Doppler‐guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation in patients with Crohn’s disease

Aim: The outcome of Doppler‐guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation (DGHAL) was assessed in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) suffering from grade III haemorrhoids. Method: A retrospective study was carried out of patients with CD and symptomatic Grade III haemorrhoids treated by DGHAL. Perioperative and follow‐up data were retrieved from our database of patients undergoing DGHAL. Results: The study included seven men and six women. The mean age was 34 years old. All had CD without anorectal involvement. The median duration of haemorrhoidal symptoms was 6.3 years. There was no mortality, new incontinence, faecal impaction, urinary retention, abscess formation or persistent pain following the procedure. Mean pain score based on a visual analogue scale (VAS) decreased from 2.4 at 24 h postoperatively to 1.6 on the seventh postoperative day. All patients had completely recovered by the third postoperative day. At 18 months, three (77%) of the patients were asymptomatic and three had recurrent symptoms. Conclusion: Doppler‐guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation is safe and effective in treating Grade III haemorrhoids in patients with CD without rectal involvement.     

Two-center experience in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease using Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation: functional results after 1-year follow-up

Introduction  Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation (DGHAL), as a method of treating hemorrhoidal disease, is currently used in many centers across Europe, Asia, and Australia. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and functional results of DGHAL as estimated by means of anorectal manometry. Materials and methods  Between 2000 and 2006 the DGHAL procedure was performed on 507 patients with II–IV degree hemorrhoids in two centers (Poland and Austria). Three hundred eight patients were included in the initial phase of the study, designed to estimate the method’s effectiveness. During the second phase (199 patients) selected functional results were also assessed. Patients were classified as having grade II (144), III (319), and IV (44) hemorrhoids. Results  There were no intra- and immediate postoperative complications. Good results were reported by 351 patients (69.2%), and were acceptable in a further 75 cases (4.8%). When the patients were grouped according to the stage of hemorrhoidal disease, 133 out of 144 patients (92.4%) with grade II and 272 out of 324 (84%) with grade III had very good or good results. Only 18 out of 44 patients (41%) with grade IV were satisfied with the operation. Fifty-nine patients after anorectal folds, fissure or anal canal polyp excision required analgesics for 1–2 days. Apart from lower contraction amplitude and contraction speed after 1 month there were no differences in anorectal functional tests. Conclusion  Based on our results we may conclude that DGHAL is a safe and effective method and may offer an important alternative to operative hemorrhoidectomy with no risk of postoperative stool incontinence, minimal postoperative pain, and early return of patients to their normal activities. Nevertheless, this is a fairly new procedure with a short-term follow-up. Until 5-year observations of large, multicenter, randomized trials are published we cannot recommend this method as a gold-standard procedure, although it still can offer significant benefits to patients.     

Results of ligature of distal branches of the upper rectal artery in chronic hemorrhoid with the assistance of Doppler ultrasonography

In October 2000 to February 2002 Doppler ultrasonography assisted suturing and ligation of hemorrhoidal arteries were performed in 102 patients with chronic hemorrhoids (57 men, 45 women, mean age 44 +/- 4.3 years). The mean duration of the disease was 10 +/- 4.6 years. Elimination of scarlet blood and hemorrhoidal prolapse without concomitant proctologic diseases were indications for surgery. Sixty-nine patients were followed up for more than 12 months, the follow-up lasted on the average 12 +/- 4 months. There were no clinical symptoms in 57 (82.6%) on the 69 patients. Combined ligation of arterial branches and nodes with latex rings was performed in 7 patients with stages III-IV hemorrhoids. Sclerotherapy was performed in 2 patients with stage III with occasional elimination of blood on defecation. Hemorrhoidectomy was performed in 3 (2.9%) patients with stage IV hemorrhoid due to ineffective ligation. Suturing and ligation of distal branches of the upper rectal artery decrease the inflow of arterial blood to hemorrhoidal nodes without venous outflow disorders. Fixation of hemorrhoidal nodes to the muscular wall eliminates the symptoms of hemorrhoidal prolapse. These factors lead to elimination of hemorrhoidal symptoms in 82.6% of the patients operated on.     

Manual hemorrhoidopexy in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease

Over the last 10 years a number of mini-invasive procedures have been introduced which have revolutionized the surgical treatment of hemorrhoidal disease. I would like to present a very effective method of approaching this disease with reduced postoperative pain. I have been using this technique since the year 2000 with excellent results. From 1999 to 2006 we used a proctoscope, especially, designed and patented by me to perform Doppler-guided ligation of the branches of the superior hemorrhoidal artery in the treatment of prevalently grade III hemorrhoids (THD method). Since 2006, we have performed the hemorrhoidopexy procedure alone, without Doppler-guided ligation of the arteries, and achieved excellent results (67 cases), with greater simplicity (easy-learning curve) and reduced surgery times. We use the “beak” proctoscope to this end, as it provides good illumination of the surgical field and enables the excision of areas of grade IV prolapse which are irreducible with this conservative technique.     

Prospective randomized clinical trial on suction elastic band ligator versus forceps ligator in the treatment of haemorrhoids

OBJECTIVE: This prospective randomized clinical trial was undertaken to compare the use of a single-operator vacuum suction ligator and the traditional forceps ligator in terms of pain perception following the procedure, intra-procedure bleeding and other complications. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients with second- and third-degree haemorrhoids presenting between July 2002 and September 2003 were randomized into suction and forceps groups for rubber band ligations. They were equally distributed in both groups, with a mean age of 48.7 years (range, 15-83 years). The immediate, 24-hour, 7-day and 14-day pain scores after the procedure were evaluated using a visual analogue scale. Intra-procedure bleeding and other complications at follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: Pain perception was worse in the forceps group immediately after ligation, with a mean score of 6.08 compared with 3.08 in the suction group (p < 0.001). Pain score remained high among the forceps patients at 24 hours post-banding, with a mean score of 4.00 compared with 1.92 in the suction group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in terms of immediate and 24-hour pain perceptions whether two or three haemorrhoids were banded per session (p = 0.904 and p = 0.058). The amount of analgesia consumed after banding correlated well with the severity of pain reported, being higher among the forceps group with a mean of 4.48 tablets (p = 0.003). Intra-procedure bleeding occurred in 25 patients in the forceps group compared with five in the suction group (p < 0.001). There were no severe complications such as perianal sepsis, urinary retention, sphincter dysfunction or bleeding during the trial. CONCLUSION: Suction band ligation is superior to forceps ligation for the treatment of second- and third-degree haemorrhoids in terms of pain tolerance, amount of analgesia consumed and intra-procedure bleeding.     

Doppler-guided transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation

The usual surgical treatment for haemorrhoids consists in excision of the piles and ligation of the hemorrhoidal plexus, with considerable postoperative pain. A new, less invasive technique has been introduced, called transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation. This technique consists in Doppler-guided ligation of the distal branches of the superior rectal arteries (3 to 6) 2-3 cm above the pectinate line. Arterial ligation causes reduction of blood flow to, and decongestion of, the haemorrhoidal plexus. From January 2000 to September 2003, we performed transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation in 138 patients. Patients experienced no pain in the immediate postoperative period. The follow-up revealed good outcomes. The transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation procedure can be considered a safe, effective, painless and quick method of curing haemorrhoidal disease. Its indications are extensive. The success rate is approximately 90%, but may be lower for grade 4 haemorrhoids.     

吻合器痔上黏膜环切钉合术与超声引导下痔动脉结扎术治疗Ⅲ度混合痔术后肛管直肠压力的比较研究

目的比较吻合器痔上黏膜环切钉合术（PPH）与超声引导下痔动脉结扎术（DGHAL）治疗Ⅲ度混合痔术后肛管直肠压力。方法前瞻性入组2010年问在武汉市第八医院肛肠外科住院治疗的114例Ⅲ度混合痔患者,根据患者选择分别予以PPH术（63例）或DGHAL术（51例）。术后第2、6、12及18月对所有病例进行肛门直肠测压,测压指标包括直肠静息压、肛管静息压、肛管最大收缩压和肛管高压带长度。结果术后各随访时间点,DGHAL组患者肛管静息压均明显高于PPH组[术后2月：（56．2±2．6）mmHg比（43．2±3．1）mmHg;术后6月：（55．2±2．1）mmHg比（45．1±2．5）mmHg;术后12月：（53．2±3．0）mmHg比（40．2±3．2）mmHg;术后18月：（55．3±2．6）mmHg比（43．2±2．5）mmHg;均P〈0．01];肛管高压带长度亦明显长于PPH组[术后2月：（3．45±0．14）cm比（2．95±0．22）cm;术后6月：（3．46±0．12）cm比（2．94±0．26）cm;术后12月：（3．45±0．12）cm比（3．01±0．21）cm;术后18月：（3．56±0．12）cm比（3．02±0．23）cm;均P〈0．01]。但两组患者肛管最大收缩压和直肠静息压的差异则无统计学意义（均P〉0．05）。结论DGHAL和PPH术均为治疗Ⅲ度混合痔的有效术式,但DGHAL术在缩短肛门功能恢复时间和维护肛门功能方面更值得肯定。     

