Stapled hemorrhoidopexy versus open hemorrhoidectomy: a comparative study of short term results

Abstract

Background: Hemorrhoids are usually managed by surgical hemorrhoidectomy which is associated with postoperative pain, long hospital stay and a longer convalescence. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is a newer alternative for the treatment of hemorrhoids. In this study, the two methods were compared for short term outcomes.Methods: Hundred patients having grade 3 or 4 hemorrhoids and who fulfilled the criteria were included in the study from June 2012 to May 2014. Fifty patients underwent stapled hemorrhoidopexy and other fifty underwent open hemorrhoidectomy. All patients were reviewed immediately after surgery and at 1, 3, 6 weeks and 6 months post-operatively. The two groups were compared for duration of surgery, hospital stay, return to work and post-operative complications.Results: The mean (S.D.) age was 40.06 (10.33) in our study. The majority of patients in the study were males and had grade 4 haemorrhoids. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy group had shorter duration of surgery, less postoperative pain and need for analgesia, shorter duration of hospital stay and earlier return to work and a high patient satisfaction as compared with open hemorrhoidectomy group. There were no major post-operative complications, recurrence, residual prolapse or incontinence in the follow up period of six months in the stapled group.Conclusions: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is a safer alternative to open hemorrhoidectomy with many short-term benefits.