Colour doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation: A possible evolution of transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation

Introduction. Haemorrhoids are a very common disease, with a great economic burden. Many treatments have been developed for trying to solve the problem, being the standard not yet found. In 1995, Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation was introduced, aiming to reduce postoperative pain and complications. In this work, an evolution of the aforementioned surgical technique was described. Materials and Methods.183 patients treated with standard Doppler-Guided Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation were statistically compared with 225 patients dealt with Colour Doppler-Guided Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation. The procedures were performed under local anaesthesia with patients in lithotomy position. A special proctoscope and a dedicated Colourdoppler US probe were employed in the second group. Superior haemorrhoidal artery terminal branches were consecutively ligated according to provided technique in the first group and under vision in the second. In all cases, each ligation was followed by mucopexy. Results. No significant differences between the two groups, in terms of post-operative pain, early complications (bleeding, urinary retention, incontinence) or patient satisfaction, were demonstrated. Recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients treated with standard DG-HAL. No late complications (after one-year follow-up) were registered in both groups. Conclusions. Colour Doppler-Guided Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation represents an ideal management for 1-day surgery, and fulfils the requirements of minimally invasive surgery in patients with III-IV grade haemorrhoids. The absence of complications and the evidence of significant wellness of patients are the best advantages. Colour Doppler-Guided Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation is a safe and easy procedure with good results and a very short-time training. It could be considered an easy and reliable method to treat symptomatic haemorrhoids.