超声多普勒引导下痔动脉结扎加内痔结扎术与单纯内痔结扎术治疗内痔的疗效观察

为观察超声多普勒引导下痔动脉结扎加内痔结扎术治疗内痔的临床疗效,将60例Ⅲ期内痔患者分为治疗组和对照组各30例,治疗组采用超声多普勒引导下痔动脉结扎加内痔结扎术治疗;对照组采用传统内痔结扎术进行对比观察。结果显示,两组患者在术后疼痛、便血方面比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）,治疗组明显优于对照组。结果表明,在治疗Ⅲ期内痔时,超声多普勒引导下痔动脉结扎加内痔结扎术与传统内痔结扎术相比,具有手术操作简单,术后并发症少,痛苦小,安全性高等优点,是一种相当安全的治疗方法。     

Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization is an alternative to operative hemorrhoidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD), a new approach for patients who would otherwise require an operative hemorrhoidectomy, accomplishes hemorrhoidal symptom relief with far less postoperative pain than an operative hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: THD, an ambulatory procedure, employs a specially designed proctoscope coupled with a Doppler transducer to allow identification and suture ligation of the hemorrhoidal arteries. RESULTS: Sixty patients between ages 22 and 87 were treated. Bleeding was fully corrected in 88%, protrusion in 92%, and pain in 71%. Two patients (3%) failed to improve with THD. Complications included pain resulting in greater than 2 days loss of work in 5 patients, postoperative perirectal thromboses developed in 4 patients, and an anal fissure developed in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: THD was an effective alternative to operative hemorrhoidectomy. It may be the only option for patients where an operative hemorrhoidectomy is contraindicated because of incontinence.     

Embolization of the hemorrhoidal arteries (the emborrhoid technique): A new concept and challenge for interventional radiology

Elective transanal Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation (DG-HAL) has recently been shown to be effective in hemorrhoidal disease. It consists of ligating the terminal branches of the superior rectal artery under Doppler guidance, in order to reduce the hemorrhoidal arterial blood flow and improve the symptoms. By analogy, we propose performing this arterial occlusion using the “emborrhoid” technique (embolization of the hemorrhoidal arteries), in which arterial occlusion is achieved via the endovascular route using coils placed in the terminal branches of the superior rectal arteries. Three patients have been treated by this new technique, and the observations show that it is feasible and reproducible, with no ischemic complications or pain. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this technique for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease.     

Hemorrhoidal laser procedure: short- and long-term results from a prospective study

Background

We report the results of 2-year regular use of the hemorrhoidal laser procedure (HeLP) in 97 patients with symptomatic second- to third-grade hemorrhoids with minimal or moderate internal mucosal prolapse.

Methods

Data on duration of the procedure, perioperative complications, postoperative pain, downgrading of hemorrhoids, resolution or persistency, and recurrence of hemorrhoidal disease (HD) were prospectively collected.

Results

No significant intraoperative complications occurred. The median follow-up was 15 months. Postoperative pain was null in most patients. There were no cases of rectal tenesmus or alteration of defecation habits. Symptoms and HD downgrading reached a “plateau” at 3 to 6 months after the HeLP. At this evaluation, frequency of bleeding, pain, itching, and hemorrhoidal acute syndrome decreased by 76% to 79%. HD grade showed a significant reduction. HD recurrence rate was 5% at 2 years.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that the HeLP is a safe, effective, and painless technique for the treatment of symptomatic second- to third-grade hemorrhoids with minimal or moderate mucosal prolapse, ideally suitable as ambulatory treatment.     

