Life-threatening sepsis following treatment for haemorrhoids: a systematic review

The Italian Unitary Society of Colon-Proctology (Società Italiana Unitaria di Colonproctologia) guidelines for the management of acute and chronic hemorrhoidal disease

The aim of these evidence-based guidelines is to present a consensus position from members of the Italian Unitary Society of Colon-Proctology (Società Italiana Unitaria di Colon-Proctologia, SIUCP) on the diagnosis and management of hemorrhoidal disease, with the goal of guiding physicians in the choice of the best treatment option. A panel of experts was charged by the Board of the SIUCP to develop key questions on the main topics related to the management of hemorrhoidal disease and to perform an accurate and comprehensive literature search on each topic, in order to provide evidence-based answers to the questions and to summarize them in statements. All the clinical questions were discussed by the expert panel in multiple rounds through the Delphi approach and, for each statement, a consensus among the experts was reached. The questions were created according to PICO (patients, intervention, comparison, and outcomes) criteria, and the statements were developed adopting the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) methodology. In cases of grade 1 hemorrhoidal prolapse, outpatient procedures including hemorrhoidal laser procedure and sclerotherapy may be considered the preferred surgical options. For grade 2 prolapse, nonexcisional procedures including outpatient treatments, hemorrhoidal artery ligation and mucopexy, laser hemorrhoidoplasty, the Rafaelo procedure, and stapled hemorrhoidopexy may represent the first-line treatment options, whereas excisional surgery may be considered in selected cases. In cases of grades 3 and 4, stapled hemorrhoidopexy and hemorrhoidectomy may represent the most effective procedures, even if, in the expert panel opinion, stapled hemorrhoidopexy represents the gold-standard treatment for grade 3 hemorrhoidal prolapse.

Transanal open haemorrhoidopexy: a well-tolerated, minimally invasive surgical method for haemorrhoids grade II to IV

BACKGROUND

To determine 1-year postoperative recurrence rates, postoperative pain and complication rates of transanal open haemorrhoidopexy applied also in grade IV haemorrhoids.

METHODS

Single-centre retrospective observational study without control group. The primary outcome was recurrence rate after 1 year postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were length of postoperative pain, use of opiates and postoperative complications. The recurrence rate was assessed with the Sodergren haemorrhoid symptom severity score questionnaire. For information on the early postoperative period, a retrospective chart review based on the routine 3-month clinical follow-up was done.

RESULTS

135 consecutive patients with haemorrhoids Goligher grades II-IV were operated with transanal open haemorrhoidopexy. 88 patients (65%) consented to participate in the study when approached later via mail. 23% of patients had haemorrhoids Goligher grade IV. 15 patients (17%) needed a second transanal open haemorrhoidopexy for residual haemorrhoidal prolapse. The recurrence rate of prolapsing haemorrhoids was 15% (13 patients) 1 year postoperatively. 21% of patients reported no postoperative pain, 54% described pain for a duration of up to 1 week and 22% for up to 2 weeks. Two patients reported a longer duration of pain of 3 and 4 weeks, respectively. No complications grade Clavien-Dindo III or higher were detected.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study indicate that transanal open haemorrhoidopexy has a recurrence rate comparable to traditional haemorrhoidectomy including grade IV haemorrhoids and is associated with less pain and tissue damage. A randomized controlled trial may provide further support for the routine application of this method, but may pose challenges.

Sclerotherapy for hemorrhoidal disease: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sclerotherapy methods for hemorrhoidal disease (HD) over the past 40 years.

METHODS

The review followed the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, including studies reporting the use of sclerotherapy in patients with HD. Study eligibility criteria were defined, and data were extracted independently by the authors. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to assess outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

Out of 1965 records identified, 44 studies met the inclusion criteria, involving 9729 patients. The majority of studies were conducted in Japan, followed by the UK, Italy, and Portugal. The median age of participants was 52 years, and the majority were male. The Goligher grade distribution indicated varying degrees of HD severity. Sclerotherapy was predominantly administered through anoscopy, with polidocanol being the most commonly used agent. The procedure was generally performed without pre-injection analgesia. The meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) revealed that sclerotherapy was not inferior to control interventions in terms of success rate (risk ratio [RR] 1.00, 95% CI 0.71-1.41) and recurrence rate (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.69-1.77), while resulting in fewer complications (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.23-0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review highlights the safety and efficacy of sclerotherapy for HD, which yields similar success rates and fewer complications compared to other conservative or surgical approaches. Further research is warranted to optimize sclerotherapy techniques and evaluate long-term outcomes.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023396910.

Role of antibiotics in Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy for Grade III to IV Hemorrhoids: A randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

This study was mainly to compare the safety and long-term clinical efficacy of using intravenous antibiotics in Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy for Grade III to IV Prolapsing Hemorrhoids.

