Stapled haemorrhoidopexy vs. open haemorrhoidectomy: a comparative study

Abstract

Background: Haemorrhoidal disease is one of the most common anorectal disorders. The grading of haemorrhoids depend on their severity and tendency to prolapse. Surgery is essential for grade 3 and 4 haemorrhoids. This study aims to compare the outcomes of the stapled haemorrhoidopexy and open haemorrhoidectomy in terms of intra and postoperative complications in terms of pain, return to activity of daily living (ADL) i.e. return to functional activity.Methods: A single-centred observational follow-up study on patients undergoing surgery for haemorrhoids between 2016-2017. Total number of patients operated were 106. Total cases included in the study are 95, out of which 59 were in open haemorrhoidectomy group and 36 in stapled haemorrhoidopexy group. Data was collected and the various parameters compared between the two groups.Results: The most common symptom found in the study was bleeding per rectum (91%). Intraoperative bleeding was more in open group compared to the stapled group (p<0.005). The pain experienced in the immediate postoperative period was higher for the open group (p<0.005). Noticeable difference in the hospital stay between the two groups was observed, with stapled group being discharged earlier (p<0.005). The immediate postoperative complications were not significantly different in the two groups. The need for postoperative analgesia was seen to be lesser in the stapled group compared to the open group (p<0.005).Conclusions: Our study confirms that stapled haemorrhoidopexy is better than open haemorrhoidectomy in terms of intra operative duration and pain experienced by the patient with an early return to activities of daily living.