Modern stapled Longo procedure vs. conventional Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
Postoperative pain is the most distressing sequela of conventional hemorrhoidectomy. A modern alternative of circumferential mucosectomy has been proposed to reduce the pain in this procedure.


METHODS
This controlled trial included 80 patients with second to fourth degree hemorrhoidal disease operated on over a 2-year period. The patients were randomly allocated to undergo either the stapled Longo procedure (group 1) or Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy (group 2) under epidural anesthesia. The operating time, postoperative pain scores at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, analgesic consumption, hospital stay, and complication rate were recorded. At follow-up the outcome and patient satisfaction were evaluated.


RESULTS
The mean operating time in group 1 was shorter than in group 2, postoperative pain scores at all time points and the mean epidural morphine requirement was lower, and mean hospital stay was shorter. The complication rate did not differ (three cases of postoperative bleeding in group 1 and two cases in group. At follow-up no recurrence or complains were recorded except three cases of mild incontinence (one in group 1 and two in group 2). The patients in group 1 (95%) were more satisfied than in group 2 (89%).


CONCLUSIONS
The Longo procedure is thus a simple, safe, and effective method that entails less postoperative pain, more satisfaction, and shorter hospital stay than the standard Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy.
Pavlidis
T
T
Second Surgical Department, Medical College, Aristotles University of Thessaloniki, G Gennimatas Hospital, Greece. pavlidth@med.auth.gr
Papaziogas
B
B
Souparis
A
A
Patsas
A
A
Koutelidakis
I
I
Papaziogas
T
T
D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017792:Surgical Stapling; D013997:Time Factors