoid diseases. Then patients were randomly allocated to two groups of sodium pentaborate pentahydrate or placebo gel with a ratio of 1:1 and received the allocated gel for four weeks. Patient hemorrhoid symptoms severity, hemorrhoid degree, and anoscopy findings were compared before and after the trial.

Results

Before the intervention, symptom severity (p > 0.05) and anoscopy findings (p = 0.815) were similar between the two groups. Subsequent to the intervention, a majority of patients in the intervention group experienced a reduction in anal itching compared to the placebo group [adjusted mean difference (aMD) 95% CI: -1.98 (-2.2 to -1.8), p = 0.007]. Moreover, resting pain [aMD (95% CI): -1.37 (-1.6 to -1.1), p = 0.015], pain during defecation [aMD (95% CI): -2.19 (-2.4 to -2.0), p = 0.005], feeling a lump in the anus (aMD (95% CI): -0.71 (-1.2 to -0.2), p = 0.011), bleeding during defecation (41.7% vs. 66.9%, p = 0.027), and hemorrhoid degree (p < 0.001) in the intervention group was less than the placebo group.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate the effectiveness of the study gel on hemorrhoid symptoms and anoscopy findings in patients.

Time to change? Present and prospects of hemorrhoidal classification

As a common benign anal condition, the high incidence and recurrence of hemorrhoids pose challenges for both patients and doctors. The classification of hemorrhoids plays a crucial role in assessing, diagnosing, and treating the condition. By using appropriate classification and corresponding treatment strategies, we can achieve higher cure rates and lower recurrence rates of hemorrhoids. Since the introduction of the Miles classification in 1919, various classifications have been developed, which include objective classifications based on anatomical or instrumental assessment and subjective classifications based on symptoms and patient sensations. These classifications aim to accurately evaluate the condition. In this study, we discuss the evaluation values of each classification in terms of their advantages, disadvantages, treatment relevance, reproducibility, practicality, and assessment value. We also analyze the significant and essential factors, principles of use, and components of assessment indicators of hemorrhoidal classification. This study proposes several strategies to address the limitations of current hemorrhoidal assessment methods. All these will provide a reference for the development regarding the assessment and classification of hemorrhoids and clinical diagnosis and management of hemorrhoids.

English translation and cross-cultural validation of the patient-reported outcome measurement-haemorrhoidal impact and satisfaction score (PROM-HISS)

AIM

The aim of this study was to translate the Dutch patient-reported outcome measure-haemorrhoidal impact and satisfaction score (PROM-HISS) to English and perform a cross-cultural validation.

METHOD

The ISPOR good practice guidelines for the cross-cultural validation of PROMs were followed and included two steps: (1) Two forward and two backward translations. The forward translation concerned the translation from the source language (Dutch) to the target language (English), performed by two independent English speakers, one medical doctor and one nonmedical. Subsequently, a discussion about discrepancies in the reconciled version was performed by a stakeholder group. (2) Cognitive interviews were held with patients with haemorrhoidal disease (HD), probing the comprehensibility and comprehensiveness of the PROM-HISS.

RESULTS

Discrepancies in the reconciled forward translation concerned the terminology of HD symptoms. Furthermore, special attention was paid to the response options, ranging from "not at all", indicating minor symptoms, to "a lot", implying many symptoms. Consensus among the stakeholder group about the final version of the translated PROM-HISS was reached. Interviews were conducted with 10 native English-speaking HD patients (30% female), with a mean age of 44 years (24-83) and primarily diagnosed with grade II HD (80%). The mean time to complete the PROM-HISS was 1 min 43 s. Patients showed a good understanding of the questions and response options, found all items relevant and did not miss important symptoms or topics.

CONCLUSION

The translated English language PROM-HISS is a valid tool to assess symptoms of HD, its impact on daily activities and patient satisfaction with HD treatment.

Quality of life and outcomes after rubber band ligation for haemorrhoidal disease

PURPOSE

The main objective of this study was to assess the impact on quality of life after rubber band ligation (RBL) in patients with symptomatic grade II-III haemorrhoids who did not improve after 6 months of conservative treatment, using quality of life scores.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort observational study where patients with haemorrhoidal disease and indication for RBL were included between December 2019 and December 2020. RBL was offered as first-line treatment in this group. Patient´s quality of life was assessed by scores: HDSS (Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score) and SHS (Short Health Scale).Secondary objectives were: to evaluate the rate of patients requiring one or more RBL procedures, to establish the overall success rate of RBL and to analyse complications.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients were finally included. Regarding the impact on quality of life after RBL, a significant reduction was found in the HDSS and SHS scores (p < 0.001). The main improvement was found in the first month and it was maintained until the sixth month. A high degree of satisfaction with the procedure was reported by 76% of patients. The overall success rate of banding was 89%. A 12% complication rate was detected, the most frequent complication was severe anal pain (58.3%) and self-limiting bleeding (41.7%).

CONCLUSION

Rubber band ligation, as a treatment for symptomatic grade II-III haemorrhoids that do not respond to medical treatment, leads to a significant improvement in patients' symptoms and quality of life. It also has a high degree of satisfaction between patients.

Evaluation of the Farsi-translated Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score and Short Health Scale questionnaires in patients with hemorrhoid disease: A cross-sectional study

Background and Aims

The Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score (HDSS) is a tool that is scored based on five main symptoms: pain, bleeding, itching, soiling, and prolapse. Furthermore, the Short Health Scale (SHS) is a measurement tool of subjective health and health-related quality of life. This study was performed to validate the Farsi-translated Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score (HDSS), and Scale Short Health Scale adapted for hemorrhoidal disease (SHS-HD) as a measure of symptom severity in patients with hemorrhoid disease.

Methods

In this study, HDSS and SHS-HD were translated into Farsi. Participants with confirmed hemorrhoid disease completed the questionnaire. Subsequently, the questionnaire's discriminative validity, convergent validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity were evaluated.

Results

Data from 31 patients were analyzed (mean age 39.68; 71% male). The results of the analysis showed good internal consistency as Cronbach's α for HDSS and SHS were 0.994 and 0.995 respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficient for the test-retest comparison was 0.986 (p < 0.01). The responses demonstrated good convergent validity. Moreover, the comprehension and suitability of each question were rated as excellent (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.3).

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that the Farsi translation of the HDSS and SHS-HD can be a valuable tool for evaluating the symptom severity in patients with hemorrhoid disease.

3% polidocanol foam sclerotherapy versus hemorrhoidal artery ligation with recto anal repair in hemorrhoidal disease grades II-III: a randomized, pilot trial

PURPOSE

Polidocanol foam sclerotherapy (SP) versus doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation with recto-anal repair (HAL-RAR) in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease (HD) was analyzed.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized study including patients with HD grades II and III was performed. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) into SP or HAL-RAR, during a recruitment period between September 2019 and February 2020. Therapeutic success (Sodergren's and bleeding scores) was the primary outcome. Other outcomes evaluated included complications and implication in the professional life. Efficacy and safety outcomes were evaluated during the 8 weeks after surgery or the final SP session.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients were allocated either to SP (n=22) or HAL-RAR (n=24). Most patients achieved therapeutic success (SP 100% vs. HAL-RAR 90.9%, p=0.131). Complete success was higher in the SP group (91.7% vs. 68.2%, p=0.045) and SP patients had less complications (25% vs. 68.2%, p=0.003). HAL-RAR had a greater negative impact on work activity of the patient.

