Stapled hemorrhoidectomy; results of a prospective clinical trial in saudi arabia.

OBJECTIVES This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of stapled hemorrhoidectomy (SH) in terms of cure of the symptoms and post-operative pain control. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this prospective clinical study, SH (Ethicon Endo-surgery, Cincinnati, OH) was performed for all patients with grade III and grade IV hemorrhoids, presenting to the surgical clinics of Ohud and Meeqat Hospitals Almadinah Almunawwarah Saudi Arabia. The results of SH were evaluated by a questionnaire focusing on the relief of symptoms, severity of post operative pain, and complications of SH. RESULTS Thirty patients (21 males and 9 females); with a mean age of 39.6 years were recruited in this study. Twenty six (86%) patients had grade III and 4 (14%) presented with grade IV hemorrhoids. Perianal prolapse was the most frequent presentation reported in 23 (76%). Mean operating time was 21.7 minutes (range; 17-36 minutes) whereas mean hospital stay was 1.9 days. Post-operative pain was tolerable (non-persistent) in 28 (93%) cases whereas 2 (7%) experienced mild pain requiring additional analgesia. Urinary retention was the most common complication found in 5 (16%) patients. All patients were cured of the hemorrhoids Conclusion: SH is a safe, rapid, and convenient surgical remedy for grade III and grade IV hemorrhoids with low rate of complications, minimal postoepative pain, and early discharge from the hospital.