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PubMed2006

Long-term manometric study of anal sphincter function after hemorrhoidectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Data on maximum resting pressure (MRP) and maximum squeeze pressure (MSP) changes after hemorrhoidectomy are not univocal and follow-up of patients undergoing surgery is mostly short-lived. The aim of this study was to prospectively examine during 1-year follow-up the long-term manometric results of MRP, MSP, and ultra slow wave activity (USWA) within a set of patients undergoing Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy as compared to healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with hemorrhoids of third and fourth degree were enrolled and anorectal manometry was performed preoperatively, on the 5th day, and after 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: On the 5th and 30th day after hemorrhoidectomy, USWA was slightly increased as compared to preoperative status. Six and 12 months after surgery, patients with USWA were significantly less in comparison to preoperative assessment without differences with healthy subjects. After surgery, MSP values were not significantly different to baseline values. On the 5th postoperative day after hemorrhoidectomy, MRP was significantly greater than baseline preoperative values. Thirty days after surgery, MRP values were similar to those detected preoperatively, but still significantly increased as compared to healthy subjects. After 6 and 12 months, MRP values were significantly lower than those detected during preoperative phase and comparable to healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support that Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy induces a complete resolution of typical manometric alterations of disease and that the excision of anal cushions is responsible only for mild and transient alteration of anal continence.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Modern stapled Longo procedure vs. conventional Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Postoperative pain is the most distressing sequela of conventional hemorrhoidectomy. A modern alternative of circumferential mucosectomy has been proposed to reduce the pain in this procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This controlled trial included 80 patients with second to fourth degree hemorrhoidal disease operated on over a 2-year period. The patients were randomly allocated to undergo either the stapled Longo procedure (group 1) or Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy (group 2) under epidural anesthesia. The operating time, postoperative pain scores at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, analgesic consumption, hospital stay, and complication rate were recorded. At follow-up the outcome and patient satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean operating time in group 1 was shorter than in group 2, postoperative pain scores at all time points and the mean epidural morphine requirement was lower, and mean hospital stay was shorter. The complication rate did not differ (three cases of postoperative bleeding in group 1 and two cases in group. At follow-up no recurrence or complains were recorded except three cases of mild incontinence (one in group 1 and two in group 2). The patients in group 1 (95%) were more satisfied than in group 2 (89%). CONCLUSION: The Longo procedure is thus a simple, safe, and effective method that entails less postoperative pain, more satisfaction, and shorter hospital stay than the standard Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy.

Anesthesia, Epidural↗
PubMed2005

Flavonoids to reduce bleeding and pain after stapled hemorrhoidopexy: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Control of postoperative symptoms is of paramount importance in ambulatory surgery. This trial was conducted to evaluate whether a micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) (Detralex((R))) reduces postoperative bleeding, pain and consumption of analgesics after ambulatory stapled hemorrhoidopexy, as reported in trials after classic hemorrhoidectomy. Phlebotropic activity, protective effect on the capillaries and anti-inflammatory properties of this drug have been reported in several studies. METHODS: Sixty-three patients with third-degree hemorrhoids had ambulatory stapled hemorrhoidopexy under spinal anesthesia in the period of one year. The patients were randomized, with 30 receiving Detralex 500 mg (2 tablets 3 times daily for 5 days after the operation) and 33 forming the control group. The patients were asked to daily self-assess the presence of blood on defecation, degree of pain and consumption of analgesics for the first week after the operation. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in duration of presence of blood, degree of pain or analgesics requirement. No major complications, such as bleeding requiring transfusion or hospitalization, sepsis, anal stenosis or urgent defecation, were noted in the follow-up period. There were no side effects from Detralex treatment. DISCUSSION: In our study we could not demonstrate any positive effect of prescribing flavonoids after stapler hemorrhoidopexy. This procedure may not be sufficiently aggressive and is associated with too few postoperative complications to show any protective influence of flavonoids.

