Comparison of Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation without mucopexy and rubber band ligation for haemorrhoids

Background and study aimsRecurrences after Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation (DG-HAL) tend to occur in patients with concurrent mucosal prolapse. We retrospectively compared the results of DG-HAL and rubber band ligation (RBL) for the treatment of haemorrhoidal disease.Patients and methodsFrom 2005 to 2009, all patients who underwent either a DG-HAL procedure or RBL were selected. Follow-up was done by telephone using a standardised questionnaire survey to assess patient satisfaction and complaints. When recurrent disease was suspected, patients revisited the clinic for further examination and treatment.ResultsA total of 239 DG-HAL patients and 47 RBL patients were analysed. Sixty-seven percent in the DG-HAL group and 79% in the RBL group had an improvement in symptoms after one treatment (p = 0.22). Forty-six DG-HAL patients (19%) needed a second procedure versus three patients (6%) in the RBL group (p < 0.05). Cox regression analysis showed a significant difference in disease recurrence in favour of RBL (hazard ratio (HR) 3.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–12.2). Patients in the DG-HAL group with recurrent haemorrhoids had a higher incidence of mucosal prolapse.ConclusionDG-HAL seems very effective in treating lower-grade haemorrhoids. In more advanced disease, recurrence occurs due to persisting mucosal prolapse. RBL seems much more effective in reducing the prolapse and the chance of recurrence.