Stapled Anopexy Versus Closed Haemorrhoidectomy for Haemorrhoids

The current gold standard treatment of haemorrhoids namely, excisional haemorrhoidectomy is associated with severe postoperative pain and prolonged recovery period. Methods aiming at improving the outcome of excisional surgery included mainly modifications of the existing technique. Alternative instruments other than scissors have been used for the actual excision of haemorrhoids with a view to reducing the postoperative pain. However, with the wound in the sensitive anoderm following excisional haemorrhoidectomy, pain continues to be a major problem irrespective of the method of excision or of the instrument employed.

The new technique of stapled anopexy introduced in 1998 uses a radically different approach to treat haemorrhoids. The prolapsed anal cushion is repositioned and fixed without actually excising the haemorrhoidal pedicle thereby avoiding an external wound. This should result in reduction of the postoperative pain and subsequently should improve the recovery time. Further potential advantages of the technique should include a more physiological approach to the treatment of the disease.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult human subjects (age >=16 years) with symptomatic haemorrhoids (Primary or recurrent)
• symptomatic haemorrhoids (grades 2, 3, 4) needing surgical treatment

Exclusion criteria

• concurrent untreated or recurrent colorectal cancer
• Active inflammatory bowel disease
• Previous major anorectal surgery
• On anticoagulant medications
• Non-consenting patients
• Unwilling for randomisation