Evaluation of Outcome Between Excisional Haemorrhoidectomy and Longo's Technique (PPH)

Objective: The introduction of a Longo’s technique for the treatment of haemorrhoids has the potential for less postoperative pain, a short operating time, rapid healing and an early return to full activity. The outcome of Longo’s technique was compared with that of current standard surgery in a randomized controlled study, and followed up two years. Methods: In a prospective randomized study, 140 patients requiring surgical treatment for haemorrhoids grade 2, 3 and 4 were assigned to either MMF (Milligan-Morgan, Park Ferguson) or PPH (Procedure for prolapse and haemorrhoids) 70 each. Operating time, frequency of postoperative analgesic intake, hospital stay, time to return to normal activity and postoperative complications were also recorded. Results: The Longo’s group had a shorter operating time, less frequent postoperative analgesia intake, and earlier return to normal activity. Postoperative pain at rest and during defecation was less important after PPH if no resection of external piles or skin tags was associated. After a mean follow-up of 24 months (12-46), recurrent haemorrhoidal symptoms, mostly mild and temporary, were reported after both MMF and PPH (Table-3). Four patients (5.71 %) complained of recurrent prolapse and/or external swelling after PPH, requiring re-do surgery in 3 of them between 18 to 32 months. Recurrent prolapse or external piles were also observed in 5 patients (7.14%) after MMF and re-do surgery was needed in 3 of them between 14 and 41 months. Long term patient's satisfaction after PPH was more or less same like after MMF. None of the patients had anal stenosis, incontinence, fecal urgency or sepsis. Conclusions: Postoperative pain is less after PPH. This advantage disappears if any resection is associated with the stapling. Use of a Longo's technique in the treatment of haemorrhoidal disease promotes rapid healing, shorter hospital stay and early return to normal activities. Journal of Surgical Sciences (2013) Vol. 17 (2) :66-72

Sacrospinous hysteropexy versus vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension in women with uterine prolapse stage 2 or higher: observational follow-up of a multicentre randomised trial

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and success of uterus preserving sacrospinous hysteropexy as an alternative to vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension in the surgical treatment of uterine prolapse five years after surgery. Design Observational follow-up of SAVE U (sacrospinous fixation versus vaginal hysterectomy in treatment of uterine prolapse ≥2) randomised controlled trial. Setting Four non-university teaching hospitals, the Netherlands. Participants 204 of 208 healthy women in the initial trial (2009-12) with uterine prolapse stage 2 or higher requiring surgery and no history of pelvic floor surgery who had been randomised to sacrospinous hysteropexy or vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension. The women were followed annually for five years after surgery. This extended trial reports the results at five years. Main outcome measures Prespecified primary outcome evaluated at five year follow-up was recurrent prolapse of the uterus or vaginal vault (apical compartment) stage 2 or higher evaluated by pelvic organ prolapse quantification system in combination with bothersome bulge symptoms or repeat surgery for recurrent apical prolapse. Secondary outcomes were overall anatomical failure (recurrent prolapse stage 2 or higher in apical, anterior, or posterior compartment), composite outcome of success (defined as no prolapse beyond the hymen, no bothersome bulge symptoms, and no repeat surgery or pessary use for recurrent prolapse), functional outcome, quality of life, repeat surgery, and sexual functioning. Results At five years, surgical failure of the apical compartment with bothersome bulge symptoms or repeat surgery occurred in one woman (1%) after sacrospinous hysteropexy compared with eight women (7.8%) after vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension (difference−6.7%, 95% confidence interval −12.8% to−0.7%). A statistically significant difference was found in composite outcome of success between sacrospinous hysteropexy and vaginal hysterectomy (89/102 (87%) v 77/102 (76%). The other secondary outcomes did not differ. Time-to-event analysis at five years showed no differences between the interventions. Conclusions At five year follow-up significantly less anatomical recurrences of the apical compartment with bothersome bulge symptoms or repeat surgery were found after sacrospinous hysteropexy compared with vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension. After hysteropexy a higher proportion of women had a composite outcome of success. Time-to-event analysis showed no differences in outcomes between the procedures. Trial registration trialregister.nl NTR1866.