Analgesics↗
PubMed2006

Albumin-glutaraldehyde bioadhesive ("Bioglue") for prevention of postoperative complications after stapled hemorrhoidopexy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhoidopexy using the circumferential stapler is an established method for surgical treatment of patients with prolapsing hemorrhoids. Despite its advantages, complications such as anal canal stenosis, hemorrhage and anastomosis leak with eventual intrapelvic sepsis can cause serious postoperative problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of a surgical adhesive, the biological albumin-glutaraldehyde glue "Bioglue", in reduction of these postoperative complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and November 2004, 200 patients undergoing stapled hemorrhoidopexy were enrolled in a prospective, randomized clinical trial. One hundred patients were randomly assigned to the control group; the study group consisted of 100 patients who received Bioglue in the mucosa anastomosis area. All patients received standardized postoperative analgesic, laxative and antibiotic treatment. We then evaluated the two groups for postoperative complications (after surgery and 6 months postoperatively). RESULTS: From the control group (no Bioglue application), two patients presented with anal stenosis, two with hemorrhage, three had anastomosis leak and one had thrombosis, whereas none of the patients from the Bioglue group had any of these complications. Both groups had patients with severe postoperative pain (3 each) and fecal incontinence (1 patient each). The overall difference in the number of complications in the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this first study using Bioglue in patients undergoing circumferential stapled hemorrhoidopexy we have shown that application of the glue is effective in reducing postoperative complications.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed2004

Prospective randomized trial of submucosal hemorrhoidectomy with radiofrequency bistoury vs. conventional Parks' operation.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain has always been the main adverse effect of the surgical treatment for hemorrhoids. Surgical techniques evolved mainly to solve this problem as well as postoperative bleeding, stenosis and recurrence. This randomized study compared the results obtained using submucosal hemorrhoidectomy with radiofrequency bistoury with those of the conventional Parks' operation. METHODS: A total of 102 patients were randomized to undergo submucosal hemorrhoidectomy with radiofrequency bistoury (51 patients) or conventional Parks' haemorrhoidectomy (51 patients); loss of some patients at follow-up resulted in 49 and 45 patients available for analysis, respectively. The operating time, amount of pain (VAS scale, 1-10), postoperative analgesic requirement, intra- and postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and patient satisfaction were documented. RESULTS: In comparison to Parks' technique, use of radiofrequency bistoury reduced mean operating time (61.2 min vs. 37.4 min; p<0.05), first postoperative day pain score (5.9 vs. 4.0; p<0.05), pain score at first evacuation (5.7 vs. 4.2; p>0.05), postoperative stay (2.2 days vs. 1.3 days; p<0.05), and pain score on postoperative day 7 (3.6 vs. 2.8; p>0.05). Fecal incontinence was never observed. Incontinence to flatus with spontaneous resolution within 2-3 weeks was reported by 4 subjects in each surgical group. Urinary retention requiring catheterization occurred in 21 subjects in the radiofrequency bistoury group and in 18 patients in the control group. No complications nor recurrences were reported at the 6-month follow-up in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Performing submucosal hemorrhoidectomy with radiofrequency bistoury improves the results obtained with Parks' technique, allowing us to simplify the surgical procedure, reduce operating time, postoperative pain and bleeding, and shorten the hospital stay.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Semi-open hemorrhoidectomy.

The concept that hemorrhoidal disease is a consequence of disorders of the cephalic portion of the anal canal, i.e. weakness of the vascular cushions and the connective tissue, is the basis for modifying the usual surgical technique in many aspects. The two main differences of the method described are: (i) the internal plexus is treated by parceled ligature, avoiding resection of the mucosa, but providing a firm fixation of the submucosa and subsequent fixation of the anal epithelium to the underlying sphincter in the anal canal; (ii) the external plexus is removed preserving as much as possible the anal margin skin, and the resulting wound is partially closed, resulting in a small drainage area; and (iii) a firm fixation of the submucosa and subsequent fixation of the anal epithelium to the underlying sphincter are achieved without mucosa resection.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed2004

Topical metronidazole (10 percent) decreases posthemorrhoidectomy pain and improves healing.