METHODS

This was a parallel group, 3-arm, randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous prophylactic antibiotics. A total of 150 consecutive patients undergoing Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy (MMH) in a tertiary hospital for grade III/IV hemorrhoids from January 2020 to August 2022 were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups using a computer-generated table. Group A did not receive any prophylactic antibiotic, group B received 2 g I/V Cefoxitin Sodium before the induction of anesthesia, and group C received 2 g I/V Cefoxitin Sodium before the induction of anesthesia and 6 h after operation.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in measured VAS values on the 1st day,3rd day and 7th day after surgery (p> 0.05). Compared with VAS values on the 1st day postoperatively, these values got decreased on the 3rd day and 7th day after surgery (p< 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference among the first defecation time, wound edema, bleeding, urinary retention after surgery (p> 0.05). There was no significant difference in the outcome comparison between all 3 groups' basal and the 3rd day postoperatively no matter in WBC, NUET% or CRP (p> 0.05). However, compared with basal, the WBC, NUET%,CRP(p< 0.05) of group A and group B on the 3rd day postoperatively got rised, the rate of recurrence of hemorrhoids follow-up for 1 year was 1.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that there is no efficacy on intravenous prophylactic antibiotics in Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy.

Comparison between stapled hemorrhoidopexy and harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy in the management of third- and fourth-degree piles: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This study compared the results of stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) and harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy (HSH) in the management of grade III and grade IV piles regarding the time of the procedure, postoperative pain, patient satisfaction, wound infection, bleeding, incontinence, and recurrence within 1 year.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a single-blind, prospective, randomized, controlled, single-center trial conducted from January to December 2022 that included 50 (68.75%) male and 20 (31.25%) female patients with third- and fourth-degree piles.

RESULTS

The patients were divided into two groups of 35 patients each. Group I underwent SH and group II underwent HSH. The mean age of group I was 42.94 years and of group II, 42.20 years. The mean time of the procedure was 24.42 min ± 2.367 for SH and 31.48 min ± 2.21 for HSH. Postoperative pain in group I was lower than in group II during the first 2 weeks, but there was persistent mild pain in most patients in group I at the 2‑week follow-up. In group II there was significant improvement in pain after 2 weeks, with higher patient satisfaction. Wound infection was detected in 3 (5%) patients in group I and no patients in group II (p = 0.077). Postoperative bleeding occurred in 4 (11.4%) patients in group I in the form of spotting after defecation only during the first postoperative month; no bleeding was detected in group II (p = 0.039). There were 3 (15%) cases of flatus incontinence but after taking a detailed history these were found to be cases of urgency to defecate rather than incontinence. There were 7 (20%) cases of recurrence at the 1‑year follow-up in group I and 1 (2.9%) case in group II (p = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

Compared with SH, HSH was safer, easier, and associated with a lower incidence of recurrence after 1 year and with higher patient satisfaction.

Ten-year multicentric retrospective analysis regarding postoperative complications and impact of comorbidities in hemorrhoidal surgery with literature review

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is considered a low-severity pathology by both general population and physicians, but the lengthy conservative therapy and postoperative complications suggest otherwise.

AIM

To assess the effectiveness of different treatment options, both conservative and surgical, in contrast with some preexisting comorbidities.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, 10-yearlong study between January 2011 and December 2021 in two surgical centers, a private and a state-owned hospital. We compared the efficacy and safety of several treatment options, such as open hemorrhoidectomy, stapled hemorrhoidopexy, rubber band ligation and infrared coagulation in terms of complication rates and types and their correlation with different preexisting comorbidities such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), use of anticoagulant medication (AM) and liver cirrhosis. We also conducted a 20-years long PubMed research (1.263 articles) for relevant comparisons.

RESULTS

Our study recorded 10940 patients with HD, 10241 with conservative and 699 with surgical treatment. Out of these, the male-to-female ratio of 1.3, and a peak in age distribution between 59 and 68 years old (32% of patients). For the entire study, we recorded a 90% incidence of immediate pain, immediate bleeding in 1.5% (11 cases), delayed bleeding in 1.0% (7 cases), and 0.6% surgical site infections. Urinary retention was also present, with 0.2% of patients, anal stricture in 1% and fecal incontinence for 0.5% of patients (4 cases). We recorded no severe complications such as Fournier`s gangrene or rectovaginal perforations. IBD accounted for 6% of the patients, with ulcerative colitis in 12% and Chron`s disease in 10.5%. 6.6% of the patients had AM, determining 4% immediate and 2% delayed bleeding, in surgically treated patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study determined that most common complications (pain, urinary retention, bleeding, and stricture) are correlated with each surgical technique and pre-existing comorbidities.

Perianal Abscess Following Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy in an Immunocompetent Patient

Hemorrhoidal disease is the third most common outpatient gastrointestinal diagnosis affecting more than four million patients annually. The management depends on the disease severity, and the treatment options range from lifestyle modification to excisional hemorrhoidectomy. Perianal abscess is an exceedingly rare complication following hemorrhoidectomy, with immunocompromised patients the most commonly affected. The rarity of this complication may be attributed to the natural immunologic process within the reticuloendothelial apparatus of the liver. The disease presentation of perianal abscess after hemorrhoidectomy and its management is unclear in the literature. We present the case of a 44-year-old immunocompetent male with grade II and III hemorrhoidal disease who underwent excisional hemorrhoidectomy that was complicated with perianal abscesses. The patient was successfully managed with incision and drainage with antibiotics. Surgeons should maintain a high index of suspicion for any sign of pelvic sepsis or a developing perianal abscess, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

A multicentre, open-label, single-arm phase II trial of the efficacy and safety of sclerotherapy using 3% polidocanol foam to treat second-degree haemorrhoids (SCLEROFOAM)

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 3% polidocanol foam for treating 2nd-degree haemorrhoids.

