Stapled hemorrhoidopexy compared with conventional hemorrhoidectomy: systematic review of randomized, controlled trials.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to determine whether conventional hemorrhoidectomy or stapled hemorrhoidopexy is superior for the management of hemorrhoids.


METHODS
A systematic review of all randomized trials comparing conventional hemorrhoidectomy with stapled hemorrhoidopexy was performed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched using the terms "hemorrhoid*" or "haemorrhoid*" and "stapl*." A list of clinical outcomes was extracted. Meta-analysis was calculated if possible.


RESULTS
Fifteen trials recruiting 1,077 patients were included. Follow-up ranged from 6 weeks to 37 months. Qualitative analysis showed that stapled hemorrhoidopexy is less painful compared with hemorrhoidectomy. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy has a shorter inpatient stay (weighted mean difference, -1.02 days; 95 percent confidence interval, -1.47 to -0.57; P = 0.0001), operative time (weighted mean difference, -12.82 minutes; 95 percent confidence interval, -22.61 to -3.04; P = 0.01), and return to normal activity (standardized mean difference, -4.03 days; 95 percent confidence interval, -6.95 to -1.10; P = 0.007). Studies in a day-case setting do not prove that stapled hemorrhoidopexy is more feasible than conventional hemorrhoidectomy. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy has a higher recurrence rate (odds ratio, 3.64; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.40-9.47; P = 0.008) at a minimum follow-up of six months.


CONCLUSIONS
Although stapled hemorrhoidopexy is widely used, the data available on long-term outcomes is limited. The variability in case selection and reported end points are difficulties in interpreting results. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy has unique potential complications and is a less effective cure compared with hemorrhoidectomy. With this understanding, it may be offered to patients seeking a less painful alternative to conventional surgery. Hemorrhoidectomy remains the "gold standard" of treatment.
Nisar
Pasha J
PJ
Section of Surgery, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom. pasha.nisar@nottingham.ac.uk
Acheson
Austin G
AG
Neal
Keith R
KR
Scholefield
John H
JH
D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012008:Recurrence; D017792:Surgical Stapling