Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids (PPH)

According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, more than 525,000 patients in the United States are treated annually for symptomatic hemorrhoids. Of these, approximately 10 to 20 percent will require surgical treatment for their condition. Until a few years ago, physicians used an often-painful procedure to correct severe hemorrhoids. In October 2001, a new procedure for advanced hemorrhoids called Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids (PPH) was introduced in the United States.

PPH is a technique that reduces the prolapse (enlargement) of hemorrhoidal tissue by cutting out a band of the prolapsed anal mucosal membrane with the use of a circular stapling device. The PPH procedure essentially "lifts up" or repositions the mucosal, or anal canal tissue, and restores the hemorrhoidal tissue back to its original anatomical position. This reduces blood flow to the internal hemorrhoids. These internal hemorrhoids typically shrink within four to six weeks after the procedure.

With PPH, patients experience significantly less pain and tend to recover faster than patients who undergo the traditional procedures because it is performed above the "pain" line, or dentate line, inside the anal canal. The advantage is this method affects few nerve endings, while traditional procedures are performed below the dentate line, affecting many sensitive nerve endings. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks that accompany PPH. If too much muscle tissue is drawn into the device, it can result in damage to the rectal wall resulting in inflammation or infection. Moreover, the internal muscles of the sphincter may be damaged, resulting in short-term or long-term dysfunction, such as severe pain or incontinence.

PPH is indicated for patients with:

• 2nd degree hemorrhoids after failure of other therapies
• 3rd and 4th degree hemorrhoids
• Rectal mucosal prolapse

Advantages of PPH
Compared to patients receiving a conventional hemorrhoidectomy, patients undergoing the PPH procedure:

• Experience less post-operative pain, itching, bleeding and drainage
• Spend less time in the hospital
• Experience less post-operative incontinence and constipation
• Return to normal activities in a significantly shorter amount of time, 17 days vs. 22 days. Recovery Chart

Hemorrhoid Chart

PPH is an alternative surgical procedure for patients who require surgery for their severe hemorrhoids that offers less pain and a quicker recovery time than the traditional hemorrhoidectomy. "For years, physicians and patients have been awaiting a surgical treatment for hemorrhoids that causes less pain and offers a shorter recovery period than traditional hemorrhoidectomy procedure, and now we have one," said Dr. William Cloud. "From thepatient's perspective, the relief of pain and effect on well being is dramatic." For more information, contact Dr. Cloud at (828) 437-0847 or visit www.CloudSurgicalSolutions.com.

Dr. William G. Cloud offers the MammoSite procedure to patients who meet the criteria for this less invasive treatment of breast cancer. A board-certified surgeon with experience in cancer and abdominal surgery, Dr. Cloud has extensive expertise in advanced laparoscopic surgery and complex gastrointestinal procedures. In 2003, Dr. Cloud was the first surgeon in Morganton to provide sentinel node biopsy to help in the diagnosis of breast cancer. He is a referral source for many physicians confident in his skills and commitment to patient care. For additional information, please contact Dr. Cloud at (828) 437-0847 or visit his web site at www.CloudSurgicalSolutions.com.