Methods

A multicentre, open-label, single-arm, phase 2 trial involving 10 tertiary referral centres for haemorrhodal disease (HD) was performed. Between January and June 2019, patients with 2nd-degree haemorrhoids were prospectively included in this study. The primary outcome was to establish the success rate after one sclerotherapy session in terms of complete resolution of bleeding episodes one week after the injection. The Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score (HDSS), the Short Health Scale for HD (SHS-HD) score and the Vaizey incontinence score were used to assess symptoms and their impact on quality of life and continence. Pain after the procedure, subjective symptoms and the amount and type of painkillers used were recorded. Patients were followed up for 1 year.

Results

There were 183 patients [111 males; 60.7%, mean age 51.3 ± 13.5 (18–75) years]. Complete resolution of bleeding was reached in 125/183 patients (68.3%) at 1 week and the recurrence rate was 12% (15/125).

Thirteen patients (7.4%) underwent a second sclerotherapy session, while only 1 patient (1.8%) had to undergo a third session. The overall 1-year success rate was 95.6% (175/183). The HDSS and the SHS score significantly improved from a median preoperative value of 11 and 18 to 0 and 0, respectively (p < 0.001). There were 3 episodes of external thrombosis. No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

Sclerotherapy with 3% polidocanol foam is a safe, effective, painless, repeatable and low-cost procedure in patients with bleeding haemorrhoids.

Pyogenic liver abscess after open hemorrhoidectomy

BACKGROUND

Surgical excision of hemorrhoids remains the gold standard for patients who have grade III or IV hemorrhoids. The complication rate is low and success rate is high. In this case, we describe a 44-year-old male with septic shock and small liver abscesses as a rare complication after Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy.

METHODS

In this case report, we describe the case of a patient with septic shock and small liver abscesses as a rare complication after Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy. A search in the PubMed database showed only three publications describing patients with liver abscesses after hemorrhoidectomy and some more cases after rubber band ligation.

RESULTS

The patient was admitted at the intensive care unit and received intravenous antibiotics. He could leave the hospital in good condition after 17 days. He received antibiotics for six weeks in total.

CONCLUSION

Pyogenic liver abscess after open hemorrhoidectomy is a rare complication after Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy and rubber band ligation. Pyogenic liver abscesses can be treated with antibiotics, sometimes associated with percutaneous drainage or surgeryIn patients with predisposing factors prophylactic use of antibiotics could be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome after hemorrhoidectomy: A case report

BACKGROUND

Streptococcal toxic-shock syndrome after hemorrhoidectomy is rare but may be catastrophic. Group A streptococci have produced various surface proteins and exotoxins due to genetic changes to fight the human body’s immune response. Though life threatening infection after hemorrhoidectomy rarely occurs, all surgeons should be aware of the potential complications of severe sepsis after hemorrhoidectomy and keep in mind their clinical presenting features in order to diagnose early and administer appropriate and effective therapeutic drugs early.

CASE SUMMARY

Here, we present a case of a 56-year-old man with a painful thrombotic external hemorrhoid who presented to our outpatient department for management. There was no history of systemic diseases or recent disease infection. Hemorrhoidectomy was suggested and performed. After surgery, the patient developed hypotension, tachycardia, fever with chills and renal function impairment on day 2 post-operation. The clinical condition progressed to severe septic shock and metabolic acidosis. The patient responded poorly to treatment and expired after 1 d even with use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The results of the blood and wound cultures showed group A streptococcus pyogenes.

CONCLUSION

Although extremely uncommon, all surgeons should be aware of these potential life-threatening septic complications and alert to the presenting features for patients receiving hemorrhoidectomy.

A systematic review of the literature assessing the outcomes of stapled haemorrhoidopexy versus open haemorrhoidectomy

Background

Symptomatic haemorrhoids affect a large number of patients throughout the world. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the surgical outcomes of stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH) versus open haemorrhoidectomy (OH) over a 20-year period.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials published between January 1998 and January 2019 were extracted from Pubmed using defined search criteria. Study characteristics and outcomes in the form of short-term and long-term complications of the two techniques were analyzed. Any changes in trend of outcomes over time were assessed by comparing article groups 1998–2008 and 2009–2019.

Results

Twenty-nine and 9 relevant articles were extracted for the 1998–2008 (period 1) and 2009–2019 (period 2) cohorts, respectively. Over the two time periods, SH was found to be a safe procedure, associated with statistically reduced operative time (in 13/21 studies during period 1 and in 3/8 studies during period 2), statistically less intraoperative bleeding (3/7 studies in period 1 and 1/1 study in period 2) and consistently less early postoperative pain on the visual analogue scale (12/15 studies in period 1 and 4/5 studies in period 2) resulting in shorter hospital stay (12/20 studies in period 1 and 2/2 studies in period 2) at the expense of a higher cost. In the longer term, although chronic pain in SH and OH patents is comparable, patient satisfaction with SH may decline with time and at 2-year follow-up OH appeared to be associated with greater patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

SH appears to be safe with potential advantages, at least in the short term, but the evidence is lacking at the moment to suggest its routine use in clinical practice.

Still a Case of "No Pain, No Gain"? An Updated and Critical Review of the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management Options for Hemorrhoids in 2020

The treatment of haemorrhoids remains challenging: multiple treatment options supported by heterogeneous evidence are available, but patients rightly demand a tailored approach. Evidence for newer surgical techniques that promise to be less painful has been conflicting. We review the current evidence for management options in patients who present with varying haemorrhoidal grades. A review of the English literature was performed utilizing MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases (31 May 2019). The search terms (haemorrhoid OR haemorrhoid OR haemorrhoids OR haemorrhoids OR “Hemorrhoid”[Mesh]) were used. First- and second-degree haemorrhoids continue to be managed conservatively. The easily repeatable and cost-efficient rubber band ligation is the preferred method to address minor haemorrhoids; long-term outcomes following injection sclerotherapy remain poor. Conventional haemorrhoidectomies (Ferguson/Milligan-Morgan/Ligasure haemorrhoidectomy) still have their role in third- and fourth-degree haemorrhoids, being associated with lowest recurrence; nevertheless, posthaemorrhoidectomy pain is problematic. Stapled haemorrhoidopexy allows quicker recovery, albeit at the costs of higher recurrence rates and potentially serious complications. Transanal Haemorrhoidal Dearterialization has been promoted as nonexcisional and less invasive, but the recent HubBLe trial has questioned its overall place in haemorrhoid management. Novel “walk-in-walk-out” techniques such as radiofrequency ablations or laser treatments will need further evaluation to define their role in modern-day haemorrhoid management. There are numerous treatment options for haemorrhoids, each with their own evidence-base. Newer techniques promise to be less painful, but recurrence rates remain an issue. The balance continues to be sought between long-term efficacy, minimisation of postoperative pain, and preservation of anorectal function.

Portuguese Society of Gastroenterology Consensus on the Diagnosis and Management of Hemorrhoidal Disease

Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a frequent health problem with considerable repercussions on patients' quality of life. However, much of the clinical practice related to HD is based on knowledge without scientific evidence and supported largely by empirical experience of the physician who deals with this pathology. As in other countries, the goal of this consensus is to establish statements supported by solid scientific evidence and whose purpose will be to standardize and guide the diagnosis and management of HD both in the general population and in some particular groups of patients.

Consensus statement of the Italian society of colorectal surgery (SICCR): management and treatment of hemorrhoidal disease

Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is the most common proctological disease in the Western countries. However, its real prevalence is underestimated due to the frequent self-medication.The aim of this consensus statement is to provide evidence-based data to allow an individualized and appropriate management and treatment of HD. The strategy used to search for evidence was based on application of electronic sources such as MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Review Library, CINAHL, and EMBASE.These guidelines are inclusive and not prescriptive.The recommendations were defined and graded based on the current levels of evidence and in accordance with the criteria adopted by American College of Chest Physicians. The recommendations were graded A, B, and C.

A comparative study between rubber band ligation and local application of herbal caustic compound (pratisaraneeya kshara) in management of internal haemorrhoids

•

Application of PK is a safe and effective treatment for internal haemorrhoids.

•

Hospital stay is not required for patients undergoing this treatment.

•

Post-operative analgesia is not required in most of the cases.

•

It proved better in eradicating large and broad based pile mass than RBL.

•

It can be employed as alternative office procedure for management of haemorrhoids.

Anorectal Crohn's Disease

Medical treatment remains the mainstay of perianal disease management for CD; however, aggressive surgical management should be considered for severe or recurrent disease. In all cases of perianal CD, medical and surgical treatments should be used in tandem by a multidisciplinary team. Significant development has been made in the treatment of Crohn's-related fistulas, particularly minimally invasive options with recent clinical trials showing success with mesenchymal stem cell applications. Inevitably, some patients with severe refractory disease may require fecal diversion or proctectomy. When considering reversal of a diverting or end ileostomy, cessation of proctitis is the most important factor.

[Quality indicators in the treatment of hemorrhoids]

BACKGROUND

A quality indicator is a quantitative measure that can be used to monitor and evaluate the quality of certain operative procedures that may influence the result of a therapy. An indicator is not a direct measure of quality, it is merely a tool to evaluate the performance of procedures and can indicate potential problem areas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature search was performed for parameters which could be included as indicators of quality in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

In the treatment of benign diseases, such as hemorrhoids objective indicators (e.g. recurrence or survival rates in oncological diseases) cannot be used as quality indicators. Other indicators or core outcome factors must be used. From the patient's point of view other indicators are important (such as pain, complications, continence, days off work, etc.) than those for the colorectal surgeon, health insurance and healthcare provider. The most important indicators or outcome factors for treatment of hemorrhoids are postprocedural pain, patient satisfaction, complications, residual and recurrent symptoms, pain, quality of life, costs and duration of inability to work. In terms of outcome quality various quality indicators could be identified which also play a role in the guidelines; however, in this respect valid questionnaires or scores that enable a uniform assessment exist only in a few cases. In contrast, some indicators (e. g. costs, length of hospital stay) are strongly influenced by factors such as the healthcare system making these indicators unfeasible.

