Classification of Hemorroidal Disease, Criteria of Objectivity

Abstract

AIM: to assess objective criteria for the prolapsed of internal hemorrhoids piles and to define the degree ofexternal hemorrhoids enlargement in comparison with the Goligher classification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: the clinical and anatomical status of patients with various forms of hemorrhoids was evaluated within the multicenter observation program «REVISION». The study is based on the analysis of clinical and instrumental examination of 1020 patients with stages I-IV of hemorrhoids aged 44.1±12.7 (18-81) years. The study included 506 (49.6%) females. RESULTS: the data obtained show an irregular increase of internal and external piles, which can be expressed in digital form. In patients with stage I-II, the presence of external pileswas detected in 64.7% and 55.7% and in stage III-IV was revealed in 77.7% and 93.5%. Compliance with Goligher classification and the degree of piles enlargementin patients with stages I and II was notedin 225 (84.6%) and 236 (72.2%) cases (p<0.001). In patients with stages III and IV this compliance was detected only in 211 (66.1%) and 58 (53.7%) cases (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: the study showed that the Goligher classification is an inadequate tool for assessing the surgical status of hemorrhoids and evaluating surgical outcomes. The degree of prolapse can be classified according to the size of the internal hemorrhoid piles relative to the sector of the circumference of the anal canal and to the displacement of the pilein relationshipwith the "dentate line". The size of the external hemorrhoid piles is determined similarly in accordance with the perianal region.