A cohort study analysing outcomes following transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation (THD).

BACKGROUND: Although conventional open haemorrhoidectomy and stapled haemorrhoidectomy are effective procedures, they can lead to significant post-operative pain with risks to continence. Current evidence favours transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation (THD) and targeted mucopexy to be an efficacious alternative to conventional modalities. Our aim was to assess the midterm outcomes following THD. METHODS: Prospective data was collected for patients undergoing day case THD under a single consultant over a 9-year period (March 2009 to February 2018). Data collected included: intra-operative findings, post-operative pain (defined as requirement of analgesia in recovery), post-operative complications and requirement of further procedures. RESULTS: Over this time period, 271 patients underwent THD, with 203 (74.9%) patients also undergoing targeted mucopexy for 2nd to 4th degree haemorrhoids. Only 4 (1.5%) patients suffered from post-operative complications, including significant bleeding (n = 1), urinary retention (n = 1) and constipation (n = 2). Post-operative pain was identified in only 10 (3.7%) patients; eight of which had simultaneously undergone an additional procedure (e.g. excision of anal polyps and skin tags). Only 5 (1.8%) patients were identified that required further haemorrhoidal invasive intervention subsequently. CONCLUSIONS: These results are comparable with national data and demonstrate that THD is a safe procedure for symptomatic haemorrhoids with minimal morbidity.

Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization With Doppler Arterial Identification Versus Classic Hemorrhoidectomy: A Retrospective Analysis of 270 Patients.

PURPOSE: Despite the minimally invasive nature of transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) with Doppler arterial identification procedures, hemorrhoidectomy is still considered the gold standard procedure for hemorrhoidal disease. However, the classical techniques of hemorrhoidectomy have a high rate of postoperative complications. The main purpose of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy and complications of these techniques used for grades II and III hemorrhoids. METHODS: A retrospective (case-control) study was carried out from January 2009 to May 2014, and all patients undergoing surgical procedures for hemorrhoidal disease in two French clinics were considered. Application of inclusion and exclusion criteria identified 270 eligible patients (163 undergoing Doppler THD and 107 treated with Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy). Statistical analysis was calculated considering immediate postoperative complications, functional results, chronic complications, and recurrences. RESULTS: Analysis of primary outcomes showed a significant difference between the 2 groups concerning postoperative pain, which had a lower rate in THD (P = 0.0001) and in postoperative bleeding (P = 0.02) than hemorrhoidectomy. However, long-term follow-up at three years showed a superior rate of recurrence in the THD group (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: The THD technique is a safe and effective procedure for grades II and III hemorrhoids, has lower rates of post-operative pain and bleeding, and allows faster hospital discharge; however, it also shows a higher rate of recurrence at three years of follow-up.

Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization With Doppler Arterial Identification Versus Classic Hemorrhoidectomy: A Retrospective Analysis of 270 Patients

PURPOSE: Despite the minimally invasive nature of transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) with Doppler arterial identification procedures, hemorrhoidectomy is still considered the gold standard procedure for hemorrhoidal disease. However, the classical techniques of hemorrhoidectomy have a high rate of postoperative complications. The main purpose of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy and complications of these techniques used for grades II and III hemorrhoids. METHODS: A retrospective (case-control) study was carried out from January 2009 to May 2014, and all patients undergoing surgical procedures for hemorrhoidal disease in two French clinics were considered. Application of inclusion and exclusion criteria identified 270 eligible patients (163 undergoing Doppler THD and 107 treated with Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy). Statistical analysis was calculated considering immediate postoperative complications, functional results, chronic complications, and recurrences. RESULTS: Analysis of primary outcomes showed a significant difference between the 2 groups concerning postoperative pain, which had a lower rate in THD (P = 0.0001) and in postoperative bleeding (P = 0.02) than hemorrhoidectomy. However, long-term follow-up at three years showed a superior rate of recurrence in the THD group (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: The THD technique is a safe and effective procedure for grades II and III hemorrhoids, has lower rates of post-operative pain and bleeding, and allows faster hospital discharge; however, it also shows a higher rate of recurrence at three years of follow-up.