INTRODUCTION: Oral metronidazole has been previously demonstrated to decrease postoperative pain after open diathermy hemorrhoidectomy. The current study investigates the efficacy of topical metronidazole (10 percent) in reducing postoperative pain and promoting wound healing after Harmonic Scalpel hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: A prospective, randomized trial was conducted to compare posthemorrhoidectomy pain and wound healing with use of topical metronidazole (10 percent) vs. placebo carrier, applied to the surgical site. Surgical indications included grade 3 or 4 internal or external hemorrhoidal disease, with or without a fissure-in-ano. Pain was assessed using a visual analog score (VAS) preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 2, 7, 14, and 28. Twenty-four-hour narcotic use (hydrocodone 10 mg) was recorded on postoperative days 1, 2, 7, 14, and 28. Digital photographs of the surgical site were taken at 14 days postoperatively. The photographs were independently ranked by three blinded observers according to a) postoperative edema, b) primary vs. secondary healing, and c) overall wound healing. RESULTS: Twenty patients were randomized in a prospective manner, ten to the topical 10 percent metronidazole group and ten to the placebo carrier group. Patients in the topical metronidazole group experienced significantly less postoperative pain at day 7 (VAS +/- SEM, 3.4 +/- 0.4 vs. 6.3 +/- 0.5; P = 0.002) and day 14 (1.0 +/- 0.4 vs. 3.2 +/- 0.7, P = 0.02). There was no statistical difference in narcotic analgesic requirements between groups. In the metronidazole group, postoperative edema was ranked significantly lower (mean score, 3.0 vs. 7.0, P < 0.01) and overall wound healing ranked significantly better (4.0 vs. 7.0, P = 0.03) than in controls. CONCLUSION: Topical 10 percent metronidazole significantly reduces posthemorrhoidectomy discomfort at days 7 and 14 postoperatively. Postoperative edema is reduced and overall healing is improved, compared with that of carrier controls.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2004

Why do anal wounds heal adequately? A study of the local immunoinflammatory defense mechanisms.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the tissue defense immunoinflammatory mechanisms present in the healing process of anal region wounds resulting from hemorrhoidectomy by the open technique. METHODS: Immunohistochemical techniques were applied to biopsies of anal wounds obtained on Day 0 and Day 6 after surgery from 20 patients with hemorrhoid disease to characterize and quantify macrophages, T and B lymphocytes, and natural killer cells in high-power fields (400x). These techniques were also used to identify cells showing immunoexpression of cytokines (transforming growth factor beta 1, transforming growth factor beta 2, transforming growth factor beta 3) and constitutive and induced nitric oxide synthase. Plasma cells were quantified on slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin and the presence of immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, and immunoglobulin A secreting cells was investigated by direct immunofluorescence. RESULTS: An acute nonspecific inflammation with no lymphomononuclear-plasmacytic component was observed on Day 0. On Day 6, an inflammatory cellular infiltration rich in macrophages and lymphoplasmacytic cells was detected, which documented the participation of innate defense mechanisms and the adaptive tissue response. On Day 6, the mean number of immunoinflammatory cells were as follows: macrophages (CD68+) = 190.3; macrophages (HAM56+) = 184.3; T lymphocytes (CD3+) = 59.6; T lymphocytes (CD45RO+) = 47.7; helper T lymphocytes (CD4+) = 89.2; cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+) = 29.4; B lymphocytes (CD20+) = 64.4; plasma cells = 1.7; natural killer cells (NK1+) = 12.9. Macrophages (HAM56+ and CD68+) were present in significantly higher amounts than those of the remaining ones. B lymphocytes (CD20+) predominated over T lymphocytes (CD3+), although the difference between the two cell types was not significant. Participation of the humoral immune system was characterized by the presence of immunoglobulin G-secreting cells. The cellular immune system was characterized by the identification of T lymphocytes (CD3+ and CD45RO+), most of them belonging to the T helper cell subpopulation (CD4+). These predominated in a significant manner over cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+). Natural killer cells were present in small amounts. There was immunoexpression of constitutive nitric oxide synthase on Day 0 and on Day 6. Induced nitric oxide synthase was not identified on Day 0 but was present on Day 6. Transforming growth factor beta 2 and transforming growth factor beta 3 were expressed in endothelial cells on Day 0 and on Day 6, and transforming growth factor beta was also expressed in macrophages, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts on Day 6. Transforming growth factor beta 1 and transforming growth factor beta 2 were expressed significantly in macrophages, whereas transforming growth factor beta 3 occurred at similar proportions in the three cell types. CONCLUSIONS: The host developed locally innate and immunologic defense adaptive mechanisms. The predominant local defense response involved macrophages. Natural killer cells and immunoexpression of constitutive nitric oxide synthase in endothelial cells were components of the noninduced innate response. In the induced innate response, in addition to neutrophils, there were large numbers of macrophages that were the major cells showing immunoexpression of transforming growth factor beta and induced nitric oxide synthase. The adaptive immunologic response was characterized by T and B lymphocytes. Helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells predominated in the cellular immune response and cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells were present in small numbers. Secretory immunoglobulin G plasma cells were present in small numbers as a component of the humoral immune system.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Reinterventions after complicated or failed stapled hemorrhoidopexy.

