Doppler-Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation in the Management of Symptomatic Hemorrhoids

Ramirez, J. M. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Aguilella, V. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Elia, M. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Gracia, J. A. ; Martinez, M. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Objective: 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.

Idioma: Inglés

Año: 2005

Publicado en: REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 97, 2 (2005), 97-100
ISSN: 1130-0108

Factor impacto JCR: 0.535 (2005)

Categ. JCR: GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY rank: 45 / 46 = 0.978 (2005) - Q4 - T3

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Cirugía (Dpto. Cirugía,Ginecol.Obstetr.)