Conservative management of pelvic sepsis with severe shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome after rubber-band ligation of internal haemorrhoids: surgery is not the only option

Rubber-band ligation (RBL) is a safe and cost-effective approach to internal haemorrhoids. Potential side effects include pain, bleeding, urinary retention and occasionally pelvic sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). At-risk patients are mainly those with immunocompromising conditions. Although aggressive surgical debridement or diverting colostomy appear to be obvious options when patients' life is threatened, their superiority to conservative measures has not been proven. We present the case of a 58-year-old female patient who presented 48 h after a RBL with pelvic pain, dysuria and leukocytosis. Her condition deteriorated rapidly that ventilator and inotropic support were required for a severe SIRS for almost 10 days. Laparoscopic exploration and imaging showed a rectosigmoiditis, ascites and superficial rectal necrosis with no transmural damage requiring an emergent surgery. Conservative management could possibly be a valid option in post-RBL pelvic sepsis even when severe associated multiple organ failure is present.

Rectal inclusion cyst as a complication of stapled hemorrhoidopexy: A case report

RATIONALE

Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is gaining popularity for prolapsing hemorrhoids. However, like any other operation, there is always the potential risk of complications. Rectal inclusion cysts are rare complications that results from the potential space in the staple line.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 49-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a complaint of anorectal pain and fever complaints after stapled hemorrhoidopexy. The endoanal ultrasonography showed unclear fluid containing a cystic lesion circuit to the rectum at the staple line.

DIAGNOSES

The endoanal ultrasonography strongly indicates the rectal inclusion cysts.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

A full thickness excision of the cyst was carried out along the staple line. The patient had complete recovery, with no recurrence or complaints for at least 6 months after the surgery.

LESSONS

Endosonography has an important role in investigating symptomatic patients after stapled hemorrhoidopexy. Once an inclusion cyst is diagnosed, excision of the stapled line is the only choice of treatment.

The HubBLe Trial: haemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) versus rubber band ligation (RBL) for symptomatic second- and third-degree haemorrhoids: a multicentre randomised controlled trial and health-economic evaluation

BACKGROUND

Optimal surgical intervention for low-grade haemorrhoids is unknown. Rubber band ligation (RBL) is probably the most common intervention. Haemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) is a novel alternative that may be more efficacious.

OBJECTIVE

The comparison of HAL with RBL for the treatment of grade II/III haemorrhoids.

DESIGN

A multicentre, parallel-group randomised controlled trial.

PERSPECTIVE

UK NHS and Personal Social Services.

SETTING

17 NHS Trusts.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged ≥ 18 years presenting with grade II/III (second- and third-degree) haemorrhoids, including those who have undergone previous RBL.

INTERVENTIONS

HAL with Doppler probe compared with RBL.

OUTCOMES

Primary outcome - recurrence at 1 year post procedure; secondary outcomes - recurrence at 6 weeks; haemorrhoid severity score; European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, 5-level version (EQ-5D-5L); Vaizey incontinence score; pain assessment; complications; and cost-effectiveness.

RESULTS

A total of 370 participants entered the trial. At 1 year post procedure, 30% of the HAL group had evidence of recurrence compared with 49% after RBL [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42 to 3.51; p = 0.0005]. The main reason for the difference was the number of extra procedures required to achieve improvement/cure. If a single HAL is compared with multiple RBLs then only 37.5% recurred in the RBL arm (adjusted OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.15; p = 0.20). Persistence of significant symptoms at 6 weeks was lower in both arms than at 1 year (9% HAL and 29% RBL), suggesting significant deterioration in both groups over the year. Symptom score, EQ-5D-5L and Vaizey score improved in both groups compared with baseline, but there was no difference between interventions. Pain was less severe and of shorter duration in the RBL group; most of the HAL group who had pain had mild to moderate pain, resolving by 3 weeks. Complications were low frequency and not significantly different between groups. It appeared that HAL was not cost-effective compared with RBL. In the base-case analysis, the difference in mean total costs was £1027 higher for HAL. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were higher for HAL; however, the difference was very small (0.01) resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £104,427 per additional QALY.

CONCLUSIONS

At 1 year, although HAL resulted in fewer recurrences, recurrence was similar to repeat RBL. Symptom scores, complications, EQ-5D-5L and continence score were no different, and patients had more pain in the early postoperative period after HAL. HAL is more expensive and unlikely to be cost-effective in terms of incremental cost per QALY.

LIMITATIONS

Blinding of participants and site staff was not possible.

FUTURE WORK

The incidence of recurrence may continue to increase with time. Further follow-up would add to the evidence regarding long-term clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. The polysymptomatic nature of haemorrhoidal disease requires a validated scoring system, and the data from this trial will allow further assessment of validity of such a system. These data add to the literature regarding treatment of grade II/III haemorrhoids. The results dovetail with results from the eTHoS study [Watson AJM, Hudson J, Wood J, Kilonzo M, Brown SR, McDonald A, et al. Comparison of stapled haemorrhoidopexy with traditional excisional surgery for haemorrhoidal disease (eTHoS): a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2016, in press.] comparing stapled haemorrhoidectomy with excisional haemorrhoidectomy. Combined results will allow expansion of analysis, allowing surgeons to tailor their treatment options to individual patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN41394716.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 20, No. 88. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Prostatic Abscess after Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy Caused by ESBL Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: An Additional Challenge to Postoperative Sepsis

Postoperative septic complications of hemorrhoids surgical interventions are rare, but very serious with high mortality rate. Early diagnosis and prompt therapy are essential to save patient's life. There are a good number of articles and case reports about these septic complications. We are presenting a case report of a prostatic abscess caused by extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae after hemorrhoidopexy. Our patient was a healthy middle aged Saudi male who has no significant medical history apart from morbid obesity and recurrent urinary tract infections. ESBL producing K. pneumoniae could be detected only after aspiration of the prostatic abscess, but proper antibiotic was introduced intravenously on admission before culture of aspirate of the abscess was available. Antibiotic was continued for 30 days and abscess resolved completely. In our electronic search, we could not find any case report of prostatic abscess after stapled hemorrhoidopexy caused by ESBL producing organism. This is an additional challenge for treating physicians as these organisms are sensitive only to one group of antibiotics (carbapenem group).

Rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids: A guide for complications

Rubber band ligation is one of the most important, cost-effective and commonly used treatments for internal hemorrhoids. Different technical approaches were developed mainly to improve efficacy and safety. The technique can be employed using an endoscope with forward-view or retroflexion or without an endoscope, using a suction elastic band ligator or a forceps ligator. Single or multiple ligations can be performed in a single session. Local anaesthetic after ligation can also be used to reduce the post-procedure pain. Mild bleeding, pain, vaso-vagal symptoms, slippage of bands, priapism, difficulty in urination, anal fissure, and chronic longitudinal ulcers are normally considered minor complications, more frequently encountered. Massive bleeding, thrombosed hemorrhoids, severe pain, urinary retention needing catheterization, pelvic sepsis and death are uncommon major complications. Mild pain after rubber band ligation is the most common complication with a high frequency in some studies. Secondary bleeding normally occurs 10 to 14 d after banding and patients taking anti-platelet and/or anti-coagulant medication have a higher risk, with some reports of massive life-threatening haemorrhage. Several infectious complications have also been reported including pelvic sepsis, Fournier’s gangrene, liver abscesses, tetanus and bacterial endocarditis. To date, seven deaths due to these infectious complications were described. Early recognition and immediate treatment of complications are fundamental for a favourable prognosis.

[Complication management following hemorrhoid operations]

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhoid operations are performed frequently in Germany. After the operation severe complications can occur that require appropriate management.

OBJECTIVE

Presentation of current complications and suitable therapeutic options.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data including operative procedures and complications that have been collected in an electronic online-based survey of all resident, affiliated and private practice German surgeons during the period from 1 December 2009 to 31 January 2010 are presented. A review of the current literature in a PubMed search is given.

RESULTS

Stapled hemorrhoidopexy has several benefits during the early postoperative phase in comparison to conventional hemorrhoidectomy; however, patients should be informed about the possibility of postoperative defecation disorders, elevated recurrence and reoperation rates and rare life-threatening complications.

CONCLUSION

The aim should be to keep risks at a low level by means of prevention, patient selection, careful analysis of indications and relevant expertise. In cases of complications early recognition and direct initiation of adequate treatment are crucial.

Complicated Perianal Sepsis

Management of benign anorectal conditions like abscesses and haemorrhoids is usually uneventful. However, complicated perianal complications can result and have sparsely been reported in literature. Hereby, we report a series of seven patients who presented with rare sequelae like necrotising fasciitis, intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal involvement. All patients responded well to surgical management. Accordingly, complicated perianal sepsis warrants a timely and aggressive surgical intervention.

Complications Following Anorectal Surgery

Anorectal surgery is well tolerated. Rates of minor complications are relatively high, but major postoperative complications are uncommon. Prompt identification of postoperative complications is necessary to avoid significant patient morbidity. The most common acute complications include bleeding, infection, and urinary retention. Pelvic sepsis, while may result in dramatic morbidity and even mortality, is relatively rare. The most feared long-term complications include fecal incontinence, anal stenosis, and chronic pelvic pain.

Stapled haemorrhoidopexy: is it time to move on?

Stapled haemorrhoidectomy was proposed as an 'ideal' solution for symptomatic haemorrhoids, with minimal postoperative pain, no perianal wound requiring postoperative wound care and a relatively short operative time. Some randomised controlled trials and reviews confirmed these findings, claiming that stapled haemorrhoidopexy is the most effective and safe procedure for haemorrhoids. However, there are increasing number of publications highlighting that the technique is associated with serious and life threatening complications. Maybe it is now the time to accept that stapled haemorrhoidopexy has done its role in directing our attention to the fact that modern surgical treatment of haemorrhoids should avoid excision of anorectal skin but should instead aim at treatment intervention above the dentate line.

Laparoscopic approach in a case of retroperitoneal and mesorectal haematoma following STARR procedure

INTRODUCTION

Stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) is a widely accepted procedure for treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We analyzed major bleeding following STARR and exposed our experience regarding its conservative management with particular attention about diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.

DISCUSSION

A case by case discussion should be carried out and treatments should be driven by the features and the progression of the haematoma with regards to size, inflammatory signs or severe rectal obstruction.

CONCLUSION

If a second surgical time and exploration is considered, laparoscopy should be an effective choice while laparotomy, stoma or rectal resection should be considered in those cases with strong suspicious of peritonitis and pelvic abscess.

Short- and long-term results of harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy versus stapler hemorrhoidopexy in treatment of hemorrhoidal disease

PURPOSE

In this prospective randomized study, our aim is to compare the short- and long-term results of harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy (HSH) and stapler hemorrhoidopexy (SH) methods in the surgical treatment of Grade III and Grade IV hemorrhoidal disease.

METHODS

Ninety-nine consecutive patients diagnosed with Grade III or Grade IV internal hemorrhoidal disease were included in the study. Patients were randomized to HSH (n = 48) or SH (n = 51) treatments. Data on patient demographic and clinical characteristics, operative details, postoperative pain score on a visual analog scale, additional analgesic requirement, postoperative short- and long-term complications, and recurrence of hemorrhoidal disease were also recorded. Patients were regularly followed for a total period of 24 (6-36) months.

RESULTS

The patient demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in the two groups. The operative time was significantly shorter in the HSH group compared with the SH group. Overall pain scores were not significantly different between the groups, although severe pain was significantly more common in the HSH group. Recurrence was significantly lower in the HSH group compared with the SH group.

CONCLUSION

HSH and SH are both safe and effective methods for surgical treatment of Grade III and Grade IV hemorrhoidal disease. In our study, the HSH method was determined to be safer, easier, and faster to perform, and associated with fewer long-term recurrences than the SH method.

Is Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy a Safe Procedure for Third and Fourth Grade Hemorrhoids? An Experience at Civil Hospital Karachi

Hemorrhoids are amongst the most frequent anorectal conditions affecting approximately 4-36 % of the general population. The study was carried out to assess the clinical consequences of stapled hemorrhoidectomy comparing results with other published literature regarding postoperative pain, bleeding, incontinence, and other complications. A total of 120 patients were included in this study with symptomatic grade 3 or 4 prolapsed hemorrhoids, who underwent stapled hemorrhoidectomy from January 2006 to January 2012 at the Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. In 92 patients (76.6 %), proctological examination showed grade 3 hemorrhoids. Fourth degree hemorrhoids were found in 28 cases (23.4 %). Hospitalization time ranged between 1 and 3 days (median time was 34 h). Seventy-eight patients were discharged on the first postoperative day, without severe pain, and the remaining 42 patients were discharge on the third day. Two cases of postoperative pain and thrombosis were found as postoperative complications. Stapled hemorrhoidectomy is a safe and quick procedure associated with less pain, better outcome, and early recovery with shorter hospital stay.

Is haemorrhoidectomy in inflammatory bowel disease harmful? An old dogma re-examined

AIM

Haemorrhoidectomy and removal of anal skin tags in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been considered to be potentially harmful, but the evidence for this is poor. A review of the literature was undertaken to determine the complications rate after haemorrhoidectomy in patients with IBD.

METHOD

A Medline, PubMed and Cochrane Library search was performed to retrieve studies reporting the surgical treatment of haemorrhoids in patients with IBD. All studies that investigated the complications of haemorrhoidectomy and skin tag removal in patients with IBD were included. Complications included local sepsis, fissure, ulcer, stenosis, faecal incontinence and the direct need for proctectomy or a stoma.

RESULTS

Eleven retrospective studies including 135 patients were identified. Most series were small and lacked information on the interval between surgery and the onset of complications. The range of complications ranged from 0% to 100%. Taking the studies together, complications occurred more frequently in Crohn's disease (CD) (17.1%) than in ulcerative colitis (UC) (5.5%). The risk of complication was much higher in patients with unknown than in those with known diagnosis of IBD (50% vs 9.8% in CD; 9.1% vs 4% in UC).

CONCLUSION

There is great variation in the incidence of complications reported after haemorrhoidectomy or removal of skin tags in patients with IBD and it is not possible to draw a firm conclusion. Nevertheless the incidence of complications is high in patients with CD.

Clinical Outcome Following Hemorrhoid Surgery: a Narrative Review

Surgical therapy guaranties satisfactory results, which are significantly better than those obtained with conservative therapies, especially for Grade III and IV hemorrhoids. In this review, we present and discuss the results of the most diffuse surgical techniques for hemorrhoids. Traditional surgery for hemorrhoids aims to remove the hemorrhoids, with closure (Fergusson's technique) or without closure (Milligan-Morgan procedure) of the ensuing defect. This traditional approach is effective, but causes a significant postoperative pain because of wide external wounds in the innervated perianal skin. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy, proposed by Longo, has gained a vast acceptance because of less postoperative pain and faster return to normal activities. In the recent literature, a significant incidence of recurrence after stapled hemorrhoidopexy was reported, when compared with conventional hemorrhoidectomy. Double stapler hemorrhoidopexy may be an alternative to simple stapled hemorrhoidopexy to reduce the recurrence in advanced hemorrhoidal prolapse. Transanal hemorrhoidal deartertialization was showed to be as effective as stapled hemorrhoidopexy in terms of treatment success, complications, and incidence recurrence. However, further high-quality trials are recommended to assess the efficacy and safety of this technique.

Prophylactic antibiotics for hemorrhoidectomy: are they really needed?

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhoidectomy is considered by many to be a contaminated operation that requires antibiotic prophylaxis to lower the incidence of surgical site infection. In reality, little evidence exists to either support or refute the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in this setting.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine if antibiotic prophylaxis is associated with reduced incidence of postoperative surgical site infection following hemorrhoidectomy.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective database review.

SETTING

This study was conducted at multiple institutions.

PATIENTS

All patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy with minimum 3-month follow-up were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the incidence of postoperative surgical site infection.

RESULTS

Eight hundred fifty-two patients met the inclusion criteria (50.1% female; mean age, 50.0 ± 13.7 years). The prevalence of preoperative risk factors for surgical site infection included 7.7% with a smoking history, 2.5% with diabetes mellitus, 0.8% receiving steroids, and 0.2% with Crohn's disease. Surgery was performed predominately for 3-column prolapsed internal and mixed internal/external hemorrhoidal disease. All surgeries performed were closed hemorrhoidectomies. Antibiotic prophylaxis was used in a fewer number of cases (41.3% vs 58.7%). Overall, there were only 12 documented postoperative infections identified, producing an overall incidence of 1.4%. Of those patients who developed postoperative surgical site infections, 9 (75%) did not receive antibiotic prophylaxis (p = 0.25). On multivariate regression analysis, no perioperative risk factor was associated with an increased risk of developing a posthemorrhoidectomy surgical site infection. Conversely, there were no adverse antibiotic-related complications such as Clostridium difficile colitis or antibiotic-associated diarrhea in those receiving antibiotic prophylaxis.

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by the retrospective nature of the analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative surgical site infection is an exceedingly rare event following hemorrhoidectomy. Antibiotic prophylaxis does not reduce the incidence of postoperative surgical site infection, and its routine use appears unnecessary.

Devices for the endoscopic treatment of hemorrhoids

Multiple endoscopic methods are available to treat symptomatic internal hemorrhoids. Because of its low cost, ease of use, low rate of adverse events, and relative effectiveness, RBL is currently the most widely used technique.

Pneumoretroperitoneum after procedure for prolapsed hemorrhoid

Procedure for prolapsed hemorrhoid (PPH) is well recognized alternative to the traditional hemorrhoidectomy, and is associated with reduced pain and earlier return to normal activity. Over the past decade, there have been reports of severe life-threatening complications after a PPH, although the incidence is very low. Rectal perforation due to staple-line dehiscence is one of the serious complications that can cause severe pelvic sepsis or a pneumoretroperitoneum. Here, the first Korean case of a pneumoretroperitoneum due to staple-line dehiscence is described.

The development of Fournier's gangrene following rubber band ligation of haemorrhoids

The development of Fournier's gangrene in an 80-year-old male patient with diabetes after a routine outpatient haemorrhoid banding procedure is described. Four days following the procedure, the patient noticed an increasing amount of pain and swelling of the perianal region. When the patient presented to the emergency department 18 days later, immediate radical debridement of ischiorectal necrotic tissue was performed. A defunctioning loop sigmoid colostomy was also formed. Subsequent operations required excision of the scrotum and abdominoperineal excision of the rectum. Histology studies later confirmed the presence of necrotising fasciitis. The case acts as a reminder that clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for high-risk patients still suffering from problems following the procedure.

Short chain N-acylhomoserine lactone production by clinical multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain CSG20

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most common Gram-negative bacterial pathogens in clinical practice. It is associated with a wide range of disorders, ranging from superficial skin and soft tissue infections to potentially fatal sepsis in the lungs and blood stream. Quorum sensing, or bacterial cell-cell communication, refers to population density-dependent gene expression modulation. Quorum sensing in Proteobacteria relies on the production and sensing of signaling molecules which are mostly N-acylhomoserine lactones. Here, we report the identification of a multidrug resistant clinical isolate, K. pneumoniae strain CSG20, using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. We further confirmed quorum sensing activity in this strain with the use of high resolution tandem liquid chromatography quadrupole mass spectrometry and provided evidence K. pneumoniae strain CSG20 produced N-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the production of N-hexanoylhomoserine lactone (C6-HSL) in clinical isolate K. pneumoniae.