Scientific Papers

Comparison of early and 1- year follow- up results of conventional hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoid artery ligation: a randomized study
Authors: Bursics A., Morvay K., Kupcsulik P., Flautuer L.
Source: Int. J. Colorectal Dis., 2004 Mar.; 19(2):176 -80.

Comparison of early and 1 - year follow-up results of conventional hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoid artery ligation: a randomized study.

Bursics A, Morvav K, Kuncsulik P, Flautner L

First Department of Surgery, Semmelweis University, 1082 Budapest, Hungary. bu@seb1.sote.hu

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: 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. PATIENTS AND 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. CONCLUSION: 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.