Postoperative Pain and Tenesmus After Doppler-Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation With or Without Mucopexy

Comparison of Postoperative Pain and Tenesmus Between Doppler-Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Alone and Doppler-Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Combined With Mucopexy in Patients With Hemorrhoidal Disease

Hemorrhoidal disease is one of the most common anorectal disorders affecting adults worldwide. Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that has gained popularity because of its lower postoperative pain and faster recovery compared with conventional hemorrhoidectomy. In selected patients, HAL may be combined with mucopexy to address prolapsing hemorrhoidal tissue.

The aim of this prospective study is to compare postoperative pain and tenesmus between patients undergoing Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation alone and those undergoing Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation combined with mucopexy.

Patients diagnosed with hemorrhoidal disease and scheduled for surgical treatment at the General Surgery Department of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Hospital will be enrolled after obtaining ethics committee approval and informed consent. Eligible participants will be adults aged 18 years and older without any concomitant anal canal disease. Participants will be allocated into two groups according to the surgical technique performed: (1) Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation alone and (2) Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation combined with mucopexy.

Postoperative pain will be assessed using a pain scale at the 8th postoperative hour and at the 1st postoperative month. Tenesmus symptoms will be evaluated and recorded at the 2nd postoperative month. The primary outcomes will be postoperative pain scores and the presence of tenesmus. Comparative statistical analyses will be performed between the two groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥18 years
• Diagnosis of hemorrhoidal disease requiring surgical treatment
• Ability to provide written informed consent
• Willingness to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age below 18 years
• Presence of other anal canal diseases (anal fissure, anal fistula, anorectal malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease involving the anorectal region, etc.)
• Previous anorectal surgery that may affect study outcomes
• Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent.