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Transperineal ultrasound in the assessment of haemorrhoids and haemorrhoidectomy: a pilot study

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Abstract

Background

The purpose of the study was the measurement of the anal cushion area using static transperineal ultrasound in a group of patients with symptomatic grade III and IV haemorrhoids about to undergo haemorrhoidectomy and compare them with a group of age-matched normals and the measured area following haemorrhoidectomy.

Methods

Transperineal sonography was performed using a linear transducer measuring the anal cushion area by subtracting the measured luminal diameter of the undisturbed anal canal from the inner border of the internal anal sphincter. Measures were made 6 weeks following haemorrhoidectomy.

Results

Comparisons were made between 22 normals and 36 patients with haemorrhoids (31 evaluable post-operatively). The median area of normals was 0.78 cm2, that of pre-operative patients 2.25 cm2 and that of post-operative cases 1.20 cm2. There was a significant difference between pre- and post-operative cases with cushion areas of normal patients being significantly lower than post-operative cases. Variance of measurement in all 3 groups was negligible.

Conclusion

Static transperineal sonography measuring the anal cushion area is reproducible and shows marked differences between normals and patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids. There is a marked effect on measured area resultant from haemorrhoidectomy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery Tamworth Rural Referral Centre, Universities of New England and Newcastle, PO Box 2064, Tamworth, NSW, 2340, Australia

    A. P. Zbar & R. Murison

  2. School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia

    R. Murison

Authors
  1. A. P. Zbar
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  2. R. Murison
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Correspondence to A. P. Zbar.

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Zbar, A.P., Murison, R. Transperineal ultrasound in the assessment of haemorrhoids and haemorrhoidectomy: a pilot study. Tech Coloproctol 14, 175–179 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-010-0572-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-010-0572-5

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