Anorectal physiology is not changed following transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialization for haemorrhoidal disease: clinical, manometric and endosonographic features

Abstract

Aim: The effect of transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) on continence and anorectal physiology has not yet been demonstrated.

Method: Twenty patients suffering from 3rd degree haemorrhoids were enrolled and underwent THD, including both dearterialization and mucopexy. Clinical assessment, anorectal manometry, rectal volumetry and endoanal ultrasound were performed preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively.

Results: Postoperatively two and six patients had transient rectal pain and tenesmus, respectively. No patient reported faecal urgency or minor or major incontinence. All patients remained able to discriminate gas from faeces. No significant variation of the mean values of anal manometric and rectal volumetric parameters was recorded at 6 months of follow-up compared with preoperative values. At 6 months both internal and external sphincters were endosonographically intact.

Conclusion: THD does not cause trauma to the anal canal and rectum.