外剥内扎配合超声多普勒痔动脉结扎术治疗环状混合痔的临床研究

为观察外剥内扎配合超声多普勒痔动脉结扎术治疗环状混合痔的临床疗效,将80例环状混合痔患者分为治疗组和对照组各40例,治疗组采用外剥内扎配合超声多普勒痔动脉结扎术,对照组采用Milligan-Morgan术合并横切术治疗。结果显示,治疗组在减少术后复发、减轻术后肛门疼痛、肛门狭窄、肛缘水肿及缩短愈合时间等方面均优于对照组（P〈0．05）,肛门失禁的发生率两组差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结果表明,外剥内扎配合超声多普勒痔动脉结扎术是一种新的治疗环状混合痔有效手术组合,术后并发症少,复发少。     

痔动脉结扎加外剥内扎保留齿状线术治疗环状混合痔的临床观察

为探讨痔动脉结扎加外剥内扎保留齿状线术治疗环状混合痔的临床效果,将126例环状混合痔分为两组,治疗组64例采用痔动脉结扎加外剥内扎保留齿状线术,对照组62例采用传统外剥内扎术。术后观察两组创面愈合时间及并发症等情况,术后均随访1年。结果显示,治疗组在减轻术后疼痛,缩短疗程以及预防舡门狭窄,保护肛门功能,减少复发等方面均优于对照组。结果表明,痔动脉结扎加外剥内扎保留齿状线术不损伤齿状线,保留了肛垫,降低了术后并发症的发生率,是治疗环状混合痔合理有效的术式。     

直视下痔动脉结扎在痔Milligan—Morgan手术中的临床应用

为探讨直视下痔动脉结扎在痔MilliganMorgan手术中的临床应用价值,将152例痔（其中内痔Ⅲ期44例,Ⅳ期108例）患者随机分为对照组和观察组,各76例,对照组单纯行Milligan-Morgan手术治疗,观察组在行MilliganMorgan手术时先在直视下进行痔动脉结扎。对比观察两组患者疗效。结果显示,两组患者住院时间、创面愈合时间比较,差异均无统计学意义,P〉0．05;但观察组手术时间明显短于对照组,P〈0．05,术中出血量明显小于对照组,P〈0．01。观察组术中缝扎部位血肿3例,对照组术后创面渗血8例,两组术后均无大出血发生。随访1～2年,观察组均无复发,对照组复发10例（15．6％,10／64）。结果表明,痔Milligan—Morgan手术中先在直视下结扎痔动脉,可减少术中出血,缩短手术时间,降低术后复发率,值得临床推广应用。     

超声多普勒引导下痔动脉结扎术结合直肠肛门修复术治疗痔的临床研究

观察超声多普勒引导下痔动脉结扎术结合直肠肛门修复术治疗痔病的临床疗效。方法采用随机对照试验的方法,将140例Ⅲ～Ⅳ期痔患者随机分为两组,试验组70例采用超声多普勒引导下痔动脉结扎术结合直肠肛门修复术（DGHAL—RAR）,对照组70例采用Milligan—Morgan术,术后观察比较两组患者的临床疗效、近期复发率、患者满意度、住院时间、术后并发症（疼痛、水肿、尿潴留、肛门坠胀感等）发生情况。结果两组患者年龄、性别、痔病分期、临床疗效、术后水肿、肛门坠胀感评分、近期复发率方面差异无统计学意义。试验组与对照组在平均住院时间、患者满意度及术后疼痛、尿潴留评分上有统计学差异（P〈0．05）。结论多普勒引导下痔动脉结扎术结合直肠肛门修复术治疗Ⅲ～Ⅳ期痔具有安全、有效、微创、住院时间短、术后痛苦少等优点,值得临床进一步推广。     

多普勒引导痔动脉结扎治疗痔病的研究近况

目的总结多普勒引导痔动脉结扎术治疗痔病的临床应用情况进展。方法复习近年来的相关文献,对多普勒引导痔动脉结扎术的手术原理、操作过程、手术适应证及效果以及存在的问题进行探讨。结果多普勒引导下痔动脉结扎术是利用多普勒超声寻找痔动脉并直接缝扎治疗痔病,其最佳适应证是Ⅱ及Ⅲ度内痔或是以Ⅱ及Ⅲ度内痔为主的混合痔,尤其对出血性痔病疗效较好。该手术创伤小、术后恢复快、并发症少。但是对外痔无明显治疗作用,因此外痔及以外痔为主的混合痔不适用该手术。结论多普勒引导下痔动脉结扎术具有微创优势,是治疗Ⅱ或Ⅲ度内痔或是以Ⅱ或Ⅲ度内痔为主的混合痔的一种安全有效的方法。     

The superior rectal artery and its branching pattern with regard to its clinical influence on ligation techniques for internal hemorrhoids

BACKGROUND: The hemorrhoidal artery ligation has been used for submucosal ligation of hemorrhoidal arteries by means of an ultrasonographic transducer since 1995. The success of this technique depends on the submucosal course of these arteries. Our investigation deals with branches of the superior rectal artery which pierce the rectal wall where they cannot be reached by this method. METHODS: The branching patterns were investigated by means of 5 macroscopic preparations of adult pelves, histological section series of 35 fetal and 3 adult pelves impregnated in epoxy-resin, and transperineal color Doppler ultrasound of 7 proctologic patients and 28 volunteers. RESULTS: Additional branches of the superior rectal artery coursing in outer layers of the rectal wall were shown entering the rectal wall just above the levator ani muscle to supply the internal hemorrhoidal plexus (corpus cavernosum recti). CONCLUSIONS: The terminal course of the branches of the superior rectal artery is not only applied to the rectal submucosa. We have shown that additional branches may be detected by ultrasonography and should be taken into account by the operating surgeon.     

多普勒超声引导下痔动脉结扎加外剥内扎术在痔手术中的应用

为探讨多普勒超声引导下痔动脉结扎术（DG-HAL）加外剥内扎术治疗痔的临床疗效及安全性，将219例混合痔患者随机分为3组，每组73例。治疗组采用DG-HAL加外剥内扎术治疗，外剥内扎术组采用外剥内扎术治疗，DG-HAL组采用DG-HAL治疗。分别观察3组术后的疼痛评分、术后并发症及肛门功能等指标。结果显示，在疼痛评分方面DG-HAL组优于治疗组和外剥内扎术组，治疗组在术后出血、赘皮残留以及内痔复发方面均优于其它两组。在术后肛门功能方面治疗组和DG-HAL组均优于外剥内扎术组。结果表明，DG-HAL加外剥内扎术治疗混合痔，疗效确切，不良反应少，而且能减少术后出血、赘皮残留以及内痔复发等并发症和后遗症。     

Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation: long-term outcome and patient satisfaction

Objective  Conventional Milligan–Morgan haemorrhoidectomy is associated with significant pain and potentially hazardous complications. Doppler-Guided Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (DGHAL) may offer a lower risk, pain-free alternative. We present our early and long-term outcome experience with DGHAL, combined with patient views and satisfaction with the procedure.
Method  One hundred and thirteen DGHALs were performed over a 13 month period by two surgeons in a single centre. Patients graded the severity of postoperative pain on visual-analogue scales. Clinical follow-up was at 6 weeks ( n  = 103), with long-term follow-up ( n  = 90) by postal questionnaire at median of 30 months.
Results  Seven out of one hundred and three (6%) patients reported postoperative discomfort requiring analgesia. Ninety-three out of one hundred and three (90%) patients reported complete relief or significant improvement in their symptoms at 6 weeks, dropping to 77/90 (86%) at 30 months. Anal fissures developed in 2/103 (2%) patients, both treated with Diltiazem ointment. Further surgery was required in 8/90 (9%) patients. Eighty-two out of ninety (91%) patients said they would undergo DGHAL again.
Conclusion  DGHAL is a relatively painless, safe, and effective procedure for symptomatic stage I–III haemorrhoids, for which we have demonstrated long-term durability and acceptability. Its role lies between office based procedures and more invasive operative interventions.     

多普勒超声引导下痔动脉结扎加悬吊术治疗痔病的临床研究

目的观察超声多普勒引导下痔动脉结扎加悬吊术在治疗痔病的临床疗效。方法选取30例痔病患者作为治疗组,采用超声多普勒引导下痔动脉结扎加悬吊术;选取同期入院进行传统内痔结扎外痔切除术的患者30例作为对照组,进行回顾性对比观察。结果治疗组与对照组治愈率分别为87%vs.87%、近期复发率分别为10%vs.7%,无明显差异（P〉0.05）。治疗组在术后首次排便的通畅度、便时疼痛感、出血、便后肛缘水肿及平均住院天数上明显优于对照组（P〈0.01）结论在治疗以出血、脱出性内痔为主的痔病时,超声多普勒引导下痔动脉结扎加悬吊术与内痔结扎外痔切除术相比,具有术后并发症少、痛苦小、恢复时间短等优点。