CONCLUSION

SP was more effective and safer than HAL-RAR. SP patients had less impact on their work activity. Clinical trials identifier NCT04675177.

Patient reported outcome measure-haemorrhoidal impact and satisfaction score (PROM-HISS): Development, reliability and construct validity

AIM

Haemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a frequently occurring disorder with a significant negative impact on a patient's quality of life. Here, we describe the development and validation of the Dutch patient reported outcome measure-haemorrhoidal impact and satisfaction score (PROM-HISS).

METHODS

The development of the PROM-HISS followed recommended guidelines. Face and content validity, structural properties, reliability and construct validity were evaluated in a HD population. Reliability was tested by assessing the test-retest reliability, defined by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and internal consistency measured with Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and hypotheses testing.

RESULTS

The PROM-HISS consists of three domains: (1) HD symptoms (blood loss; pain; prolapse; soiling; itching), (2) impact of symptoms on daily activities, and (3) satisfaction with treatment. The PROM-HISS showed good face and content validity. The PROM-HISS was completed by 102 patients (65% male), with a mean age of 58 years (23-81 years). The ICCs of the different items in the domain HD symptoms ranged between 0.56 and 0.79 and were interpreted as good. The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.80 and considered satisfactory. The CFA provided further evidence for construct validity with a good model fit. A high score on the symptoms of HD correlated with a high impact of HD on daily activities (Pearson's r = 0.632, p < 0.01) and a low degree of satisfaction (Pearson's r = 0.378, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The PROM-HISS is a reliable and valid instrument to evaluate symptoms of HD, impact on daily activities and satisfaction with treatment.

Polidocanol Foam Sclerotherapy Versus Rubber Band Ligation in Hemorrhoidal Disease Grades I/II/III: Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy are considered the office-based procedures of choice in hemorrhoidal disease. However, there are no studies comparing rubber band ligation and polidocanol foam sclerotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of polidocanol foam sclerotherapy compared with rubber band ligation.

DESIGN

This study was a randomized open-label study with 1-year follow-up.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted in the colorectal unit of a tertiary hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred twenty patients with hemorrhoidal disease grades I to III were included.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were stratified by hemorrhoidal disease grade and randomly assigned (1:1) to treatment with either rubber band ligation (n = 60) or polidocanol foam sclerotherapy (n = 60).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Efficacy outcomes included therapeutic success and recurrence. Safety outcomes included the occurrence of complications related to the procedures.

RESULTS

Therapeutic success was not significantly different between the groups (polidocanol foam sclerotherapy 93.3% vs rubber band ligation 85.0%, p = 0.14). However, complete success rate was higher in the polidocanol foam sclerotherapy group (88.3% vs 66.7%, p = 0.009) with fewer office-based sessions (mean ± SD: 1.32 ± 0.60 vs 1.62 ± 0.76, p = 0.02). Recurrence rates were lower in the polidocanol foam sclerotherapy group (16.1% vs 41.2%, p = 0.004). Most recurrences were mild (83.3%). Complications were more frequent in the rubber band ligation group (30.0% vs 10.0%, p = 0.01) and were mostly minor (91.7%). No severe complications were observed in either group.

LIMITATIONS

This study was performed in a single center, and both patients and investigators were not blinded to the treatment group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both procedures are effective in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease grades I to III. Polidocanol foam sclerotherapy was more effective than rubber band ligation when considering complete success. Patients in the polidocanol foam sclerotherapy group needed fewer treatment sessions, had lower recurrence rates, and were less likely to have complications. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B816.

REGISTRATION

https//www.clinicaltrials.gov; Identifier: NCT04091763.

ESCLEROTERAPIA CON ESPUMA DE POLIDOCANOL VERSUS LIGADURA CON BANDA DE GOMA EN LOS GRADOS I / II / III DE ENFERMEDAD HEMORROIDAL ENSAYO ALEATORIZADO

ANTECEDENTES:La ligadura con banda elástica y la escleroterapia se consideran los procedimientos de elección en el consultorio para la enfermedad hemorroidal. Sin embargo, no hay estudios que comparen la ligadura con bandas elastica y la escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol.OBJETIVO:Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de la escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol en comparación con la ligadura con bandas elastica.DISEÑO:Estudio aleatorizado randomizado, abierto, con seguimiento de 1 año.AJUSTES:El estudio se realizó en una unidad colorrectal de un hospital terciario.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron 120 pacientes con enfermedad hemorroidal grados I a III.INTERVENCIONES:Los pacientes fueron estratificados por grado de enfermedad hemorroidal y asignados al azar (1: 1) al tratamiento con ligadura con banda elastica (n = 60) o escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol (n = 60).PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los resultados de eficacia incluyeron el éxito terapéutico y la recurrencia. Los resultados de seguridad incluyeron la aparición de complicaciones relacionadas con los procedimientos.RESULTADOS:El éxito terapéutico no fue significativamente diferente entre los grupos (escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol 93,3% vs ligadura con banda de goma 85,0%, p = 0,14). Sin embargo, la tasa de éxito completo fue mayor en el grupo de escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol (88,3% vs 66,7%, p = 0,009), con menos sesiones en el consultorio (media ± desviación estándar: 1,32 ± 0,60 vs 1,62 ± 0,76, p = 0,02). Las tasas de recurrencia fueron más bajas en el grupo de escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol (16,1% vs 41,2%, p = 0,004). La mayoría de las recurrencias fueron leves (83,3%). Las complicaciones fueron más frecuentes en el grupo de ligadura con bandas elastica (30,0% vs 10,0%, p = 0,01) y fueron en su mayoría menores (91,7%). No se observaron complicaciones graves en ninguno de los grupos.LIMITACIONES:Este estudio se realizó en un solo centro y ni los pacientes ni los investigadores estaban cegados al grupo de tratamiento.CONCLUSIONES:Ambos procedimientos son efectivos en el tratamiento de la enfermedad hemorroidal grados I a III. La escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol fue más eficaz que la ligadura con banda de goma cuando se consideró el éxito completo. Los pacientes del grupo de escleroterapia con espuma de polidocanol necesitaron menos sesiones de tratamiento, tuvieron tasas de recurrencia más bajas y menos probabilidades de tener complicaciones. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B816. (Traducción-Dr Yolanda Colorado)ClinicalTrials.gov, número NCT04091763.

Is the Goligher classification a valid tool in clinical practice and research for hemorrhoidal disease?

BACKGROUND

The most widely used classification for hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is the Goligher classification, which ranks presence and severity of prolapse in four grades. Since physicians base this gradation on medical history and physical examination, it might be prone to interobserver variability. Furthermore, the gradation impacts the treatment of choice which makes reproducibility of utmost importance. The aim of this study was to determine the interobserver variability of Goligher classification among surgeons in the Netherlands.

METHODS

A single-choice survey was used. The first part consisted of questions concerning baseline characteristics and the use of the Goligher classification in routine clinical practice. In the second part, to assess interobserver variability, we asked gastrointestinal surgeons and residents who routinely treat HD to review 25 photographs (with given timing as during rest or push) of patients with HD and classify the gradation using the Goligher classification. The survey was sent by email on April 19, 2021 and was available online until July 5, 2021. Interobserver variability was assessed using Fleiss' Kappa test.

RESULTS

A total of 329 gastrointestinal surgeons, fellows and residents were sent an invitation email, of whom 95 (29%) completed the survey. Among the respondents, 87% indicated that they use the Goligher classification in clinical practice. Eighty-one percent found the classification helpful and 63% classified HD according to Goligher and followed the guidelines for treatment of HD accordingly. The interobserver variability showed an overall fair strength of agreement, with a Fleiss' Kappa (κ) of 0.376 (95% CI 0.373-0.380). There was a moderate agreement for grade I and IV HD with a κ statistic of 0.466 and 0.522, respectively. For grades II and III, there was a lower (fair) strength of agreement with 0.206 and 0.378, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The fair interobserver variability is disappointing and demonstrates the need for a more reliable, and internationally accepted, classification for HD. A new classification should enable more uniformity in treating HD and in comparing outcomes of future trials and prospective registries. The protocol for a Delphi study for a new classification system is currently being prepared and led by an international research group.

Polidocanol foam sclerotherapy in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease in patients with bleeding disorders: a multicenter, prospective, cohort study

Background

The management of hemorrhoidal disease (HD) in patients with bleeding disorders (BD) is challenging. Polidocanol foam sclerotherapy (PFS) is associated with a low rate of bleeding complications. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of PFS in the treatment of HD in patients with and without BD.

Methods

This prospective, multicenter, cohort study enrolled patients with (group B) and without (group A) BD, with symptomatic internal HD grades I–III over an 18-month period. All patients were treated with PFS. Patients with congenital BD did not undergo prior replacement therapy and those with acquired BD due to antithrombotic drugs, did not discontinue therapy. Efficacy outcomes included therapeutic success and HD recurrence during a 1-year follow-up period. To evaluate safety the complications related to PFS were recorded.

Results

We included 228 patients (group A: 155, group B: 73; male/female: 114/114; mean age: 59.4 ± 15.9 years). The baseline hemorrhoidal disease bleeding grade (p < 0.001) and Sodergren hemorrhoidal symptom severity score (p = 0.019) were higher for group B. The overall therapeutic success rate was 93.4% with an average number of sessions of 1.51 ± 0.74, significantly higher for group B (1.68 ± 0.86 vs 1.43 ± 0.65, p = 0.013). Complications occurred in 11.4% of the patients, with bleeding reported in 4.8%. The majority of complications were mild (96.2%). No significant differences between the two groups were observed for therapeutic success, recurrence, or complication rate.

Conclusions

Patients with BD may have more symptomatic HD at baseline. Even so, PSF showed similar effectiveness and safety in patients with BD compared to patients without BD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10151-022-02600-5.

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.

Making Use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Haemorrhoidal Disease in Clinical Practice: A Perspective

Haemorrhoidal disease (HD) affects millions of people around the world and for most it is a recurring problem. Increasingly, clinicians broaden their focus on the patient's experiences with haemorrhoidal symptoms, including their impact on daily life. The patient's experience can be assessed using a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). A PROM facilitates a deeper understanding of the disease-burden and allows a clinician to obtain information directly from the patients about their experiences with the ailment. Over the last years, PROMs have shown their additional role to traditional outcomes for several diseases and have earned their place in the daily consultation room. In order to improve and personalize the treatment of HD, we endorse the use of validated PROMs in clinical care.

The REALISE score: a new statistically validated scoring system to assess the severity of anal fissures

BACKGROUND

Anal fissure (AF) is a common, painful disease that strongly affects patients' quality of life, however, no scoring system to assess the severity of AF is available in the literature. The aim of this study was to set up and validate a reliable scoring system to quantify the severity of AF, to be used in prospective trials comparing the efficacy and the outcomes of surgical or medical treatments.

METHODS

The study was conducted on patients with acute or chronic AF and a control group in a tertiary centre for coloproctology in June 2020-September 2020. Two researchers independently carried out a structured interviewer-led questionnaire at two different time points (T1/T2). The questionnaire consisted of five items selected according to the most commonly reported symptoms for AF: the item pain, was scored from 0 to 10 using a visual analogue scale, and quality of life, duration of pain, use of painkillers, and bleeding were scored from 1 to 5 using Likert-scale questions. The scoRing systEm for AnaL fIsSurE (REALISE) score was the sum of the points. Patients with AF and a control group of patients with haemorrhoids, anal fistula, or obstructed defecation syndrome entered the study. Main outcome measures were reliability, inter-/intraobserver agreement, and repeatability.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty well-matched patients (75 with AF and 75 controls) were enrolled. A significant difference was found between the mean REALISE score for patients with AF and controls (p < 0.001). The two REALISE scores were highly correlated (r = 0.99). The coefficient of repeatability was 1.45 in T1 and 1.18 in T2.

CONCLUSIONS

The REALISE score may have an important role in the assessment and management of AF, in grading the severity of AF and comparing results of different treatments.

Evaluation of a Minimally Invasive Bipolar Coagulation System for the Treatment of Grade I and II Internal Hemorrhoids

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhoids are common and affect mainly the young and middle-aged populations. Current guidelines recommend treating grade I and II hemorrhoids with office-based procedures. These therapies usually require multiple applications. Hemorrhoid energy therapy treats the hemorrhoids at 1 treatment session.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of hemorrhoid energy therapy.

DESIGN

This was a prospective pilot study evaluating patients with symptomatic grade I and II internal hemorrhoids.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at a tertiary academic center.

PATIENTS

Patients over the age of 18 years with chronic, symptomatic grade I and II internal hemorrhoids who failed 2 weeks of conservative therapy were enrolled between July 2015 and January 2019. Exclusion criteria included patients with grade III or IV internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, nonhemorrhoidal GI bleeding, active proctitis, and IBD.

INTERVENTIONS

Hemorrhoid energy therapy was administered in clinic, and 2 postprocedure visits were completed. A pretreatment hemorrhoid symptom score was obtained from each patient. A visual analog score was assessed posttreatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary end point was to evaluate the effect of hemorrhoid energy therapy on hemorrhoid symptoms and its safety. The secondary end point was evaluation of postprocedural pain.

RESULTS

A total of 35 patients were enrolled. The mean duration of hemorrhoid symptoms was 3.3 ± 6.4 years, and rectal bleeding and hemorrhoidal prolapse were the most common symptoms. After the procedure, patient hemorrhoid symptom scores decreased from mean 5.5 to 1.4. The mean immediate postprocedural visual analog score was 2.4 ± 2.1 and decreased to <1.0 after 14 days.

LIMITATIONS

The limitations include lack of comparative groups, single-center design, and small cohort of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of hemorrhoid energy therapy in the treatment of grade I and II internal hemorrhoids is safe and results in reduction of symptoms, low rate of short-term complications, and minimal pain. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B491. EVALUACIÓN DE UN SISTEMA DE COAGULACIÓN BIPOLAR MÍNI-INVASIVA PARA EL TRATAMIENTO DE HEMORROIDES INTERNAS GRADOS I Y II: La enfermedad hemorroidal es muy común y afecta principalmente poblaciones jóvenes y de mediana edad. Las guías actuales recomiendan tratar las hemorroides de grado I y II con procedimientos en el consultorio. Estos tratamientos suelen requerir múltiples aplicaciones. La aplicación de energía para tratar las hemorroides requiere de una sola sesión.Evaluar la seguridad y eficacia del tratamiento hemorroidal con una fuente de energía.Estudio piloto prospectivo que evalúa los pacientes con hemorroides internas de grado I y II sintomáticas.El estudio se realizó en un centro académico terciario.Entre julio de 2015 y enero de 2019 se inscribieron pacientes mayores de 18 años con hemorroides intomáticas internas crónicas grado I y II que fracasaron luego de 2 semanas de tratameinto conservador. Los criterios de exclusión incluyeron pacientes con hemorroides internas de grado III o IV, hemorroides externas, sangrado de orígen gastrointestinal no hemorroidal, proctitis activa y enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.Se realizó la aplicación de energía sobre las hemorroides en el consultorio y se completó el procedimiento con dos visitas posteriores. Se obtuvo una puntuación analógica de síntomas hemorroidarios en cada paciente antes del tratamiento. Se evaluó la puntuación analógica visual luego del procedimiento.El principal criterio final fué evaluar el efecto de la terapia energética hemorroidaria con relación a los síntomas y la seguridad del dispositivo. El segundo criterio final fué el evaluar el dolor posoperatorio.Se registraron un total de 35 pacientes. La duración media de los síntomas hemorroidarios fué de 3,3 ± 6,4 años, el sangrado rectal y el prolapso hemorroidal fueron los síntomas más frecuentes. Después del procedimiento, las puntuaciones de los síntomas hemorroidarios disminuyeron en una media de 5,5 a 1,4. La puntuación analógica visual media inmediatamente posterior al procedimiento fue de 2,4 ± 2,1 y disminuyó a <1 después de 14 días.Las limitaciones incluyen la falta de grupos comparativos, el diseño de un solo centro y una pequeña cohorte de pacientes.La aplicación de energía como tratamiento de la enfermedad hemorroidal interna grado I y II es segura y da como resultados la reducción de los síntomas, una baja tasa de complicaciones a corto plazo y mínimo dolor. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B491. (Traducción-Dr Xavier Delgadillo).

Improvement in quality of life among Sri Lankan patients with haemorrhoids after invasive treatment: a longitudinal observational study

Background

Haemorrhoids is a common chronic disease that can significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Yet, few studies have evaluated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with haemorrhoids before and after treatment. This study investigated the HRQoL of patients with haemorrhoids before and after treatment and the change in HRQoL from baseline.

Methods

A prospective observational study of patients with haemorrhoids was conducted at two public hospitals in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Two questionnaires assessing symptom severity and haemorrhoid-specific QoL were administered at initial consultation and at 4- and 8-week follow-ups after treatment (sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation (RBL), haemorrhoidectomy or evacuation of haematoma). The primary outcome was the least squares (LS) change of HRQoL score from baseline, measured using the Short Health Scale adapted for Haemorrhoidal Disease (4 domains: symptom load, interference with daily activities, concern, general well-being).

Results

In 48 patients selected for this study, LS mean change from baseline showed significant improvement in HRQoL across all domains and total Short Health Scale adapted for Haemorrhoidal Disease score at 4- and 8-week follow-ups (P < 0.001). Difference in LS mean change from baseline also showed continued improvement of HRQoL from week 4 to week 8 (P < 0.010). ‘Concern’ showed greatest improvement at 4 and 8 weeks (P < 0.001). Averaged LS mean changes from baseline showed RBL had greater improvement of HRQoL compared with sclerotherapy (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Patients with haemorrhoids had improved HRQoL after invasive treatment. Haemorrhoid-specific QoL is an important component of the extent of disease and can serve as an aid to guide treatment, assess outcomes and monitor disease.

Experiences of patients with haemorrhoidal disease – a qualitative study

Purpose To obtain a better understanding of the patients’ experiences with haemorrhoidal disease’ impact on their daily life and results of treatment by performing a qualitative study.

Method Individually interviews were conducted among patients with haemorrhoidal disease between 2016 and 2017. Each interview was recorded using an audio recorder and transcribed verbatim. A semi-structured interview guide was used with pre-specified topics, based on a previous conducted literature review. Transcripts were coded and the analysis consisted highlighting passages in the text and assigning each passage a code representing the predefined themes from the interview guide. This resulted in a three-level theme hierarchy: overarching theme, mid-level sub-theme and issues.

Results Fifteen participants underwent individual interviews of whom thirteen were conducted by telephone. The mean age was 60.7 years (35–78); five of them were female (33.3%). Pain and blood loss were the most frequently reported symptoms. Participants indicated that these symptoms were directly associated with emotional burden, daily adjustments and social impact. Before diagnosis with haemorrhoidal disease blood loss resulted in feelings of fear and next in embarrassment during social activities. In daily life participants needed to get up early, used sanitary pads for blood loss and anal ice sticks to reduce pain. Participants were often not completely satisfied with the process and outcome of treatment.

Conclusion This first qualitative study provides detailed insight into the patients’ experiences with haemorrhoidal disease, impact on daily life and results of treatment. This information may be used in daily practice to create awareness among clinicians.

Symptom-based scoring for haemorrhoidal disease: a systematic review

AIM

Haemorrhoidal disease can severely affect a patient's quality of life. Its classification is commonly based on morphology of the degree of prolapse; however, this does not take into account the symptoms and impact on the quality of life. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the most appropriate instruments that classify the severity of disease according to symptoms.

METHOD

A PRISMA-compliant search was conducted in December 2019 to identify studies that described the validation of a haemorrhoidal symptom score. The measurement properties of the scoring systems were assessed based on the consensus-based standards for the selection of health status measurement instruments (COSMIN) methodology for systematic reviews for patient-reported outcome measures.

RESULTS

A total of 5288 articles were identified, with five articles included. Three studies developed a scoring system based on a set of core symptoms for a cohort of patients and validated the score against treatment outcomes. One study developed a disease-specific quality of life questionnaire based on symptoms to evaluate disease burden. One study combined both quality of life and symptom measures and tested measurement properties on two cohorts of patients. Only one study demonstrated satisfactory valid, reliable and responsive measurement criteria.

CONCLUSION

A single study demonstrated sufficient quality in measurement properties to be recommended for clinical use. Further studies in this area should utilize consensus-based standards for designing and reporting validation research to ensure that the appropriate evidence base is acquired if any further patient-reported outcome measures are to be recommended.

Evaluating the ability of the Sodergren score to guide the management of internal haemorrhoidal disease

AIM

The Sodergren score was developed to objectively measure the severity of haemorrhoidal symptoms. This study aimed to determine if there was a difference in the Sodergren score between patients who were offered surgery and patients who underwent successful rubber band ligation of internal haemorrhoidal disease and to assess its performance in guiding management.

METHOD

This is a prospective, observational study. The preintervention Sodergren scores of subjects with internal haemorrhoidal disease were recorded and blinded to the surgeon in charge. Sodergren scores of subjects in the two arms were unblinded and compared at the end of the study.

RESULTS

The results for 290 patients were available for final analysis. The median scores of those offered surgery and those who underwent successful rubber band ligation differed significantly [4 (interquartile range 3-10) vs 0 (interquartile range 0-4), P = 0.001]. In predicting treatment, the Sodergren score had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.735 (95% CI 0.675-0.795).

CONCLUSION

There is a significant difference in scores between patients who were offered surgery and patients with successful rubber band ligation. Our study suggests that the Sodergren score has an acceptable discrimination in predicting the need for surgery in internal haemorrhoidal disease. We propose that patients with a Sodergren score of 6 or more be considered for upfront surgery. This score could potentially be used to standardize outcomes of future haemorrhoid trials.

Proposal for a New Score: Hemorrhoidal Bleeding Score

Purpose

We conducted a prospective study to evaluate a new hemorrhoidal bleeding score (HBS).

Methods

All consecutive patients who had consulted between May 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017 for bleeding hemorrhoidal disease were prospectively assessed at a proctological department. The study was conducted in 2 stages. The first stage assessed the validity of the score on a prospective patient cohort. A second stage assessed the interobserver reproducibility of the score on another prospective cohort.

Results

One hundred consecutive patients were studied (57 males; mean age, 49.70 years). A positive association between HBS and surgery indication was found (P<0.001). A cut-off value of the score of 5 (≤5 vs. >5) separated patients from surgical to medical-instrumental treatment with a sensitivity and specificity of 75.00% and 81.25%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, only HBS was significantly associated with the operative decision (odds ratio, 12.22). Prolapse was no longer significantly associated with the surgical indication. After a mean follow-up after treatment of 7 months, HBS improved statistically significantly (P<0.0001). For the reproducibility of the score, an additional 30 consecutive patients (13 males; mean age, 53.14 years) were enrolled with an excellent agreement between 2 proctologists (kappa=0.983).

Conclusion

HBS is sensitive, specific, and reproducible. It can assess the severity of hemorrhoidal bleeding. It can discriminate between the most severe surgery-indicated patients and does so in a more efficient way than the Goligher prolapse score. It also allows quantifying the extent of change in hemorrhoidal bleeding after treatment.

[E.coli bacterial suspension in the treatment of hemorrhoids]

Hemorrhoidal disease is the most common proctologic disease and the search for new treatment methods, as well as an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying effects of well-known agents on disease pathogenesis still remain relevant. There have been long recognized the effects of the E.coli bacterial culture suspension (BCS) as a therapeutic means eliciting decreased exudation during inflammation, wound healing, tissue regeneration, and stimulated immunity. Here, based on recent findings related to innate and adaptive immune cells, we set out to present mechanisms accounting for some effects coupled to commensal bacteria, particularly inactivated E.coli BCS, which are important for understanding pathogenesis-related action of drug Posterisan and Posterisan forte, and outline their broad application in therapy of hemorrhoids. Based on the analysis, it was concluded that such effects are mediated via multi-pronged and complementary interactions between diverse human receptors expressed in the anorectal region cells and microbial components: NOD ligands, metabolites, enzymes, heat shock proteins and nucleic acids, which lead to production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by anodermal colonocytes, innate and adaptive immune cells, neurons in the submucosal plexus covered by transitional zone epithelium, and hemorrhoid plexus endothelium. Based on current concepts, it may be plausible that E.coli BCS-derived biologically active components contained in drug Posterisan are capable of exerting both positive local and systemic effects, which extend our understanding and substantiate its use in hemorrhoidal disease. The effectiveness of using Posterisan and Posterisan forte is corroborated by their indications in real-life clinical practice, both as a conservative therapy as well as after surgical interventions.

European Society of ColoProctology: guideline for haemorrhoidal disease

AIM

The goal of this European Society of ColoProctology project was to establish a multidisciplinary, international guideline for haemorrhoidal disease (HD) and to provide guidance on the most effective (surgical) treatment for patients with HD.

METHODS

The development process consisted of six phases. In phase one we defined the scope of the guideline. The patient population included patients with all stages of haemorrhoids. The target group for the guideline was all practitioners treating patients with haemorrhoids and, in addition, healthcare workers and patients who desired information regarding the treatment management of HD. The guideline needed to address both the diagnosis of and the therapeutic modalities for HD. Phase two consisted of the compilation of the guideline development group (GDG). All clinical members needed to have affinity with the diagnosis and treatment of haemorrhoids. Further, attention was paid to the geographical distribution of the clinicians. Each GDG member identified at least one patient in their country who could read English to comment on the draft guideline. In phase three review questions were formulated, using a reversed process, starting with possible recommendations based on the GDG's knowledge. In phase four a literature search was performed in MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, Embase (Ovid) and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The search was focused on existing systematic reviews addressing each review question, supplemented by other studies published after the time frame covered by the systematic reviews. In phase five data of the included papers were extracted by the surgical resident (RT) and checked by the methodologist (JK) and the GDG. If needed, meta-analysis of the systematic reviews was updated by the surgical resident and the methodologist using Review Manager. During phase six the GDG members decided what recommendations could be made based on the evidence found in the literature using GRADE.

RESULTS

There were six sections: (i) symptoms, diagnosis and classification; (ii) basic treatment; (iii) outpatient procedures; (iv) surgical interventions; (v) special situations; (vi) other surgical techniques. Thirty-four recommendations were formulated.

CONCLUSION

This international, multidisciplinary guideline provides an up to date and evidence based summary of the current knowledge of the management of HD and may serve as a useful guide for patients and clinicians.

Scoring systems as outcomes assessment of the treatments for haemorrhoidal disease: a systematic review of the literature

PURPOSE

The comparison between haemorrhoidal treatments is still unclear. Attempts have been made to adopt a unifying postoperative scoring system and thus ensure adequate comparison between clinical trials. We aimed to systematically review the available outcome scores of haemorrhoidal treatment.

METHODS

MEDLINE/Pubmed, Web of science, Embase and Cochrane were searched from database implementation until the December 6th 2019. All studies describing or referencing a score to assess haemorrhoidal disease treatment were included. Likert scale alone, incontinence score alone, general assessment of quality of life or scores developed for other proctologic disorders were excluded. The main outcome measures were validation of the scores and correlation of the score items to the core outcome set for haemorrhoidal disease developed by the European Society of Coloproctology.

RESULTS

From the 633 records initially screened, 22 studies were included: 8 original articles describing a scoring system and 14 referencing a previously described scoring system. Only 1 score was validated by an external prospective cohort. All the scores evaluated the symptoms of haemorrhoidal disease. No score integrated the disease recurrences or patient's satisfaction. Scores values tended to decrease postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The scores described by Gerjy et al. and by Shanmugan et al. are available questionnaires, which have been validated and used in various studies. These scores might help researchers for comparative studies between treatment modalities and optimize haemorrhoids treatment.

Evaluation and Management of Hemorrhoids

A 46-year-old otherwise healthy female patient presents with bright red blood during defecation and a lump protruding on defecation that requires manual reduction. She is the mother of 2 children and has a long history of constipation.

Results of the double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing laser hemorrhoidoplasty with sutured mucopexy and excisional hemorrhoidectomy

PURPOSE

To compare the results of laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP), excisional hemorrhoidectomy (EH), and sutured mucopexy (MP).

METHODS

A randomized, parallel-group, double-blinded, single-center prospective study.

PATIENTS

Symptomatic 2nd- or 3rd-degree hemorrhoids patients.

INTERVENTIONS

Computer randomization sequence, patient blinding, operating surgeon blinding, and surgeon-evaluator blinding. LHP was performed using a 1470 nm diode laser. Up to 250 J of energy delivered per 1 hemorrhoid. The procedure was performed circumferentially. MP ligations were placed in the area of visible hemorrhoidal tissue. Standard EH was performed up to the level of the hemorrhoidal pedicle. Follow-up at 1 and 6 weeks and 1 year.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Recurrence of symptoms requiring treatment, intensity, and duration of pain after the operation, patients' quality of life, fecal incontinence, and patients' evaluation of treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 121 patients. Groups were even preoperatively. LHP took 15 min (SD 5.6), MP took 16 min (SD 5.58), and EH took 29 min (SD 10.3). Recurrence requiring treatment rate was 0% after EH, 10% after LHP, and 22% after MP, p = 0.004. LHP and MP were less painful than EH, p < 0.001. Patients after LHP returned to regular activity after 15 days, after MP after 22 days, and after EH after 30 days, p < 0.001. SF-36 scores were better after EH. Symptoms of fecal incontinence improved in all the groups. Patients evaluate LHP better than EH and MP.

LIMITATIONS

Single-center study.

CONCLUSIONS

Laser hemorrhoidoplasty is a safe, minimally invasive option for hemorrhoids, more effective than MP and less effective than EH. Patients evaluate this technique better than the other two.

Portuguese Society of Gastroenterology Consensus on the Diagnosis and Management of Hemorrhoidal Disease

Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a frequent health problem with considerable repercussions on patients' quality of life. However, much of the clinical practice related to HD is based on knowledge without scientific evidence and supported largely by empirical experience of the physician who deals with this pathology. As in other countries, the goal of this consensus is to establish statements supported by solid scientific evidence and whose purpose will be to standardize and guide the diagnosis and management of HD both in the general population and in some particular groups of patients.

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.

Role of a Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction as an Adjuvant Treatment to Rubber Band Ligation for the Treatment of Patients With Hemorrhoidal Disease: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Purpose

Nonsurgical treatment of hemorrhoidal disease (HD) includes medical and instrumental techniques. We aimed to compare the efficacy of the most frequently used nonsurgical strategies, either alone or in combination, applied in an ambulatory setting.

Methods

Patients who received nonsurgical treatment for HD by proctology appointment at the Gastroenterology Department of Braga Hospital were evaluated. Isolated rubber band ligation (RBL) and a combination of RBL with a micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) were the 2 most frequently used strategies. Symptoms of HD (bleeding, pruritus, pain at rest, pain at defecation and prolapse) were assessed at days 0, 7, and 28 by using a severity grading scale (0 to 4/5). A Global Symptom score was constructed to assess the overall severity and compare the overall improvements of the HD symptoms between the 2 most frequently used strategies.

Results

Nineteen patients underwent the combined treatment (RBL + MPFF group) and 25 the RBL treatment (RBL group). A comparison of the 2 treatment groups showed significant improvements in the combined treatment group in terms of bleeding at days 7 (P = 0.001) and 28 (P = 0.002) and in the pruritus intensity during the first week (P < 0.001). A trend toward clinical benefit was also verified in the combined treatment group for all other HD symptoms (pain at rest, pain at defecation and prolapse).

Conclusion

A combined treatment approach with MPFF and RBL significantly reduced the intensity of bleeding during the first month and the pruritus during the first week.

Preoperative bleeding requiring transfusion: An under-reported indication for hemorrhoidectomy

BACKGROUND

Though hemorrhoids commonly cause minor gastrointestinal bleeding, major hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion is believed to be rare. We sought to identify the prevalence and risk factors for preoperative transfusion in surgical hemorrhoidectomy patients.

METHODS

Patients undergoing surgical hemorrhoidectomy at a single institution (2012-2017) were evaluated for preoperative bleeding requiring transfusion. Bivariate analysis compared patients requiring transfusion to those who did not, and multivariable analysis evaluated for independent risk factors for transfusion.

RESULTS

Out of 520 patients, 7.3% experienced hemorrhoidal bleeding requiring transfusion, and 80.6% reported bleeding. On multivariable analysis, the use of either an anticoagulant or non-aspirin antiplatelet agent was associated with transfusion (OR 3.08, p = 0.03). Patients requiring transfusion had extensive preoperative workups, including colonoscopy (94.7%), flexible sigmoidoscopy (7.89%), upper endoscopy (50%) and capsule endoscopy (26.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Bleeding requiring transfusion is an under-reported complication of hemorrhoids. Increased recognition could lead to expeditious surgical treatment and less costly diagnostic workup.

European Society of Coloproctology Core Outcome Set for haemorrhoidal disease: an international Delphi study among healthcare professionals

AIM

There is considerable heterogeneity in outcomes in studies reporting on the treatment of haemorrhoidal disease (HD). The aim of this study was to develop a Core Outcome Set (COS) for HD in cooperation with the European Society of Coloproctology.

METHOD

A Delphi study was performed according to the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) methodology. In total 38 healthcare professionals and 30 patients were invited to the panel. Previously, 10 outcome domains and 59 outcomes were identified through a systematic literature review. In this study, these domains and outcomes were formed into one questionnaire for healthcare professionals and a separate questionnaire for patients. Sequential questionnaire rounds prioritizing the domains and outcomes were conducted. Panel members were asked to rate the appropriateness of each domain and outcome on a nine-point Likert scale. During a face-to-face meeting, healthcare professionals agreed on the primary and secondary end-points of the COS for HD. Finally, a short survey was sent to the healthcare professionals in order to reach consensus on how the chosen end-points should be assessed and at which time points.

RESULTS

The response rate in questionnaire round 1 for healthcare professionals was 44.7% (n = 17). Sixteen out of 17 healthcare professionals also completed the questionnaire in round 2. The response rate for the patient questionnaire was 60% (n = 18). Seventeen healthcare professionals participated in the face-to-face meeting. The questionnaire rounds did not result in a clear-cut selection of primary and secondary end-points. Most domains and outcomes were considered important, and only three outcomes were excluded. During the face-to-face meeting, agreement was reached to select the domain 'symptoms' as primary end-point, and 'complications', 'recurrence' and 'patient satisfaction' as secondary end-points in the COS for HD. Furthermore, consensus was reached that the domain 'symptoms' should be a patient reported outcome measure and should include the outcomes 'pain' and 'prolapse', 'itching', 'soiling' and 'blood loss'. The domain 'complications' should include the outcomes 'incontinence', 'abscess', 'urinary retention', 'anal stenosis' and 'fistula'. Consensus was reached to use 'reappearance of initial symptoms' as reported by the patient to define recurrence. During an additional short survey, consensus was reached that 'incontinence' should be assessed by the Wexner Fecal Incontinence Score, 'abscess' by physical examination, 'urinary retention' by ultrasonography, 'anal stenosis' by physical examination, and 'fistula' by physical examination and MR imaging if inconclusive. During follow-up, the outcome 'symptoms' should be assessed at baseline, 7 days, 6 weeks and 1 year post-procedure. The outcomes 'abscess' and 'urinary retention' should be assessed 7 days post-procedure and 'incontinence', 'anal stenosis' and 'fistula' 1 year post-procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed the first European Society of Coloproctology COS for HD based on an international Delphi study among healthcare professionals. The next step is to incorporate the patients' perspective in the COS. Use of this COS may improve the quality and uniformity of future research and enhance the analysis of evidence.

Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score and Short Health ScaleHD: New Tools to Evaluate Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life in Hemorrhoidal Disease

BACKGROUND

There are no adequately validated tools to evaluate symptoms or disease-specific health-related quality of life in hemorrhoidal disease.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess validity, reliability, and responsiveness of a symptom score of patient-reported pain, itching, bleeding, soiling, and prolapse (Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score). In addition, the study set out to assess reliability and responsiveness of an instrument to measure health-related quality of life in patients with hemorrhoids (Short Health ScaleHD), with 1 item in its 4 dimensions: symptom load, functional status, disease-specific worries, and general well-being.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional (validity and reliability) and longitudinal (responsiveness) study.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at a single center.

