STAPLED HAEMORRHOIDOPEXY IN SURGICAL TREATMENT OF HAEMORRHOIDS: A 5-YEAR EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Background: Haemorrhoidectomy is a
common surgical procedure which is usually
associated with post-operative pain, bleeding,
painful defecation, and anal stenosis. Stapled
haemorrhoidopexy (SH) is associated with less
pain than the conventional haemorrhoidectomy
and can be used in the management of second,
third and fourth degree haemorrhoidal disease.
The objective of the study is to document the
effectiveness of stapled haemorrhoidopexy as
another method of treatment of haemorrhoids.
Methodology: This is a retrospective study
carried out in a private health facility located in a
high brow area of Lagos, Nigeria, from March
2010 to March 2015. The medical records of 46
patients who had stapled haemorrhoidopexy
for symptomatic haemorrhoidal disease were
evaluated. Data regarding complications,
residual symptoms and recurrence were
reviewed. The patients were followed up for a
period 18 to 72 months.
Results: The study included 46 patients (36
men, 10 women), male: female ratio was 3.6:1.
The ages were between 26 and 68 years old
(median age 44 years). The average operating
time was 25 minutes. The median hospital stay
was 40 hours (11–72 hours). Complications
observed included: postoperative bleeding in 5
patients (10.9%), urinary retention in three
patients (6.5%), anal fissure in two patients
(4.2%), and painful defecation in three patients
(6.5%). One patient had significant secondary
bleeding from the staple line that required blood
transfusion. The average follow-up period was
for 3 years. Three patients (6.5%) had a
reocurrence.
Conclusions: Even though stapled
haemorrhoidopexy has complications similar to
those of other surgical methods, its results
present less postoperative pain, allowing early
recovery and return to work. Studies with more
cases and a longer follow-up are still necessary
to assess the late recurrence.