Stapled hemorrhoidopexy. Complications and 2-year follow-up

Stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) presents a number of complications which differ from those of traditional haemorrhoidectomy (Milligan-Morgan, diathermy haemorrhoidectomy). The follow-up shows better symptom control than other surgical techniques. Four hundred and forty-nine patients with haemorrhoids of all degrees and mucosal rectal prolapse were treated at our institution over a five-year period (1999-2004). Patients were assessed by structural interview to assess their symptoms before and after surgery, and surgical and functional outcome was assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. A visual analog scale was used for postoperative pain scoring. Patient's satisfaction is the best response to all criticism. Bleeding in the early postoperative period occurred in 3.9% of all patients and in 7 cases (1.5%) reoperation was necessary. Urge to defecate, although present in 14% of patients, disappears in a few weeks. Severe pain, when present, may depend on technical failure or learning curve. Complete or incomplete recurrence occurred in 10 cases (2.2%). We had one case of rectovaginal fistula in a young woman. In 3 cases we underestimated the extent of the mucosal prolapse and the patients were reoperated on by stapled transanal rectal resection after one (2 patients) and two years. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is a significantly less painful operation and offers significant advantages in terms of hospital stay and symptom control in the long term, making for a significantly earlier return to work. The complications are similar to those of other techniques and are easily resolved. The unusual complications described (rectal perforation, pelvic sepsis, rectovaginal fistulas) might suggest that the operation should be performed by experienced colorectal surgeons who are familiar with the technique and aware of the possible complications.