RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation and operative procedures for prolapse and hemorrhoids. METHODS: Ninety-two cases with a diagnosis of hemorrhoids from June 1, 2006 to June 1, 2008 at our hospital were collected and divided into the observation group (A, n = 40) and the control group (B, n = 52). They received Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation and operative procedures for prolapse and hemorrhoids respectively. The efficacy of two groups was compared with regards to efficacy, operative duration, postoperative pain score, postoperative analgesic use, postoperative complications, hospitalization duration, recovery time, total treatment expenditure, patient satisfaction and 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: After treatment, two groups demonstrated similar profiles of efficacy, operative duration, patient satisfaction and the relapsing rate at 1 year. Group A was obviously better than Group B. with regards to recovery time, hospitalization duration and total treatment expenditure. Furthermore the incidence of such complications as postoperative pain, urinary retention, anal bulge, hemorrhage, perianal infections, anal edema and anal fissure was lower. CONCLUSION: Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation has many advantages, such as safety, effectiveness, less trauma, a quick recovery, less treatment expenditure and a lower incidence of complications. Thus it is worthy of a wider popularization. However, its long-term effect remains to be seen.