engRamirez, J. M.Aguilella, V.Elia, M.Gracia, J. A.Martinez, M.Doppler-Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation in the Management of Symptomatic HemorrhoidsART-2005-56230Objective: The aim of this study is to clinically test the efficacy of a new approach for patients having symptomatic grade III and IV hemorrhoids. Material and method: 32 patients (17 females) complaining of grade III or IV hemorrhoids were included in the study. A specially designed proctoscope coupled with a Doppler transducer on its tip was used to identify the hemorrhoidal arteries, which were afterwards suture ligated. Operating time as well as per- and post-operative complications were analyzed. Follow-up was planned following discharge after 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year. Results: Mean operation time was 27 (range 18-43) minutes, and 5 (range 4-7) arteries were located on average. No patient had severe or moderate postoperative pain, with anal discomfort being the main complaint. Rectal bleeding and tenesmus were the commonest post-operative complications. After one year of follow-up, 19 patients were free of symptoms and 6 of them had significant symptom relief. According to grade, the technique failed in just 3 grade III patients, but in as many as 4 grade IV hemorrhoid cases. Conclusions: Doppler-guided hemorrhoid artery ligation is an easy-to-perform technique that is well accepted by patients and has good results for grade III hemorrhoids.2005http://zaguan.unizar.es/record/165569http://zaguan.unizar.es/record/165569oai:zaguan.unizar.es:165569REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 97, 2 (2005), 97-100All rights reservedhttp://www.europeana.eu/rights/rr-f/info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess