Early quality of life outcomes following Doppler guided transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation : a prospective observational study

Background and aims : There are few studies examining the quality of life (QOL) of patients with haemorrhoidal disease. Transanal heamorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) is a treatment modality for heamorrhoidal disease in which a Doppler transducer is used to locate the supplying arteries that are subsequently ligat- ed. The aim of this study was to assess symptoms and QOL changes following THD. Patients and methods : This was a prospective evaluation of QOL and symptom changes following THD. Patient symptoms, demo- graphics and QOL were recorded preoperatively and 1-month post-operatively following THD using the medical outcomes study short-form-36 (SF-36). Results : Thirteen patients undergoing THD were evaluated. One month following THD symptoms of haemorrhoid protrusion, bleeding, anal pain, painful defaecation, constipation and tenes- mus, had all significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Limitations in usual role activities because of physical health problems (53.8 ± 10.5 Vs 90.4±4.5, P=0.004), vitality, energy and fatigue (45±6.9 Vs 73.5 ± 5.0, P = 0.003), general mental health, psychologic distress and wellbeing (60.9 ± 6.9 Vs 83.1 ± 5.9, P = 0.023), limitations in social activities because of physical or emotional problems (58.7 ± 8.8 Vs 84 ± 5.9, P = 0.025), and physical pain (52.9 ± 7.9 Vs 84.6 ± 6.4, P = 0.005) scores had all improved 1-month following THD. Conclusions : THD significantly reduces symptoms of haemor- rhoidal disease and improves specific aspects of QOL 1-month following surgery. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2013, 76, 231-234).