Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization With Doppler Arterial Identification Versus Classic Hemorrhoidectomy: A Retrospective Analysis of 270 Patients

PURPOSE: Despite the minimally invasive nature of transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) with Doppler arterial identification procedures, hemorrhoidectomy is still considered the gold standard procedure for hemorrhoidal disease. However, the classical techniques of hemorrhoidectomy have a high rate of postoperative complications. The main purpose of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy and complications of these techniques used for grades II and III hemorrhoids. METHODS: A retrospective (case-control) study was carried out from January 2009 to May 2014, and all patients undergoing surgical procedures for hemorrhoidal disease in two French clinics were considered. Application of inclusion and exclusion criteria identified 270 eligible patients (163 undergoing Doppler THD and 107 treated with Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy). Statistical analysis was calculated considering immediate postoperative complications, functional results, chronic complications, and recurrences. RESULTS: Analysis of primary outcomes showed a significant difference between the 2 groups concerning postoperative pain, which had a lower rate in THD (P = 0.0001) and in postoperative bleeding (P = 0.02) than hemorrhoidectomy. However, long-term follow-up at three years showed a superior rate of recurrence in the THD group (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: The THD technique is a safe and effective procedure for grades II and III hemorrhoids, has lower rates of post-operative pain and bleeding, and allows faster hospital discharge; however, it also shows a higher rate of recurrence at three years of follow-up.