title: Prospective, randomized study: proximate PPH stapler vs. LigaSure for hemorrhoidal surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  It has been shown that for hemorrhoidal surgery both LigaSure and stapler cause less pain than diathermy or scissor dissection. This study has attempted to establish which of the less painful alternatives proves best in an unselected series of patients with hemorrhoidal disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty patients were randomized to undergo stapling hemorrhoidopexy or LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy. Parameters investigated were pain (primary parameter), patient satisfaction with treatment, and recovery of personal activity. Other factors investigated were operative result, ease of handling, analgesic requirements, and postoperative course.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both methods were found to be equivalent in all major aspects analyzed. Postoperative pain scores (P = 0.99), patient satisfaction (P = 1), and self-assessment of activity (P = 0.99) were almost identical in both groups of patients. Significant differences were found in none of the numerous factors investigated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both methods can be used safely and without major disadvantage for the patient regardless of stage and extent of hemorrhoidal disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery/Coloproctology, St. Barbara-Klinik, Hamm-Heessen, Germany. mkraemer@barbaraklinik.de
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kraemer
authors.forename: Tengis
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Parulava
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roblick
authors.forename: Lothar
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Duschka
authors.forename: Heinrich
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Müller-Lobeck
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003672:Defecation / Q000502:physiology; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013528:Surgical Staplers; D017792:Surgical Stapling; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics