Source
Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Bari, Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Stapled haemorrhoidopexy is less painful than Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy, allowing an earlier return to working activities, but its long-term efficacy is not fully established. This study reports the long-term follow-up of a randomized clinical trial comparing the two techniques in 100 patients affected by third- and fourth-degree haemorrhoids.
METHODS:
All patients were contacted and invited to attend the clinic to assess long-term functional outcome. The degree of continence and satisfaction were assessed by questionnaire. Anal manometry and anoscopy were performed.
RESULTS:
Eighty patients were available after a median follow-up of 87 months. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of incontinence, stenosis, pain, bleeding, residual skin tags or recurrent prolapse. A tendency towards a higher recurrence rate was reported in patients with fourth-degree haemorrhoids, irrespective of the technique used. No significant changes in anal manometric values were found after surgery in either group.
CONCLUSION:
Both techniques are effective in the long term.
Copyright (c) 2007 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd.