Stapled vs open hemorrhoidectomy: long-term outcome of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Stapled hemorrhoidectomy is a relatively new procedure, and studies on long-term outcomes are few. We present the results of a 5-year follow-up on patients recruited to a randomized controlled trial comparing stapled and Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed telephone interviews and office visits between May and July 2005 on patients who had taken part in a randomized controlled trial from May 1999 to December 2000. RESULTS: Occasional pain and bleeding were referred by the patients with no difference between the two groups. The patients were also equally satisfied with both procedures. No recurrent hemorrhoidal prolapse or stenosis was detected at anorectal exploration and rigid sigmoidoscopy. CONCLUSION: Both stapled and Milligan-Morgan techniques guarantee satisfactory long-term results. Larger studies are needed to assess the durability of stapled hemorrhoidectomy.