A comparison of quality of life and postoperative results from combined PPH and conventional haemorrhoidectomy in different cases of haemorrhoidal disease

Abstract

To compare the early postoperative results and late patient-related postoperative results by a Short-Form 36 quality of life survey after conventional haemorrhoidectomy and PPH procedure with additional surgical intervention in noncomplicated, complicated and delayed cases of the disease. The comparison was made between comparable patient groups after conventional haemorrhoidectomy (n = 168) and after PPH with additional surgical intervention (n = 142). The early and late postoperative results and quality of life analysis according to SF-36 questionnaire were compared. The length of procedure was significantly shorter after the PPH procedure (37.4 vs 49.4 min). The amount of postoperative nonopiate analgesics was similar, but consumption of opiates was more in the conventional group. The rate of early postoperative complications was similar. In the PPH group significant improvement in all quality of life parameters was ascertained 6 months after operation, but 6 weeks after surgery several parameters in this group were lower. In the conventional group improvement was ascertained only for several parameters. The significant improvement of quality of life after PPH operations was ascertained especially at a mean period of 6 weeks. The PPH procedure performed in complex cases of the disease and combined with other surgical intervention because of the anorectal comorbidity assures better early postoperative results and better postoperative quality of life in a 6-month follow up in comparison with conventional haemorrhoidectomy. The continuation of quality of life studies with a longer follow up is required concerning Longo operation.