PATIENTS

Cohort 1 included 295 patients with hemorrhoids to study validity and 60 patients with test-retest scores to study reliability. Cohort 2 included 128 and 121 patients operated for hemorrhoids to study responsiveness of the Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score and the Short Health ScaleHD.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The study evaluated validity, reliability, and responsiveness. Patient-reported symptom load on a 7-point Likert scale was used as comparator, and receiver operating characteristics curve assessed discriminative validity. Interclass correlation assessed reliability. Receiver operating characteristics curve assessed responsiveness, meaning the ability to discriminate between patients with and without improvement after surgery.

RESULTS

The Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score demonstrated the ability to discriminate between patients reporting high or low symptom load (area under the curve = 0.786 (95% CI, 0.725-0.848)). The Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score and the Short Health ScaleHD demonstrated adequate reliability and responsiveness, with interclass correlation of 0.822 (95% CI, 0.715-0.891) and 0.763 (95% CI, 0.634-0.851) and area under the curve of 0.843 (95% CI, 0.756-0.929) and 0.840 (95% CI, 0.752-0.929).

LIMITATIONS

We had no gold standard comparator to assess validity and responsiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that the Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score is valid, reliable, and responsive and that the Short Health ScaleHD is reliable and responsive. Used together, these tools provide a good overview of symptoms and their impact on patient well-being. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A770.

[Quality indicators in the treatment of hemorrhoids]

BACKGROUND

A quality indicator is a quantitative measure that can be used to monitor and evaluate the quality of certain operative procedures that may influence the result of a therapy. An indicator is not a direct measure of quality, it is merely a tool to evaluate the performance of procedures and can indicate potential problem areas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature search was performed for parameters which could be included as indicators of quality in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

In the treatment of benign diseases, such as hemorrhoids objective indicators (e.g. recurrence or survival rates in oncological diseases) cannot be used as quality indicators. Other indicators or core outcome factors must be used. From the patient's point of view other indicators are important (such as pain, complications, continence, days off work, etc.) than those for the colorectal surgeon, health insurance and healthcare provider. The most important indicators or outcome factors for treatment of hemorrhoids are postprocedural pain, patient satisfaction, complications, residual and recurrent symptoms, pain, quality of life, costs and duration of inability to work. In terms of outcome quality various quality indicators could be identified which also play a role in the guidelines; however, in this respect valid questionnaires or scores that enable a uniform assessment exist only in a few cases. In contrast, some indicators (e. g. costs, length of hospital stay) are strongly influenced by factors such as the healthcare system making these indicators unfeasible.

[Proctology for internists]

In proctology patients can often be helped with very little effort. With knowledge of the most common disease symptoms the treating physician can in many cases correctly recognize the cause of the complaints and initiate the appropriate therapy or arrange referral to a proctological institution. This article aims to briefly and succinctly present the most common diseases in proctology (e.g. mariscae, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, perianal venous thrombosis, abscesses and fistulas, condyloma acuminatum and anal carcinoma) and to provide the treating internist, even outside of gastroenterology, assistance with the management of proctological symptoms.

A validated severity score for haemorrhoids as an essential prerequisite for future haemorrhoid trials

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of standardised outcomes for haemorrhoidal disease making comparison between trials difficult. A need for a very well validated severity score is essential to facilitate meta-analysis of comparative studies, enabling evidence-based clinical practice.

METHODS

The Hubble trial provides a large cohort of patients with haemorrhoidal disease randomised to rubber band ligation (RBL) or haemorrhoidal artery ligation. The haemorrhoid severity score (HSS) was collected on each patient at baseline, 6 weeks and 1 year after intervention. This allows for the responsiveness of the HSS instrument to be examined and compared with a more specific instrument, the Vaizey incontinence score (also collected). Responsiveness was tested using four methods (effect size, standardised response means (SRM), significance of change, and responsiveness statistic).

RESULTS

The four tests of responsiveness demonstrated that the HSS was more responsive to changes in the patient's health status following both of the interventions compared to the Vaizey questionnaire. For example, between baseline and 6 weeks, the RBL intervention effect size scores and SRM calculations indicated a non-significant small amount of change (0.20 and 0.16 respectively). However, using the HSS, the effect size and SRM demonstrated a large magnitude of change (1.12 and 1.01, respectively) which was significant. Similar results were observed at 1 year. Significance of change scores and the index of responsiveness were also higher for the HSS questionnaire than the Vaizey across both treatment modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

The HSS is a highly responsive tool for the detection of changes in haemorrhoid symptoms. It should form an essential patient-reported outcome tool for future studies on haemorrhoidal disease.

Psychometric properties of a questionnaire (HEMO-FISS-QoL) to evaluate the burden associated with haemorrhoidal disease and anal fissures

AIM

Current questionnaires designed to evaluate the burden of haemorrhoidal disease ignore symptoms such as bleeding, pain and itching. A specific questionnaire is needed to evaluate the global impact of anal disorders on patients' daily lives.

METHOD

We developed a questionnaire (HEMO-FISS-QoL) to assess the symptom burden of anal disorders and administered it to 256 patients (mean age 46.2 years; men 60.4%) with haemorrhoidal disease (67.2%), anal fissure (29.3%) or both (3.5%). Psychometric properties were evaluated by testing the acceptability, construct validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Principal components and multi-trait analyses were used to identify dimensions and to assess construct validity. Backward Cronbach alpha curves and a graded response model were used to reduce the number of items and modalities. External validity was evaluated against SF-12 and the Psychological Global Well-Being Index (PGWBI) using Spearman's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Principal component analysis defined four dimensions: physical disorders, psychology, defaecation and sexuality. The number of questions was reduced from 38 to 23. The HEMO-FISS-QoL scores correlated well with those of the SF-12 and PGWBI (P < 0.001). Cronbach's coefficients (all > 0.7) reflected good internal reliability of the different dimensions. The total score increased with the severity of the anal disorders and with their consequences (days off work and personal spending related to the disease).

CONCLUSION

The HEMO-FISS-QoL questionnaire reliably evaluates the global impact of haemorrhoids and anal fissures on patients' daily lives. This simple tool may prove useful for treatment evaluation in clinical trials and daily practice.

Embolization of the Superior Rectal Arteries for Hemorrhoidal Disease: Prospective Results in 25 Patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate efficacy and safety of superior rectal artery embolization of hemorrhoidal disease as a first-line invasive treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study was conducted between 2014 and 2015 on 25 consecutive patients (16 men and 9 women with a mean age of 53 y [range, 30-76 y]) with grade II-III hemorrhoids refractory to medical treatment. A transfemoral superselective superior rectal artery branch embolization was performed using 2- and 3-mm diameter microcoils. Over the following 12 months, clinical outcomes were evaluated using the French bleeding score, Goligher prolapse score, visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, quality-of-life score. The primary endpoint was relief of symptoms by 12 months based on a 2-point minimum improvement on VAS score and bleeding score.

RESULTS

At 12 months after embolization, clinical success was obtained in 18 patients (72%), 8 of whom had 2 embolizations. VAS score decreased from 4.6 to 2.3 (P < .01), and bleeding score decreased from 5.5 to 2.3 (P < .01). Quality-of-life and prolapse scores also showed improvement (P < .05), and no patients experienced any early or late complications. Complete clinical failure was observed in 7 patients. After coil embolization, the collateral supply to the hemorrhoidal cushions was significantly related to any recurrence (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hemorrhoidal artery coil embolization was found to be a safe and effective treatment for grade II-III hemorrhoids.

