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

BACKGROUND: Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal laser procedure (HeLP) is a new minimally invasive technique to treat symptomatic hemorrhoids. The aim of this multicenter study was to prospectively assess clinical results and patients' satisfaction in patients treated with HeLP. METHODS: Indications for HeLP included patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids resistant to medical therapy, with low-grade prolapse. Clinical efficacy was evaluated assessing resolution of symptoms and patient satisfaction. Frequency of bleeding and frequency of acute hemorrhoid-related symptoms were given a score of 0 to 4 (where 4 = more than 3 episodes/week) and 0 to 3 (where 3 = more than 5 episodes/year), respectively. Quality of life, pain at rest, and pain with evacuation were scored using a visual analogue scale (VAS) of 0 to 10. Intra- and postoperative complications were recorded. Potential predictive factors for failure were assessed. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-four patients (183 males, 101 females) with a mean age of 47.5 years were included in the study. At 6-month follow-up, symptoms had completely resolved in 257/284 (90.5%) and 275/284 (96.8%) patients were satisfied with the results. An analysis of a subgroup of 144 patients followed up for a minimum of 12 months revealed a resolution of symptoms in 130/144 (90.3%) and satisfaction in 139/144 (96.5%). There was a statistically significant improvement of the bleeding score (from 2.4 ± 1.07 to 0.36 ± 0.49; p < 0.0001), acute symptoms score (from 2.03 ± 0.16 to 0.61 ± 0.59; p < 0.0001), quality of life (from 4.63 ± 1.32 to 8.96 ± 1.35; p < 0.0001), pain at rest (from 3.0 ± 2.05 to 1.1 ± 0.99; p < 0.0006), and pain with evacuation (from 4.8 ± 1.22 to 1.7 ± 1.15; p < 0.0001). No significant changes in continence and constipation were observed. Univariate analysis failed to show factors significantly associated with failure. CONCLUSIONS: The HeLP procedure seems to be safe and effective in patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids. It is simple, minimally invasive, and relatively pain free. It can be performed in an ambulatory setting without anesthesia, and it achieves high patient satisfaction. It may, therefore, be considered a "first-line treatment" in all patients without significant hemorrhoidal prolapse in whom medical therapy has failed.

Hemorrhoid laser procedure for second- and third-degree hemorrhoids: results from a multicenter prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to assess the outcome of hemorrhoidal dearterialization, achieved by a dedicated laser energy device. METHODS: From November 2012 to December 2014, 51 patients with second- or third-degree hemorrhoids were studied. The primary end point was a reduction in the bleeding rate; secondary end points were: postoperative complications, reduction in pain and prolapse, resolution of symptoms, and degree of patient's perception of improvement. The procedure was carried out as 1-day surgery. A diode laser device was employed to seal the terminal branches of the hemorrhoidal arteries, detected by a Doppler-equipped proctoscope. Follow-up was scheduled at 1 and 4 weeks, 3, 12, and 24 months. The rate and degree of symptoms was assessed with a four-point verbal rating scale. The rate of subjective symptomatic improvement was also evaluated with the Patient Global Improvement (PGI) Scale. RESULTS: Mean bleeding and pain scores at baseline were 2 and 0.57. All the patients were discharged on the day of surgery. Postoperative complications were bleeding (n = 4) and external hemorrhoidal thrombosis (n = 4). Mean bleeding and pain scores at 3, 12, and 24 months were significatively reduced. After 24 months, complete resolution of bleeding was observed in 28/29 patients (96.7 %), resolution of pain in all patients, and resolution of the mucosal prolapse in 15/18 patients (76.9 %). At 12-month follow-up, 86.3 % of patients reported improvement with the PGI Scale. CONCLUSIONS: The hemorrhoid laser procedure was effective in improving bleeding and pain symptoms in patients with grade II and III hemorrhoids.