Does stapled anopexy for bleeding haemorrhoids cure associated anaemia?

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Colorectal Surgery

Background:

• Chronic bleeding hemorrhoids can lead to secondary anemia.
• Hemorrhoidal bleeding is a common cause of anemia in patients presenting for colorectal surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of stapled anopexy (SA) for treating chronic bleeding hemorrhoids.
• To assess the resolution of secondary anemia following stapled anopexy.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 340 stapled anopexy procedures performed between 1999 and 2011.
• Fifty patients with secondary anemia (hemoglobin < 13 g/dl males, < 12 g/dl females) due to hemorrhoidal bleeding were analyzed.
• Exclusion criteria included other causes of colorectal bleeding and anemia.

Main Results:

• Stapled anopexy was successful in 90% of patients, indicated by normal hemoglobin levels and cessation of bleeding at 6 months post-surgery.
• No early or late complications related to stapled anopexy were reported.
• Five patients (10%) did not respond to stapled anopexy and subsequently underwent Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy.

Conclusions:

• Stapled anopexy is an effective and safe treatment for patients suffering from chronic bleeding hemorrhoids and resultant anemia.
• The procedure offers a satisfactory success rate with a low complication profile for this patient group.