Hybrid digitally guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation with laser hemorrhoidoplasty: our experience with a new approach to hemorrhoidal disease

Abstract

Background: Minimally invasive surgeries are currently advocated in hemorrhoidal disease for better patient satisfaction. The aim of our study is to assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety of a hybrid hemorrhoidal artery ligation under digital guidance with laser hemorrhoidoplasty (Hybrid HAL-LHP) in patients with grade II to III hemorrhoids.Methods: In a prospective clinical study, hybrid HAL-LHP was performed in 75 consecutive patients between May 2018 to February 2020 with grade II to III hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoidal artery ligation was done by digital palpation followed by laser hemorrhoidoplasty using a 1470 nm diode laser. Postoperative pain and bleeding, return to work, resolution of symptoms, recurrence and reoperation was assessed on a follow up upto 1 year.Results: Postoperative pain assessed on Visual analog score (VAS) was 2.82 on 3rd day, 1.28 on 7th day and till 14th day was extremely low. None of the patients had significant intraoperative or spontaneous postoperative bleeding. Most of the patients had some degree of post defecation bleeding till 7th to 14 days which resolved after 2 weeks. After a mean follow up of 16.6 months, we reported a suspected recurrence rate of 5.33%.Conclusions: Postoperative pain assessed on Visual analog score (VAS) was 2.82 on 3rd day, 1.28 on 7th day and till 14th day was extremely low. None of the patients had significant intraoperative or spontaneous postoperative bleeding. Most of the patients had some degree of post defecation bleeding till 7 to 14 days which resolved after 2 weeks. After a mean follow up of 16.6 months we reported a suspected recurrence rate of 5.33%.