BACKGROUND: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy has become increasingly popular over the past five years, mainly because of the assumption that it is associated with less pain. However, persistent tags and recurrence might represent a problem, because piles are not excised and severe complications requiring surgery have been occasionally reported. The aim of the present study is to analyze the causes for and the outcome of reintervention following either severely complicated or failed stapled hemorrhoidopexy. METHODS: A total of 232 primary stapled hemorrhoidopexies and 65 reinterventions after stapled hemorrhoidopexy were performed by the authors in five centers devoted to colorectal surgery. Twelve patients of the latter group had the stapled hemorrhoidopexy performed in one of these centers. Thirty-five were males and 30 were females. The mean age was 50 (range, 29-81) years. In all cases the primary indication for stapled hemorrhoidopexy was either third-degree or fourth-degree symptomatic hemorrhoids. In all patients submitted to reoperation the diagnosis of either severely complicated or failed stapled hemorrhoidopexy was made. The clinical history of all of these patients was carefully studied and all underwent inspection, digital exploration, and proctoscopy. After the reintervention, proctoscopy was performed in 61 patients (92 percent) after a median follow-up of 5.5 (range, 1-36) months. RESULTS: Our reoperation rate after stapled hemorrhoidopexy was 11 percent. The most frequent indications for reintervention were persistent, severe anal pain (visual analog pain score higher than 7) in 29 patients (45 percent), severe postoperative bleeding in 20 (31 percent), anal fissure in 16 (21 percent), prolapsing piles in 12 (18 percent), rectal polyp in 11 (16 percent), anorectal sepsis in 11 (16 percent), and fecal incontinence in 7 (11 percent). Thirteen different types of reintervention were needed. Excisional hemorrhoidectomy, removal of staples, and fissurectomy and/or internal sphincterotomy were the most frequent operation (n = 41). A decrease in anal pain, as measured by visual analog pain score, was observed one month after reintervention, compared with that measured preoperatively (from 5.6 +/- 3.6 to 3.0 +/- 2.9) (P < 0.001). Bleeding requiring treatment occurred in six cases (10 percent), anal stricture requiring dilation occurred in three (5 percent), and fecal incontinence in three (5 percent). Proctoscopy showed no recurrences in 52 cases (80 percent) after the reintervention. CONCLUSION: Pain and bleeding mostly caused by piles, fissures, and retained staples were the most frequent causes for reoperation after stapled hemorrhoidopexy. Reintervention was associated with a high bleeding and soiling rate, but was effective in treating pain and other symptoms in the majority of patients. Because of the wide spectrum of different interventions required, a failed or complicated stapled hemorrhoidopexy might be better treated by an experienced colorectal surgeon.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Effective management of posthemorrhoidectomy secondary hemorrhage using rectal irrigation.

