Comparison of early and 1-year follow-up results of conventional hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoid artery ligation: a randomized study.
OBJECTIVE
Doppler-guided hemorrhoid artery ligation is a new approach for treating hemorrhoids. Early and 1-year follow-up results of the procedure are presented and compared with those of closed scissors hemorrhoidectomy in a prospective randomized study.


METHODS
Sixty consecutively recruited patients were randomized into two groups: group A ( n=30) was treated with standardized closed scissors hemorrhoidectomy and group B ( n=30) with Doppler-guided hemorrhoid artery ligation. The follow-up period was 11.7+/-4.6 months.


RESULTS
The average need for minor analgesics was 11.7+/-12.6 doses in group A and 2.9+/-7.7 in group B. Patients in group A spent 62.9+/-29.0 hours in hospital postoperatively and those in group B 19.8+/-41.8 hours. Return to normal daily activities took 24.9+/-24.5 days in group A and 3.0+/-5.5 days in group B. Neither the disappearance (26 vs. 25 patients) nor the recurrence of preoperative symptoms (5 vs. 6 patients) differed significantly between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Both procedures were effective in treating hemorrhoids. The 1-year results of Doppler-guided hemorrhoid artery ligation do not differ from those of closed scissors hemorrhoidectomy. Doppler-guided hemorrhoid artery ligation seems to be ideal for 1-day surgery, and it fulfills the requirements of minimally invasive surgery.
Bursics
Attila
A
First Department of Surgery, Semmelweis University, 1082 Budapest, Hungary. bu@seb1.sote.hu
Morvay
Krisztina
K
Kupcsulik
Péter
P
Flautner
Lajos
L
D001003:Anal Canal / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001158:Arteries; D003107:Colorectal Surgery / Q000379:methods; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017792:Surgical Stapling; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome