Analysis of factors impacting postoperative pain and quality of life in patients with mixed hemorrhoids:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Hemorrhoids are among the most common and frequently encountered chronic anorectal diseases in anorectal surgery.They are venous clusters formed by con-gestion,expansion,and flexion of the venous plexus in the lower part of the rec-tum.Mixed hemorrhoids bleed easily and recurrently,and this can result in severe anemia.Hence,they may have a negative effect on the health of the patient and surgical treatment is required.Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy has been widely used since 1937 for the treatment of grade III and IV hemorrhoids.How-ever,most patients experience different degrees of postoperative pain that may cause anxiety.with mixed hemorrhoids post-surgery.METHODS The clinical data of patients with mixed hemorrhoids who underwent Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy were collected retrospectively.The basic character-istics of the enrolled patients with mixed hemorrhoids were recorded,and based on the Goligher clinical grading system,the hemorrhoids were classified as grades III or IV.The endpoint of this study was the disappearance of pain in all patients.Quantitative data were presented as mean±SD,such as age,pain score,and QoL score.Student’s t-test was used to compare the groups.RESULTS A total of 164 patients were enrolled.The distribution of the visual analog scale pain scores of all patients at 3,7,14 and 28 d after surgery showed that post-surgery pain was significantly reduced with the passage of time.Fourteen days after the operation,the pain had completely disappeared in some patients.Twenty-eight days after the surgery,none of the patients experienced any pain.Comparing the World Health Or-ganization Quality of Life-BREF self-reporting questionnaire scores of patients between 14 and 28 d after surgery,we observed that the quality-of-life scores of the patients post-surgery had significantly improved.There were six items that were compared at 14-and 28-d post-surgery.The mean QoL score 28 d after surgery(4.79±0.46)was higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(3.79±0.57).The mean health condition score 28 d after surgery(4.80±0.41)was also higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(4.01±0.62).The mean physical health score 28 d after surgery(32.10±2.96)was significantly higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(23.41±2.85).The mean psychological health score 28 d after surgery(27.22±1.62)was significantly higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(21.37±1.70).The mean social relations score 28 d after surgery(12.21±1.59)was significantly higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(6.32±1.66).The mean surrounding environment score 28 d after surgery(37.13±2.88)was significantly higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(28.42±2.86).The differences in quality-of-life scores at day 14 and day 28 post-surgery were ob-served to be statistically significant(P<0.001).CONCLUSION Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy can significantly improve the postoperative QoL of patients.Age,sex,and the number of surgical resections were important factors influencing Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy.

Endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding for the treatment of grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids:A prospective,multi-center,randomized study

BACKGROUND Endoscopic rubber band ligation(ERBL)is a nonsurgical technique for the treatment of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids but is limited by recurrence and post-procedural pain.AIM To evaluate satisfaction,long-term recurrence,and post-procedural pain in managing internal hemorrhoids using a combination of polidocanol foam sclerotherapy and ERBL.METHODS This was a prospective,multicenter,randomized study.A total of 195 consecutive patients diagnosed with grade II-III internal hemorrhoids were enrolled from four tertiary hospitals and randomly divided into a cap-assisted endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding(EFSB)or an ERBL group.All patients were followed-up for 12 months.Symptom-based severity and post-procedural pain were assessed using a hemorrhoid severity score(HSS)and a visual analog scale(VAS).Continuous variables were reported as medians and interquartile range.RESULTS One hundred and ninety-five patients were enrolled,with 98 in the EFSB group.HSS was lower in the EFSB group than in the ERBL group at 8 weeks[4.0(3.0-5.0)vs 5.0(4.0-6.0),P=0.003]and 12-month[2.0(1.0-3.0)vs 3.0(2.0-3.0),P<0.001]of follow-up.The prolapse recurrence rate was lower in the EFSB group at 12 months(11.2%vs 21.6%,P=0.038).Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that EFSB treatment[B=-0.915,95%confidence interval(CI):−1.301 to−0.530,P=0.001]and rubber band number(B=0.843,95%CI:0.595-1.092,P<0.001)were negatively and independently associated with the VAS score 24 hours post-procedure.The median VAS was lower in the EFSB group than in the ERBL[2.0(1.0-3.0)vs 3.0(2.0-4.0),P<0.001].CONCLUSION Cap-assisted EFSB provided long-term satisfaction and effective relief from the recurrence of prolapse and pain 24 hours post-procedure.

Endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding for the treatment of Grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids:The focus of clinical practice

We have read the article by Qu et al with great interest,as it presents an inte-gration of endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerotherapy with rubber band ligation in patients with Grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids.The authors conducted a prospective,multicenter,randomized study to evaluate the long-term sympto-matic and endoscopic efficacy of this combined intervention.In this discussion,we focus on the procedural steps of this combined strategy and suggest potential avenues for future research.

Endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding for treatment of internal hemorrhoids:A novel outpatient procedure

In the study,we comment on the article by Qu et al.Internal hemorrhoids are the most common anorectal disorders worldwide with bleeding,prolapse,and difficulty in defecation.Endoscopic rubber band ligation(ERBL)is a safe,convenient,quick,and economical outpatient procedure.The main goal of ERBL is to alleviate prolapse,but the high incidence of recurrence and post-procedural pain are of clinical concern.Polidocanol foam as a local hemostatic and anesthetic agent could reduce the rates of post-procedural pain and bleeding.Endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding(EFSB)is a novel approach that could lift the mucosa for easy ligation and promote increased scarring in the submucosal tissue which translates into long-term relief from prolapse recurrence and reduced 24-h postprocedural pain.The study by Qu et al is a novel multi-center prospective randomized study to compare ERBL and EFSB in patients with grades II and III internal hemorrhoids with one-year follow-up.Results showed that EFSB is a novel therapy for internal hemorrhoids,but future studies with a larger sample,multiple treatment sessions,and long-term follow-up are required to confirm these findings.

Rectal varices vs hemorrhoids-diagnosis and management

Rectal varices are an uncommon manifestation of portal hypertension.Although hemorrhoids can be seen in cirrhotic patients,distinguishing between rectal varices and hemorrhoids can be challenging.Furthermore,the underlying mechanism and treatment options vary.Hence,the correct identification is of utmost important.Through this letter,we highlight the features of both and listed the distinguishing points between the two etiologies.

Clinical Observation of Chinese Medicinal Prescriptions for Swelling and Pain in The Postoperative Treatment of Mixed Hemorrhoids

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)on reducing swelling and pain in patients with mixed hemorrhoids.Methods:Sixty patients with mixed hemorrhoids who were admitted to the Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Qiqihar from January 2023 to January 2024 were selected and divided into two groups.The treatment group(n=30)was treated with mixed hemorrhoid ligation combined with traditional Chinese swelling and pain medicine,and the control group(n=30)was only treated with mixed hemorrhoid ligation.The pain level,edema score,and prognosis of the two groups after the intervention were analyzed.The clinical efficacy was used as the evaluation criterion to compare the clinical effects of different treatment options.Results:After the treatment,the pain score,edema score,and prognostic wound score of the treatment group were all lower than those of the control group(P 0.05).The total clinical effectiveness of the treatment group(100%)was higher than that of the control group(76.67%),(χ^(2)=4.2857,P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of traditional Chinese swelling and pain medicine in treating patients with mixed hemorrhoids effectively reduced the patient’s pain,reduced the degree of wound edema,promoted wound healing,and improved the patient’s prognosis.The curative effect was significant and had a positive impact.

Does hemorrhoidal artery embolization really benefit patients with hemorrhoids?

This letter offers commentary on an article published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology.Hemorrhoidal artery embolization is a promising approach to severe hemorrhoidal bleeding treatment,but inappropriate patient selection and the use of different embolization procedures may affect the clinical efficacy and cause serious complications.In this article,the most appropriate candidate patients,embolization materials,embolization methods,and clinical evaluation methods are discussed to improve the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.

Comparison of external treatment of Acupuncture and moxibustion and intervention of Chinese and Western Medicine on postoperative pain of hemorrhoids:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of postoperative pain of hemorrhoids compared with traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine.Methods CNKI,PubMed,Cochrane Library,Science Direct,Wan Fang,VIP,CBM,WOS,Bailian Yun Library and other databases were systematically retrieved from January 1,2017 to October 31,2022 for clinical randomized controlled trials of acupuncture versus traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine for postoperative pain in hemorrhoids.The two evaluators independently retrieved,sifted through literature and extracted data for inclusion in a randomized controlled trial of acupuncture for the treatment of hemorrhoid pain that matched the study.Literature quality assessment was performed using RevMan5.4 for meta-analysis.Results A total of 540 related literature articles were retrieved,of which 139 were from CNKI,104 from Wan Fang,26 from VIP,7 from PubMed,9 from Cochrane Library,35 from WOS,173 from CMB,1 from Science Direct and 46 from the Bailian Yun Library,Screening resulted in inclusion of 10 RCTs including 870 patients.Meta analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the degree of pain in 2 hours[MD=-0.01,95%CI(-0.23,0.24),P=0.95].And it showed that the total effective rate of the two groups was[RR=1.14,95%CI(1.06,1.24),P=0.001],intervention for 2 days pain degree was[MD=0.41,95%CI(0.13,0.69),P=0.004],the length of hospital stay was[SMD=1.10,95%CI(0.73,1.48),P<0.00001],the incidence of adverse reaction was[RR=0.15,95%CI(0.03,0.79),P=0.03],the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Drug treatment is effective quickly,analgesia effect is better than acupuncture in early treatment,but the effect is not lasting.Acupuncture treatment is slow to start but the effects of acupuncture will gradually become apparent at a later stage.However,due to the poor quality of collection,multicenter,large sample size and double-blind randomized controlled trials are still needed.

Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of TST33 mega hemorrhoidectomy for severe prolapsed hemorrhoids

BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of hemorrhoids is mainly anal cushion prolapse.Although the traditional treatment has a certain curative effect,it is not ideal.The remission rate of postoperative symptoms is low.Even if temporary remission is achieved,patients with hemorrhoids easily relapse after 1-2 years.The new technique of using staplers to treat prolapsed hemorrhoids has good therapeutic effects in clinical practice.AIM To explore the effect of TST33 mega stapler prolapse and hemorrhoid mucosal resection in the treatment of patients with severe prolapsed hemorrhoids.METHODS A total of 204 patients with severe prolapse hemorrhoids who were admitted to the department of anorectal in our hospital from April 2018 to June 2020 were selected,and the patients were randomly divided into group A and group B with 102 cases in each group using a randomized controlled clinical research program.Patients in Group A were treated with a TST33 mega stapler and hemorrhoid mucosal resection to treat prolapse,and patients in Group B were treated according to the Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids;the operation time,intraoperative blood loss,hospital stay,the difference in operation time,intraoperative blood loss,hospitalization time,pain degree before and after operation,degree of anal edema,anal Wexner score,and surgical complications were compared between the two groups of patients.RESULTS The operation time,intraoperative blood loss and hospitalization time in Group A were significantly lower than those in Group B(P<0.05).The cure rate of Group A was 98.04%,compared with 95.10%cure rate of Group B,and the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The visual analogue scale(VAS)at 12 h and 24 h postoperatively in Group A were significantly lower than those in Group B(P<0.05).The comparison of the VAS scores between Group A and Group B at 48 h,72 h and 96 h postoperatively revealed that the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).One day postoperatively,the degree of perianal edema in Group A was compared with that in Group B,and the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Seven days postoperatively,the degree of perianal edema in Group A was significantly lower than that in Group B(P<0.05).The comparison of anal Wexner scores between the two groups preoperatively and at 1 mo,3 mo and 6 mo postoperatively showed that the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The Wexner scores of the two groups at 1 mo,3 mo and 6 mo postoperatively were significantly lower than the scores preoperatively(P<0.05).The postoperative complication rate of Group A was 2.94%lower than that of Group B(11.76%),which was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION TST33 mega anastomotic hemorrhoidectomy treatment for patients with severe prolapse hemorrhoids,leads to less postoperative pain,the rapid recovery of perianal edema and has fewer complications.

Modified procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids: Lower recurrence, higher satisfaction

BACKGROUND Hemorrhoidal prolapse is a common benign disease with a high incidence.The treatment procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids(PPH)remains an operative method used for internal hemorrhoid prolapse.Although it is related to less posoperative pain,faster recovery and shorter hospital stays,the postoperative recurrence rate is higher than that of the Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy(MMH).We have considered that recurrence could be due to shortage of the pulling-up effect.This issue may be overcome by using lower purse-string sutures[modified-PPH(M-PPH)].AIM To compare the therapeutic effects and the patients’satisfaction after M-PPH,PPH and MMH.METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 1163 patients(M-PPH,461;original PPH,321;MMH,381)with severe hemorrhoids(stage III/IV)who were admitted to The 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from 2012 to 2014.Early postoperative complications,efficacy,postoperative anal dysfunction and patient satisfaction were compared among the three groups.Established criteria were used to assess short-and long-term postoperative complications.A visual analog scale was used to evaluate postoperative pain.Follow-up was conducted 5 years postoperatively.RESULT Length of hospital stay and operating time were significantly longer in the MMH group(8.05±2.50 d,19.98±4.21 min;P<0.0001)than in other groups.The incidence of postoperative anastomotic bleeding was significantly lower after MPPH than after PPH or MMH(1.9%,5.1%and 3.7%;n=9,16 and 14;respectively).There was a significantly higher rate of sensation of rectal tenesmus after M-PPH than after MMH or PPH(15%,8%and 10%;n=69,30 and 32;respectively).There was a significantly lower rate of recurrence after M-PPH than after PPH(8.7%and 18.8%,n=40 and 61;P<0.0001).The incidence of postoperative anal incontinence differed significantly only between the MMH and M-PPH groups(1.3%and 4.3%,n=5 and 20;P=0.04).Patient satisfaction was significantly greater after M-PPH than after other surgeries.CONCLUSION M-PPH has many advantages for severe hemorrhoids(Goligher stage III/IV),with a low rate of anastomotic bleeding and recurrence and a very high rate of patient satisfaction.

Prospective evaluation of the hemorrhoid energy treatment for the management of bleeding internal hemorrhoids

BACKGROUND The hemorrhoid energy treatment(HET)system is a non-surgical bipolar electrotherapy device,which has previously demonstrated efficacy in the management of bleeding Grade I and II internal hemorrhoids;however,data is limited.AIM To prospectively assess the safety and efficacy of the HET device.METHODS This was an IRB-approved prospective study of 73 patients with Grade I or II internal hemorrhoids who underwent HET from March 2016 to June 2019.Patient factors and procedural data were obtained.A post-procedure questionnaire was administered by telephone to all patients at 1-wk and 3-mo following HET to assess for improvement and/or resolution of rectal bleeding and adherence to a stool softener regimen.A chart review was performed to observe recurrent symptoms and durability of response.Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software(IBM;SPSS Version 25.0).RESULTS Seventy-three patients underwent HET during the study period.Mean post-HET follow-up was 1.89 years.Complete resolution of bleeding was reported in 65%at 1 wk(n=48),with improvement in bleeding in 97.2%(n=71)of patients.At 3-mo,resolution and/or improvement in bleeding was reported in 90%(n=64)of patients.No procedure-related pain or adverse events were reported.CONCLUSION HET is well tolerated,safe and highly effective in the majority of our patients presenting with Grade I and II symptomatic internal hemorrhoids.

Clinical Experience Sharing Of 218 Cases without Hemorrhage after Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids

Objective:To summarize the experience without hemorrhage after PPH of 218 patients with mixed hemorrhoid.Methods:PPH(Procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids)was performed routinely.During operation,it is paid attention that the hemorrhoid artery should be completely mutilated,the anastomat should be squeezed before and after the anastomosis,the anastomosis should be carefully examined,the hemostasis should be completely performed,and relevant hemostasis measures should be taken after the operation.Results:None of the 218 patients had postoperative hemorrhage.Conclusion:Relevant measures can be taken after operation to prevent the occurrence of postoperative hemorrhage.

Procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids vs traditional surgery for outlet obstructive constipation

AIM: To compare the clinical efficacies of two surgical procedures for hemorrhoid rectal prolapse with outlet obstruction-induced constipation.METHODS: One hundred eight inpatients who underwent surgery for outlet obstructive constipation caused by internal rectal prolapse and circumferential hemorrhoids at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from June 2012 to June 2013 were prospectively included in the study.The patients with rectal prolapse hemorrhoids with outlet obstructioninduced constipation were randomly divided into two groups to undergo either a procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids(PPH)(n = 54) or conventional surgery(n = 54; control group).Short-term(operative time,postoperative hospital stay,postoperative urinary retention,postoperative perianal edema,and postoperative pain) and long-term(postoperative anal stenosis,postoperative sensory anal incontinence,postoperative recurrence,and postoperative difficulty in defecation) clinical effects were compared between the two groups.The short- and long-term efficacies of the two procedures were determined.RESULTS: In terms of short-term clinical effects,operative time and postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the PPH group than in the control group(24.36 ± 5.16 min vs 44.27 ± 6.57 min,2.1 ± 1.4 d vs 3.6 ± 2.3 d,both P < 0.01).The incidence of postoperative urinary retention was higher in the PPH group than in the control group,but the difference was not statistically significant(48.15% vs 37.04%).Theincidence of perianal edema was significantly lower in the PPH group(11.11% vs 42.60%,P < 0.05).The visual analogue scale scores at 24 h after surgery,first defecation,and one week after surgery were significantly lower in the PPH group(2.9 ± 0.9 vs 8.3 ± 1.1,2.0 ± 0.5 vs 6.5 ± 0.8,and 1.7 ± 0.5 vs 5.0 ± 0.7,respectively,all P < 0.01).With regard to long-term clinical effects,the incidence of anal stenosis was lower in the PPH group than in the control group,but the difference was not significant(1.85% vs 5.56%).The incidence of sensory anal incontinence was significantly lower in the PPH group(3.70% vs 12.96%,P < 0.05).The incidences of recurrent internal rectal prolapse and difficulty in defecation were lower in the PPH group than in the control group,but the differences were not significant(11.11% vs 16.67% and 12.96% vs 24.07%,respectively).CONCLUSION: PPH is superior to the traditional surgery in the management of outlet obstructive constipation caused by internal rectal prolapse with circumferential hemorrhoids.

Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with anal cushion suspension and partial internal sphincter resection for circumferential mixed hemorrhoids

AIM:To identify a more effective treatment protocol for circumferential mixed hemorrhoids.METHODS:A total of 192 patients with circumferential mixed hemorrhoids were randomized into the treatment group,where they underwent Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with anal cushion suspension and partial internal sphincter resection,or the control group,where traditional external dissection and internal ligation were performed.Postoperative recovery and complications were monitored.RESULTS:The time to wound healing was 12.96 ± 2.25 d in the treatment group shorter than 19.58 ± 2.71 d in the control group.Slight pain rate was 58.3% in the treatment group higher than 22.9% in the control group;moderate pain rate was 33.3% in the treatment group lower than 56.3% in the control group severe pain rate was 8.4% in the treatment group lower than 20.8% in the control group.No edema rate was 70.8% in the treatment group higher than 43.8% in the control group;mild local edema rate was 26% in the treatment group lower than 39.6% in the control group obvious local edema was 3.03% in the treatment group lower than 16.7% in the control group.No stenosis rate was 85.4% in the treatment group higher than 63.5% in the control group;moderate stenosis rate was 14.6% in the treatment group Lower than 27.1% in the control group severe anal stenosis rate was 0% in the treatment group lower than 9.4% in the control group.CONCLUSION:Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with anal cushion suspension and partial internal sphincter resection is the optimal treatment for circumferential mixed hemorrhoids and can be widely applied in clinical settings.

Treatment of hemorrhoids: A coloproctologist's view

Hemorrhoids is recognized as one of the most common medical conditions in general population. It is clinically characterized by painless rectal bleeding during defecation with or without prolapsing anal tissue. Generally,hemorrhoids can be divided into two types: internal hemorrhoid and external hemorrhoid. External hemorrhoid usually requires no specific treatment unless it becomes acutely thrombosed or causes patients discomfort. Meanwhile,low-graded internal hemorrhoids can be effectively treated with medication and nonoperative measures(such as rubber band ligation and injection sclerotherapy). Surgery is indicated for highgraded internal hemorrhoids,or when non-operative approaches have failed,or complications have occurred. Although excisional hemorrhoidectomy remains the mainstay operation for advanced hemorrhoids and complicated hemorrhoids,several minimally invasive operations(including Ligasure hemorrhoidectomy,doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation and stapled hemorrhoidopexy) have been introduced into surgical practices in order to avoid post-hemorrhiodectomy pain. This article deals with some fundamental knowledge and current treatment of hemorrhoids in a view of a coloproctologist- which includes the management of hemorrhoids in complicated situations such as hemorrhoids in pregnancy,hemorrhoids in immunocompromised patients,hemorrhoids in patients with cirrhosis or portal hypertension,hemorrhoids in patients having antithrombotic agents,and acutely thrombosed or strangulated hemorrhoids. Future perspectives in the treatment of hemorrhoids are also discussed.

Cap-assisted endoscopic sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids: Methods, feasibility and efficacy

AIM: To evaluate the methodology, feasibility, safety and efficacy of a novel method called cap-assisted endoscopic sclerotherapy(CAES) for internal hemorrhoids.METHODS: A pilot study on CAES for grade Ⅰ to Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids was performed. Colon and terminal ileum examination by colonoscopy was performed for all patients before starting CAES. Polypectomy and excision of anal papilla fibroma were performed if polyps or anal papilla fibroma were found and assessed to be suitable for resection under endoscopy. CAES was performed based on the requirement of the cap, endoscope, disposable endoscopic long injection needle, enough insufflated air and sclerosing agent.RESULTS: A total of 30 patients with grade Ⅰ to Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids was included. The follow-up was more than four weeks. No bleeding was observed after CAES. One(3.33%) patient claimed mild tenesmus within four days after CAES in that an endoscopist performed this procedure for the first time. One hundred percent of patients were satisfied with this novel procedure, especially for those patients who underwent CAES in conjunction with polypectomy or excision of anal papilla fibroma.CONCLUSION: CAES as a novel endoscopic sclerotherapy should be a convenient, safe and effective flexible endoscopic therapy for internal hemorrhoids.

Rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids: A guide for complications

Rubber band ligation is one of the most important, costeffective 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, vasovagal 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.

Sonographic appearance of anal cushions of hemorrhoids

AIM to evaluate the diagnostic value of different sonographic methods in hemorrhoids. METHODS Forty-two healthy volunteers and sixty-two patients with grades I -IV. hemorrhoids received two different sonographic examinations from January 2013 to January 2016 at the First and Second Hospitals of Xinjiang Medical University in a prospective way. We analyzed the ultrasonographic findings of these participants and evaluated the outcomes. Resected grades. and. hemorrhoid tissues were pathologically examined. The concordance of ultrasonographic results with pathology results was assessed with the Cohen's kappa coefficient. RESULTS All healthy volunteers and all patients had no particular complications related to sonography. There were no statistically significant differences between the participants regarding age (P = 0.5919), gender (P = 0.4183), and persistent symptoms (P > 0.8692). All healthy control participants had no special findings. However, 30 patients with hemorrhoids showed blood signals around the dentate line on ultrasonography. When grades I and II hemorrhoids were analyzed, there were no significant differences between transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), transperianal ultrasound (TPUS), and transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) (P > 0.05). Grades III and IV hemorrhoids revealed blood flow with different directions which could be observed as a 'mosaic pattern'. In patients with grades III and IV hemorrhoids, the number of patients with 'mosaic pattern' as revealed by TRUS, TPUS and TVUS was 22, 12, and 4, respectively. Patients with grades III and IV disease presented with a pathologically abnormal cushion which usually appeared as a 'mosaic pattern' in TPUS and an arteriovenous fistula in pathology. Subepithelial vessels of resected grades III and IV hemorrhoid tissues were manifested by obvious structural impairment and retrograde and ruptured changes of internal elastic lamina. Some parts of the Trietz's muscle showed hypertrophy and distortion. Arteriovenous fistulas and venous dilatation were obvious in the anal cushion of hemorhoidal tissues. After pathological results with arteriovenous fistulas were taken as the standard reference, we evaluated the compatibility between the two methods according to the Cohen's kappa co-efficiency calculation. The compatibility (Cohein kappa co-efficiency value) between 'mosaic pattern' in the TPUS and arteriovenous fistula in pathology was very good (K = 0.8939). When compared between different groups, TRUS presented the advantage that the mosaic pattern could be confirmed in more patients, especially for group A. There was a statistical difference when comparing group A with group B or C (P < 0.05 for both). There were obvious statistical differences between group A and group B with regard to the vessel diameter and blood flow velocity measured by TRUS (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Patients with grades III and IV hemorrhoids present with a pathologically abnormal cushion which usually appears as a 'mosaic pattern' in sonography, which is in accord with an arteriovenous fistula in pathology. There are clearly different hemorrhoid structures shown by sonography. 'Mosaic pattern' may be a parameter for surgical indication of grades III and IV hemorrhoids.

Elastic band ligation of hemorrhoids:Flexible gastroscope or rigid proctoscope?

AIM： To compare dgid proctoscope and flexible endoscope for elastic band ligation of internal hemorrhoids. METHODS： Patients between 18 and 80 years old, with chronic complaints （blood loss, pain, itching or prolapse） of internal hemorrhoids of grade 1-91, were randomized to elastic band ligation by rigid proctoscope or flexible endoscope （preloaded with 7 bands）. Patients were retreated every 6 wk until the cessation of complaints. Evaluation by three-dimensional anal endosonography was performed. RESULTS： Forty-one patients were included （median age 52.0, range 27-79 years, 20 men）. Nineteen patients were treated with a rigid proctoscope and twenty two with a flexible endoscope. Twenty-nine patients had grade I hemorrhoids, 9 patients had grade 11 hemorrhoids and 3 patients had grade 91 hemorrhoids. All patients needed a minimum of 1 treatment and a maximum of 3 treatments. A median of 4.0 bands was used in the rigid proctoscope group and a median of 6.0 bands was used in the flexible endoscope group （P 〈 0.05）. Pain after ligation tended to be more frequent in patients treated with the flexible endoscope （first treatment： 3 vs 20 patients, P 〈 0.05）. Three- dimensional endosonography showed no sphincter defects or alterations in submucosal thickness. CONCLUSION： Both techniques are easy to perform, well tolerated and have a good and fast effect. It is easier to perform more ligations with the flexible endoscope. Additional advantages of the flexible scope are the maneuverability and photographic documentation. However, treatment with the flexible endoscope might be more painful and is more expensive.

Treatment of hemorrhoids: A survey of surgical practice in Australia and New Zealand

BACKGROUND Hemorrhoidal disease is the most common anorectal disorder.Hemorrhoids can be classified as external or internal,according to their relation to the dentate line.External hemorrhoids originate below the dentate line and are managed conservatively unless the patient cannot keep the perianal region clean,or they cause significant discomfort.Internal hemorrhoids originate above the dentate line and can be managed according to the graded degree of prolapse,as described by Goligher.Generally,low-grade internal hemorrhoids are effectively treated conservatively,by non-operative measures,while high-grade internal hemorrhoids warrant procedural intervention.AIM To determine the application of clinical practice guidelines for the current management of hemorrhoids and colorectal surgeon consensus in Australia and New Zealand.METHODS An online survey was distributed to 206 colorectal surgeons in Australia and New Zealand using 17 guideline-based hypothetical clinical scenarios.RESULTS There were 82 respondents(40%)to 17 guideline-based scenarios.Nine(53%)reached consensus,of which only 1(6%)disagreed with the guidelines.This was based on low quality evidence for the management of acutely thrombosed external hemorrhoids.There were 8 scenarios which showed community equipoise(47%)and they were equally divided for agreeing or disagreeing with the guidelines.These topics were based on low and moderate levels of evidence.They included the initial management of grade I internal hemorrhoids,grade III internal hemorrhoids when initial management had failed and the patient had recognised risks factors for septic complications;and finally,the decision-making when considering patient preferences,including a prompt return to work,or minimal post-operative pain.CONCLUSION Although there are areas of consensus in the management of hemorrhoids,there are many areas of community equipoise which would benefit from further research.