PURPOSE: How to manage posthemorrhoidectomy secondary hemorrhage, a rare but serious complication, effectively remains controversial. This study evaluated the effectiveness of using rectal irrigation as an initial treatment for posthemorrhoidectomy secondary hemorrhage. METHODS: Among 4,880 patients on whom elective closed hemorrhoidectomy for symptomatic hemorrhoidal disease was performed, 45 (0.9 percent) developed posthemorrhoidectomy secondary hemorrhage. The 45 patients were divided into two groups based on the initial treatment in the stoma therapy room (n = 25) or in the operating room (n = 20). Patients in the stoma therapy room group were treated with rectal irrigation, whereas those in the operating room group were examined under anesthesia and the bleeding point (if any) was under-run using a suture. The two groups were then compared with respect to the cost-effectiveness of treatment, rehospitalization stay, and satisfaction with treatment. RESULTS: The two groups (stoma therapy room vs. operating room groups) were comparable with respect to the mean age of patients (44 vs. 38 years), interval of hemorrhage (9.4 vs. 7.8 days), and estimated amount of blood loss (560 vs. 520 ml). Bleeding effectively stopped in 22 (88 percent) patients in the stoma therapy room group but only in 12 (60 percent) patients in the operating room group (P = 0.010). The rehospitalization stay was three days in the stoma therapy room and 4.9 days in the operating room group (P = 0.016). In addition, the stoma therapy room group had a greater satisfaction rate than the operating room group did (80 vs. 10 percent, P < 0.001). Moreover, the average cost of treatment in the operating room group was six-fold higher than that in the stoma therapy room group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that rectal irrigation is an effective initial treatment for posthemorrhoidectomy secondary hemorrhage and offers a high rate of patient satisfaction with a reduced hospital cost.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy: five hundred consecutive cases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of postoperative complications after Harmonic Scalpels hemorrhoidectomy and to identify any predisposing factors leading to postoperative complications. METHODS: Five hundred consecutive cases of Harmonic Scalpel hemorrhoidectomy were studied in a prospective manner. Postoperative complications were recorded, and any predisposing factors were evaluated. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-five patients (71 percent) underwent Harmonic Scalpel hemorrhoidectomy alone. One hundred twenty patients (24 percent) underwent additional fissurectomy/sphincterotomy for fissure-in-ano, and 25 patients (5 percent) underwent additional fistulotomy. A total of 24 (4.8 percent) patients experienced some form of postoperative complication. Three patients (0.6 percent) experienced a secondary postoperative hemorrhage requiring reexploration under anesthesia. Two of the three patients were taking postoperative oral Toradol, and both had undergone an "open" hemorrhoidectomy technique. The third patient required suture ligation of multiple bleeding sites on two separate occasions at 7 and 14 days postoperatively. The patient was subsequently diagnosed as having Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. One patient experienced postoperative incontinence to flatus and stool. The patient had large, Grade TV postpartum hemorrhoids and had undergone a three-quadrant closed hemorrhoidectomy. The sphincter mechanism was intact on postoperative ultrasound, and an underlying pudendal neuropathy likely contributed to the sphincter dysfunction. Postoperative urinary retention was noted in 10 (2 percent) patients, postoperative fissure in 5 (1 percent), and abscess/fistula in 4 (0.8 percent). One patient (0.2 percent) required readmission for colonic pseudo-obstruction. CONCLUSION: Harmonic Scalpel hemorrhoidectomy is a safe surgical modality, and postoperative complication rates compare favorably with previously published studies. The combination of an "open" hemorrhoidectomy technique and prolonged oral Toradol administration may result in a higher incidence of postoperative hemorrhage.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Retroperitoneal sepsis complicating stapled hemorrhoidectomy: report of a case and review of the literature.

Stapled hemorrhoidectomy (mucosectomy) is a new technique that has recently been introduced for the treatment of third-degree and fourth-degree hemorrhoids and rectal mucosal prolapse. We present a case of severe retroperitoneal sepsis complicating stapled hemorrhoidectomy that was successfully treated by conservative means, further surgery therefore being avoided. The literature on the more serious complications associated with stapled hemorrhoidectomy is reviewed.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Randomized trial of rubber band ligation vs. stapled hemorrhoidectomy for prolapsed piles.

PURPOSE: The introduction of stapled hemorrhoidectomy may replace local techniques such as rubber band ligation as a first-line treatment for Grade III and small Grade IV piles. We conducted a randomized trial to determine the role of rubber band ligation in the era of stapled hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with Grade III or small Grade IV hemorrhoids were randomly allocated to either rubber band ligation or stapled hemorrhoidectomy. Patient demographics and procedure-related details were recorded. Follow-up was at two weeks and two and six months to assess complications, symptom relief, incontinence scores, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were randomly assigned to rubber band ligation and 30 to stapled hemorrhoidectomy. The groups were equally matched for age, gender, grade of piles, continence scores, and quality of life. Stapled hemorrhoidectomy was associated with increased pain and analgesia usage at both 2-week and 2-month follow-up (P < 0.001). Rubber band ligation and stapled hemorrhoidectomy were equally effective in controlling symptomatic prolapse, but rubber band ligation was associated with an increased incidence of recurrent bleeding (P = 0.002). There were 6 procedure-related complications in the stapled hemorrhoidectomy group compared with none in the rubber band ligation group (P = 0.027). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of continence scores, patient satisfaction, or quality of life. CONCLUSION: Stapled hemorrhoidectomy is associated with more pain and minor morbidity than rubber band ligation in the treatment of Grade III and small Grade IV piles. However, for those patients who do not want the risk of further intervention procedures, stapled hemorrhoidectomy offers the better chance of a symptomatic cure.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Effect of 0.2 percent glyceryl trinitrate ointment on wound healing after a hemorrhoidectomy: results of a randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Glyceryl trinitrate ointment acts as a dilator of the internal anal sphincter. It has been used as a treatment modality that replaces the lateral sphincterotomy in chronic anal fissures. When glyceryl trinitrate ointment is applied to the wound from a hemorrhoidectomy, it is thought that it will shorten the healing time and decrease postoperative pain. Our study focused on the efficacy of using 0.2 percent glyceryl trinitrate ointment to shorten the healing time after a hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: A randomized, prospective, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study was designed. The power test indicated that 55 patients should be in each group to give a 90 percent chance of finding a 30 percent difference in healing time. The selection criteria for inclusion in this study were patients with third-degree or fourth-degree hemorrhoids and patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomies for three or more piles. From November 2000 to July 2001, the first 110 patients to meet our criteria were selected, 55 in the nitroglycerin group and 55 in the placebo group. The same physician performed all of the hemorrhoidectomies, and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia was not used. Cases involving other procedures for fissures or fistulas were excluded. The patients randomly received glyceryl trinitrate and placebo ointments from the pharmacologist. The pain score was checked using a visual analog scale (minimum = 0, maximum = 10) during the hospital stay, and complete wound healing was checked at three weeks after the operation. Demands for analgesics and the frequency of postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: When the trial was completed, 49 patients remained in the nitroglycerin group and 53 patients in the placebo group. No significant differences in the gender and the age distributions, the number of excised piles, the time for the procedures, the length of hospital stay, and the consumed amounts of analgesics existed between the two groups. The pain score in the nitroglycerin group showed a significant difference with the repeated measures analysis (P < 0.001). The wound healing rates at three weeks postoperative were 74.5 percent in the nitroglycerin group and 42 percent in the placebo group (P = 0.002). There was no significant increase in complications in the nitroglycerin group. CONCLUSION: More rapid healing of hemorrhoidectomy wounds without any specific complications was effected by 0.2 percent glyceryl trinitrate ointment.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2005

Correlation of histology with anorectal function following stapled hemorrhoidectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The inadvertent removal of smooth muscle during the use of stapled hemorrhoidectomy had raised concerns about its effects on postoperative anorectal function. We correlated the amount of smooth muscle removed with anorectal function in the early postoperative period. METHODS: Patients were assessed preoperatively with an Eypasch quality-of-life questionnaire and underwent anorectal manometry and physiology testing. This was followed by a similar examination at three months postoperatively. Patients were operated on by a single surgeon and the excised anorectal mucosa was sent for histologic examination. The amount of smooth muscle excised was expressed semiquantitatively as a percentage of the total tissue removed. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients (33 males) were recruited prospectively, with median age of 44 years. Six patients were lost to follow-up. Removal of anal transitional zone did not increase the incidence of incontinence. Both median preoperative and postoperative continence scores were good. Only one patient had incontinence to gas as a result of the operation. Median preoperative and postoperative quality-of-life scores were 114 and 131, respectively, out of a total of 144, the higher postoperative scores showing an improvement. Correlation of quality-of-life scores and mean resting anal pressures with percentage of smooth muscle removed did not show any statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Some smooth muscle will invariably be excised in stapled hemorrhoidectomy but the amount of smooth muscle removed did not significantly affect the continence score, quality of life, or mean anal resting pressure after stapled hemorrhoidectomy. It remains a safe and preferred procedure for the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy: long-term results and patient satisfaction after Ferguson's hemorrhoidectomy.

