Doppler guided haemorrhoidal arterial ligation with recto-anal-repair (RAR) for the treatment of advanced haemorrhoidal disease

Objective A modification of Doppler guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation (DGHAL) to include the addition of recto-anal repair is reported. Preliminary results of function and safety of third and fourth degree haemorrhoidals are given. Method Thirty patients underwent DGHAL combined with recto-anal-repair (RAR). Each had rectal examination, anorectal manometry and Quality of Life assessment before and 3 months after the procedure. Results Twenty-nine patients were included in the final analysis. There were three (10.34%) patients of intra-operative and one (3.45%) of postoperative bleeding. Three months after RAR (17.24%) patients with minor residual mucosal prolapse were detected, three (10.34%) patients reported residual symptoms. There was no case of recurrent bleeding. Anal manometry at 3 months after RAR was significantly lower than before the procedure (P < 0.05). One (3.45%) patient reported occasional soiling 3 months after RAR. Conclusion Recto-anal-repair is safe in treating third and fourth degree haemorrhoids with no major complications and low rate of residual disease.