One Year Follow-up Result of Doppler-guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation and Recto-Anal Repair in 97 Consecutive Patients

PURPOSE Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation and recto-anal repair (DG-HAL & RAR) is known for low recurrence, high patient satisfaction, and less postoperative pain. The purpose of this study is to analyze the 1-year follow-up results in patients who underwent a DG-HAL & RAR and to establish the benefits of the procedure. METHODS Among the hemorrhoid patients who were admitted to our hospital from March 2008 to May 2010 and who underwent a DG-HAL & RAR, 97 patients who were followed up for a year were investigated. Recurrence, complications, admission period, difference in preoperative and postoperative pain, operation time, and time to return to daily activities were investigated. RESULTS The average admission period was 1.6 ± 1.1 days. Pain at postoperative day 7 showed no significant difference from preoperative pain (P > 0.05). The operation time was 34.0 ± 7.3 minutes on average, and return to daily activities was timed at 2.3 ± 2.0 days postoperatively. At the one year follow-up, no serious complications were noted, and preoperative symptoms recurred only in 14 patients (14.4%). CONCLUSION In most patients with hemorrhoids, excluding those with severe prolapsed hemorrhoids, less pain, no serious complications, and good long-term outcome can be expected from a DG-HAL & RAR.