PURPOSE: Perioperative morbidity and long-term results after hemorrhoidectomy (Ferguson's technique) were evaluated as a basis for comparison with new methods such as stapled hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: All records of patients who underwent conventional hemorrhoidectomy between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 1997 (five years) were retrospectively analyzed. The surgical technique was Ferguson closed hemorrhoidectomy. Long-term results were evaluated with a standardized questionnaire that was sent to all patients. RESULTS: Five-hundred-fourteen patients (195 female, 319 male) with a mean age of 52 (range, 22-96) years were evaluated. Postoperatively, seven patients had a relevant hemorrhage, and two had to undergo reoperation (reoperation rate within 30 days, 0.4 percent). In 15 cases (3 percent) patients received urinary catheters for postoperative urinary retention. Mortality was 0 percent. The questionnaire was returned by 403 patients (78.4 percent). The mean follow-up was 4.7 (range, 2.1-7.8) years. The leading symptom was relieved in 275 patients (67.4 percent), ameliorated in 111 (27.2 percent), and unchanged or worse in 22 (5.4 percent). Incontinence (soiling) was not present in 291 (71.7 percent) patients, light in 86 (21.2 percent), moderate in 25 (6.1 percent), and severe in 4 (0.98 percent). Reoperation rate for recurrent hemorrhoids was 0.8 percent. Patients evaluated the surgical result as excellent in 286 (70.5 percent) cases, good in 87 (21.4 percent), moderate in 25 (6.2 percent), and bad in 8 (1.9 percent) cases. CONCLUSION: Ferguson closed hemorrhoidectomy results in very low rates of perioperative morbidity. Long-term results demonstrate high patient satisfaction and low incontinence and reoperation rates. It could be the gold standard to which other techniques are compared.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Lidocaine anal block limits autonomic dysreflexia during anorectal procedures in spinal cord injury: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Autonomic dysreflexia is a common and potentially dangerous hypertensive response to stimulation below the level of injury that occurs in patients with spinal cord injury at T6 or above. Rectosigmoid distention and anal manipulation are among the stimuli that may precipitate autonomic dysreflexia. Instillation of topical local anesthetic into the rectum is the recommended prophylaxis against autonomic dysreflexia of anorectal origin. However, a previous randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed that topical lidocaine in the rectum does not blunt the autonomic dysreflexia response to anorectal procedures. The purpose of this study was to determine whether lidocaine anal sphincter block would be effective in limiting anorectal procedure-associated autonomic dysreflexia. METHODS: We enrolled patients with chronic, complete spinal cord injury above T6, who were having anorectal procedures (flexible sigmoidoscopy and/or anoscopic hemorrhoid ligation). In a double-blind fashion, patients were randomized for intersphincteric anal block with 1 percent lidocaine or normal saline (placebo) before the procedure. Blood pressure was measured before, during, and after the block and procedure. RESULTS: Thirteen patients received lidocaine, and 13 received placebo. The groups were similar in age, level of injury, duration of spinal cord injury, type of procedure, and procedure duration. The mean maximal systolic blood pressure increase for the lidocaine group was 22 +/- 14 mmHg, significantly lower than the placebo group's 47 +/- 31 mmHg (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine anal block significantly limits the autonomic dysreflexia response in susceptible patients undergoing anorectal procedures.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed2005

Improvement of wound healing after hemorrhoidectomy: a double-blind, randomized study of botulinum toxin injection.

PURPOSE: Hemorrhoidectomy is usually associated with significant pain during the postoperative period. The spasm of the internal sphincter seems to play an important role in the origin of pain. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of intrasphincter injection of botulinum toxin after hemorrhoidectomy in reducing the maximum resting pressure of the anal canal, accelerating wound healing, and decreasing postoperative pain when resting and during defecation. METHODS: Thirty patients with hemorrhoids of third and fourth degree were included in the study and randomized in two groups. Anorectal manometry was performed preoperatively and 5 and 30 days afterward in all patients undergoing Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy. One group received an injection of 0.4 ml of saline into the internal anal sphincter, the other group were injected with 0.4 ml of solution containing 20 units of botulinum toxin. RESULTS: After five days from hemorrhoidectomy, maximum resting pressure decreased in the group injected with botulinum toxin and increased in the placebo group. The time of healing and postoperative pain when resting and during defecation significantly decreased in the group treated with an injection of botulinum toxin. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin injection into internal anal sphincter after hemorrhoidectomy is effective in reducing maximum resting pressure, time of healing, and postoperative pain both on resting and during defecation in absence of complications or side effects.

Adult↗