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.

Towards a core outcome set for hemorrhoidal disease-a systematic review of outcomes reported in literature

PURPOSE

Previously published literature regarding treatment of hemorrhoidal disease (HD) revealed a lack of uniform defined outcomes. These differences between outcomes among studies limit transparency and lead to incomparability of results. The aim of this study was to systematically list the types of outcomes used in HD studies. This list will be used to develop a core outcome set.

METHODS

We searched Medline (Pubmed), Embase (OVID), and Cochrane for interventional studies for adult patients with HD. Two authors independently identified and reviewed eligible studies. This resulted in a list of outcomes reported by each clinical trial. All outcomes were categorized using the conceptual framework OMERACT filter 2.0.

RESULTS

A total of 34 randomized controlled trials and prospective observational studies were included in this study. A total of 59 different types of outcomes were identified. On average, 5.8 different outcomes (range 2-8) were used per study. The outcomes were structured into three core areas and10 ten domains. The most commonly reported core area was pathophysiological manifestations including the domain symptoms, complications, and recurrence. The most frequently reported outcomes were pain (91%), blood loss (94%), prolapse (71%), and incontinence (56%). There was a high variation in definitions of the common outcomes. And often there was no definition at all.

CONCLUSION

This study shows a substantial heterogeneity in the types of outcomes in HD studies. We provided an overview of the types of outcomes reported in HD studies and identified a list of potentially relevant outcomes required for the development of a COS.

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.

Hubble trial: time to stick to basics for treatment of haemorrhoids?

The results of the Hubble trial, a randomised controlled trial comparing haemorrhoidal artery ligation with rubber band ligation for early-grade prolapsing haemorrhoids, are discussed. The difficulties in defining treatment success are debated along with the trial design highlighting the pitfalls of previous research. A finding that haemorrhoidal artery ligation is not necessarily superior to cheap alternatives has implications for current practice and future commissioning of surgeons.

Comments to 'Rubber band ligation versus excisional haemorrhoidectomy for haemorrhoids'

OBJECTIVE

To review the efficacy and safety of the two most popular conventional methods of haemorrhoidal treatment, rubber band ligation and excisional haemorrhoidectomy (EH). The original study has now been updated using the same search strategy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL up to October 2010.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing rubber band ligation with EH for symptomatic haemorrhoids in adult human patients were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We extracted data on to a previously designed data extraction sheet. Dichotomous data were presented as relative risk and 95 % confidence intervals, and continuous outcomes as weighted mean difference and 95 % confidence intervals.

MAIN RESULTS

Three trials (of poor methodological quality) met the inclusion criteria. Complete remission of haemorrhoidal symptom was better with EH (three studies, 202 patients, RR 1.68, 95 % CI 1.00-2.83). There was a significant heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 90.5 %; P = 0.0001). Similar analysis based on the grading of haemorrhoids revealed the superiority of EH over RBL for grade III haemorrhoids (prolapse that needs manual reduction) (two trials, 116 patients, RR 1.23, CI 1.04-1.45; P = 0.01). However, no significant difference was noticed in grade II haemorrhoids (prolapse that reduces spontaneously on cessation of straining) (one trial, 32 patients, RR 1.07, CI 0.94-1.21; P = 0.32). Fewer patients required re-treatment after EH (three trials, RR 0.20, CI 0.09-0.40; P < 0.00001). Patients undergoing EH were at significantly higher risk of post-operative pain (three trials, fixed effect; 212 patients, RR 1.94, 95 % CI 1.62-2.33, P < 0.00001) and of delayed complications (three trials, 204 patients, RR 6.32, CI 1.15-34.89; P = 0.03).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The present systematic review confirms the long-term efficacy of EH, at least for grade III haemorrhoids, compared to the less invasive technique of RBL but at the expense of increased pain, higher complications and more time off work. However, despite these disadvantages of EH, patient satisfaction and patient's acceptance of the treatment modalities seem to be similar following both the techniques implying patient's preference for complete long-term cure of symptoms and possibly less concern for minor complications. So, RBL can be adopted as the choice of treatment for grade II haemorrhoids with similar results but without the side effects of EH while reserving EH for grade III haemorrhoids or recurrence after RBL. More robust study is required to make definitive conclusions.

Haemorrhoidal artery ligation versus rubber band ligation for the management of symptomatic second-degree and third-degree haemorrhoids (HubBLe): a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Optimum surgical intervention for low-grade haemorrhoids is unknown. Haemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) has been proposed as an efficacious, safe therapy while rubber band ligation (RBL) is a commonly used outpatient treatment. We compared recurrence after HAL versus RBL in patients with grade II-III haemorrhoids.

METHODS

This multicentre, open-label, parallel group, randomised controlled trial included patients from 17 acute UK NHS trusts. We screened patients aged 18 years or older presenting with grade II-III haemorrhoids. We excluded patients who had previously received any haemorrhoid surgery, more than one injection treatment for haemorrhoids, or more than one RBL procedure within 3 years before recruitment. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (in a 1:1 ratio) to either RBL or HAL with Doppler. Randomisation was computer-generated and stratified by centre with blocks of random sizes. Allocation concealment was achieved using a web-based system. The study was open-label with no masking of participants, clinicians, or research staff. The primary outcome was recurrence at 1 year, derived from the patient's self-reported assessment in combination with resource use from their general practitioner and hospital records. Recurrence was analysed in patients who had undergone one of the interventions and been followed up for at least 1 year. This study is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN41394716.

FINDINGS

From Sept 9, 2012, to May 6, 2014, of 969 patients screened, 185 were randomly assigned to the HAL group and 187 to the RBL group. Of these participants, 337 had primary outcome data (176 in the RBL group and 161 in the HAL group). At 1 year post-procedure, 87 (49%) of 176 patients in the RBL group and 48 (30%) of 161 patients in the HAL group had haemorrhoid recurrence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2·23, 95% CI 1·42-3·51; p=0·0005). The main reason for this difference was the number of extra procedures required to achieve improvement (57 [32%] participants in the RBL group and 23 [14%] participants in the HAL group had a subsequent procedure for haemorrhoids). The mean pain 1 day after procedure was 3·4 (SD 2·8) in the RBL group and 4·6 (2·8) in the HAL group (difference -1·2, 95% CI -1·8 to -0·5; p=0·0002); at day 7 the scores were 1·6 (2·3) in the RBL group and 3·1 (2·4) in the HAL group (difference -1·5, -2·0 to -1·0; p<0·0001). Pain scores did not differ between groups at 21 days and 6 weeks. 15 individuals reported serious adverse events requiring hospital admission. One patient in the RBL group had a pre-existing rectal tumour. Of the remaining 14 serious adverse events, 12 (7%) were among participants treated with HAL and two (1%) were in those treated with RBL. Six patients had pain (one treated with RBL, five treated with HAL), three had bleeding not requiring transfusion (one treated with RBL, two treated with HAL), two in the HAL group had urinary retention, two in the HAL group had vasovagal upset, and one in the HAL group had possible sepsis (treated with antibiotics).

INTERPRETATION

Although recurrence after HAL was lower than a single RBL, HAL was more painful than RBL. The difference in recurrence was due to the need for repeat bandings in the RBL group. Patients (and health commissioners) might prefer such a course of RBL to the more invasive HAL.

FUNDING

NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme.