:
Several minimally invasive surgical procedures have been recently developed to treat hemorrhoids without any
excision. About 25 years ago, a non-excisional procedure providing doppler-guided ligation of the hemorrhoidal arteries has been
proposed - named “hemorrhoidal dearterialization”. The original technique has been modified over the years, and
indications were expanded. In particular, a plication of the redundant and prolapsing mucosa/submucosa of the rectum (named
“mucopexy”) has been introduced to treat hemorrhoidal prolapse, without excision of the hemorrhoidal piles. At present, the
THD® Doppler procedure is one of the most used techniques to treat hemorrhoids. Aim of this technique is to realize a target
dearterialization, using a Doppler probe with the final purpose to reduce the arterial overflow to the hemorrhoidal piles. In case of
associated hemorrhoidal prolapse, a mucopexy is performed together with Doppler-guided dearterialization. The entity and
circumferential extension of the hemorrhoidal prolapse guides the mucopexy, which can be considered tailored to a single
patient; the dearterialization should be considered mandatory. Advantages of this surgical technique are the absence of serious
and life-threatening postoperative events, chronic complications, and limited recurrence risks. The impact of the procedure on the
anorectal physiology is negligible. However, a careful postoperative management is mandatory to avoid complications and to
guarantee an improved long-term outcome. Therefore, regular physiologic bowel movements, excessive strain at the defecation
and strong physical activity are advisable.
