Short term clinical outcome of stapled haemorrhoidectomy.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate short term clinical outcome after stapled haemorrhoidectomy. METHODS From May 2005 to Oct 2007, 55 patients with symptomatic late 2nd and 3rd degree haemorrhoids were admitted to Surgical Ward 2, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. All of them underwent stapled haemorrhoidectomy after routine preoperative preparation. Postoperatively, pain scores, complications, hospital stay, return to routine activities, and patient satisfaction was recorded on a structured proforma. Follow-up was done weekly for 4weeks then at 2nd, 3rd and 6th month. RESULTS In 55 consecutive patients stapled haemorrhoidectomy was done with an operative time range of 21-30 minutes, average hospital stay was 2 days and return to daily routine activities was within one week in majority of the patients. All patients were followed at the outpatient clinic for six months postoperatively. No deterioration of symptoms occurred during the follow up. Recurrence or procedure related adverse affects, in particular impaired continence or persistent anal pain were absent. CONCLUSION Despite the cost and difficult access, stapled haemorrhoidectomy results in less postoperative pain, fast recovery and patient satisfaction.