Surgical technique is the main predictor of recurrence in the management of haemorrhoids.

Abstract

The pursuit of better management for haemorrhoidal disease (HD) is far from over, and even with the latest surgical procedures, none of the treatment options is close to perfect. The aims of this study were to review our experience with patients treated for symptomatic HD, compare the different treatment strategies in terms of complication and recurrence rates and determine predictors of recurrence. A total of 1958 patients who underwent a procedure for HD performed by a single colorectal consultant surgeon between 2000 and 2015 were reviewed. The treatment performed was rubber band ligation (RBL) in 73%, excisional haemorrhoidectomy (EH) in 16% and stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH) in 11%. After a mean follow-up of 42.1 months, 242 patients (12%) developed recurrence. Logistic regression analysis of multiple factors showed that treatment received was a significant predictor of recurrence. RBL had the lowest post-operative complication rate but had the highest recurrence rate. EH had the lowest recurrence rate. SH had the highest complication rate but with similar recurrence rates to EH. Complications included pain, anal fissure, bleeding and urinary retention. Low-grade HD can initially be treated with RBL with good results. Although conventional EH remains a mainstay operation for recurrent and complicated HD, SH can also be considered in selected cases particularly when performed by a surgeon with adequate experience. Treatment should be tailored to the individual based on patient preference, suitability, degree of haemorrhoids and symptomatology.