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An update on surgical treatment of hemorrhoidal disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Bianca Aibuedefe1, Sarah M Kling2, Matthew M Philp3
1Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, 3500 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA. tuh24999@temple.edu.
Insights
Surgical treatments for severe hemorrhoids (grades 3/4) show varied outcomes. While some techniques reduce pain and recurrence, no single method is a definitive "gold standard," necessitating personalized patient-physician discussions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Innovation
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Pathologic hemorrhoids affect adults aged 45-65, categorized by type (internal/external) and grade (1-4).
- Surgical intervention is typically reserved for advanced hemorrhoid cases (grades 3 and 4).
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically compare the clinical outcomes of diverse surgical treatments for grade 3 and 4 hemorrhoids.
- To identify superior surgical techniques based on pain, recurrence, complications, and return to work.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of randomized clinical trials comparing surgical interventions for grade 3/4 hemorrhoids.
- Bayesian network meta-analysis performed using NetMetaXL and WinBUGS.
Main Results:
- 26 studies (3137 participants) evaluated 14 surgical treatments for grade 3/4 hemorrhoids.
- Techniques like laser, infrared photocoagulation, and stapling showed reduced pain compared to open/closed hemorrhoidectomies.
- Lower recurrence rates were observed with Starion and harmonic scalpel; fewer complications with infrared photocoagulation and LigaSure.
- Doppler-guided and stapled techniques facilitated earlier return to work than open hemorrhoidectomy and laser.
Conclusions:
- Current literature indicates multiple effective surgical options for severe hemorrhoids, but no single "gold standard" technique.
- Individualized patient care decisions should be made through open discussion between patients and physicians.
Background:
Pathologic hemorrhoids are common among adults age 45-65. Hemorrhoids are characterized as internal or external, and grades 1-4 based on severity. The type and grade dictate treatment, with surgical treatment reserved for grades 3/4. The aim of this study is to compare clinical outcomes of various surgical treatments.
Methods:
A systematic review was conducted to identify randomized clinical trials that compare surgical treatments for grade 3/4 hemorrhoids. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was done using NetMetaXL and WinBUGS.
Results:
A total of 26 studies with 3137 participants and 14 surgical treatments for grade 3/4 hemorrhoids were included. Pain was less in patients with techniques such as laser (OR 0.34, CI 0.01-6.51), infrared photocoagulation (OR 0.38, CI 0.02-5.61), and stapling (OR 0.48, CI 0.19-1.25), compared to open and closed hemorrhoidectomies. There was less recurrence with Starion (OR 0.01, CI 0.00-0.46) and harmonic scalpel (OR 0.00, CI 0.00-0.49), compared to infrared photocoagulation and transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization. Fewer postoperative clinical complications were seen with infrared photocoagulation (OR 0.04, CI 0.00-2.54) and LigaSure (OR 0.16, CI 0.03-0.79), compared to suture ligation and open hemorrhoidectomy. With Doppler-guided (OR 0.26, CI 0.05-1.51) and stapled (OR 0.36, CI 0.15-0.84) techniques, patients return to work earlier when compared to open hemorrhoidectomy and laser.
Conclusion:
There are multiple favorable techniques without a clear "gold standard" based on current literature. Open discussion should be had between patients and physicians to guide individualized care.
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