A Modified Whitehead Hemorrhoidectomy for Circumferential Hemorrhoid

ABSTRACT

This report is a clinico-statistical review of our experience with 64 patients with circumferential hemorrhoids who were admitted to and treated at the Surgical Department of Seoul Adventist Hospital during 10 years from Jan. 1986 to Dec. 1995. 1) The indication for a modified Whitehead hemorrhoidectomy was third and or fourth degree circumferential hemorrhoid. 2) The sex ratio of male to female was 1.8 to 1. 3) The peak incidence was in the 3rd and the 5th decades(89.3%). 4) The frequent pre-operative anorectal symptoms were anal prolapse (81.5%), anal pain (52.3%), and anal bleeding (55.6%). 5) The mean average post-operative hospital stay was 9.9 days. 6) The early post-operative problems were urinary retention(35.4%), severe anal pain(21.5%), mild anal bleeding(8.9%) and constipation(1.5%). 7) The late post-operative complications were mild anal stenosis(3.3%), flatus incontinence(1.6%), fissure(3.3%) and a nonhealing wound(1.6%). 8) Attention to the proctologic anatomy and experience are essential for a good result and for prevention of anal stenosis or prolapse.