Related Experiment Videos
The Whitehead hemorrhoidectomy. An unjustly maligned procedure
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|August 1, 1988
Summary
A modified Whitehead hemorrhoidectomy technique significantly reduces complications like ectropion and stricture. This surgical approach offers a safe and effective treatment for severe hemorrhoids with zero mortality.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal Surgery
- Surgical Techniques
- Gastrointestinal Health
Background:
- The traditional Whitehead hemorrhoidectomy (1882) faced criticism for complications including blood loss, incontinence, ectropion, and poor wound healing.
- These drawbacks led to its reputation as an undesirable surgical option.
Observation:
- A modified Whitehead hemorrhoidectomy was performed on 556 patients by a single surgeon between 1963 and 1983.
- Long-term follow-up data was available for 484 patients, with 440 followed for over three years.
Findings:
- The modified technique resulted in a low complication rate: 1.1% for fistula/abscess, 6.9% for flap loss, and one nonhealing wound.
- Notably, there were zero instances of recurrence, ectropion (Whitehead deformity), or mortality.
- Total morbidity was 12.2%, including 7.2% flap detachment.
Implications:
- The modified Whitehead hemorrhoidectomy is presented as a viable and preferred procedure for circumferential prolapsing and bleeding hemorrhoids.
- This technique demonstrates improved outcomes compared to historical criticisms of the original Whitehead procedure.