Lessons from the first 70 patients operated by doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation with mucopexy in a French team specialising in surgical proctology / Lições dos primeiros 70 pacientes operados por ligadura de artéria hemorroidária guiada por doppler com mucopexia por uma equipe francesa especializada em proctologia cirúrgica

ABSTRACT Background: Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation with mucopexy is a minimal-invasive surgical technique. It is both effective and less painful than conventional haemorrhoidectomy. Methods: We gathered records on all patients operated on between November 2012 and June 2014. Pre- and postoperative scores were calculated during consultation and then by phone. Unsuccessful surgical treatment was defined by persistent haemorrhoid symptoms within three months following the procedure and relapse defined by recurrent symptoms after the third postoperative month. Results: During the period analysed, 70 patients underwent consecutive surgical procedures for haemorrhoid prolapse (52%), bleeding (29%), or both (17%). Hospitalisation was outpatient or overnight for 87% of patients. There were no complications in 92.7% of cases. The average period away from work was 11 days (± 6.5). The time between the procedure and last postoperative consultation, followed by telephone contact, was respectively 2.7 months (± 5.8) and 16.5 months (± 4.9). At the time of the postoperative telephone call, the Thaha et al. score decreased by 5.6 (p < 0.001), while the quality of life score decreased by 2 (p < 0.001). The Wexner score remained the same or improved for all patients except one. Treatment was unsuccessful for 6/67 patients (9%) and 10/61 patients (16.4%) experienced a subsequent recurrence in haemorrhoid symptoms. Only those over 51 years old were statistically associated with more frequent recurrences (p = 0.044). Conclusion: Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation with mucopexy is an effective technique in the medium-term. Good tolerance in makes this treatment an attractive alternative to conventional haemorrhoidectomy.

RESUMO Experiência: A ligação de artéria hemorroidária com mucopexia orientada por Doppler é técnica cirúrgica minimamente invasiva. Esse procedimento é efetivo e menos doloroso do que a hemorroidectomia convencional. Métodos: Reunimos os prontuários de todos os pacientes operados entre novembro de 2012 e junho de 2014. Foram calculados escores pré-operatórios e pós-operatórios durante as consultas e, em seguida, por telefone. Tratamento cirúrgico malsucedido foi definido como a persistência dos sintomas de hemorroidas dentro de três meses após o procedimento, e recidiva foi definida por sintomas recorrentes depois do terceiro mês do pós-operatório. Resultados: Durante o período analisado, 70 pacientes passaram por procedimentos cirúrgicos consecutivos para prolapso de hemorroida (52%), sangramento (29%), ou ambos (17%). Para 87% dos pacientes, a hospitalização foi ambulatorial ou de pernoite. Não ocorreram complicações em 92,7% dos casos. O período médio de absenteísmo foi de 11 ± 6,5 dias. Os tempos transcorridos entre o procedimento e a última consulta no pós-operatório, seguida pelo contato telefônico, foram de respectivamente 2,7 ± 5,8 meses e 16,5 ± 4,9 meses. Por ocasião do contato telefônico no pós-operatório, o escore de Thaha et al. diminuiu em 5,6 pontos (p < 0,001), enquanto o escore de qualidade de vida diminuiu em 2 pontos (p < 0,001). O escore de Wexner permaneceu igual ou melhorou para todos os pacientes, exceto um. O tratamento não obteve sucesso para 6/67 pacientes (9%); e 10/61 pacientes (16,4%) sofreram uma subsequente recorrência nos sintomas hemorroidários. Apenas aqueles participantes com mais de 51 anos demonstraram associação estatística com recorrências mais frequentes (p = 0,044). Conclusão: A ligação de artéria hemorroidária com mucopexia orientada por Doppler é técnica efetiva no meio termo. A boa tolerância faz com que esse tratamento seja uma alternativa efetiva à hemorroidectomia convencional.

Rectal perforation secondary to transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation.

Haemorrhoidal artery ligation has now been established as a treatment modality for symptomatic haemorrhoids. We report a case of a fit 44-year-old male who underwent the procedure as a day case, who subsequently developed pelvic sepsis due to rectal perforation. This case is the first report of a potentially life-threatening complication resulting from this procedure, which has a previously excellent safety profile.