title: Early and late complications of stapled haemorrhoidopexy: a 6-year experience from a single surgical clinic.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Introduction of stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) brought a radical change in the treatment of haemorrhoidal disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results and the complications (early and late) from the use of this technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  During the last 6 years (2005-2011), 123 patients underwent a SH in our ward. Our sample consists of 79 male and 44 female patients with an average age of 48.2 years (range 22-83 years). Of them, 83 had third-degree haemorrhoidal disease, 34 had fourth-degree and 6 had second-degree bleeding haemorrhoids. The follow-up period was 6-72 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pain was minimal or even not existent. Additional sutures or use of adrenaline 1:200.000 for haemostasis were required in 6 patients (4.8%). The bleeding has been diminished with the use of this new haemorrhoidectomy stapler PPH03. Urinary retention, which was observed in 3 patients (2.4%), was temporary and the use of catheter was not needed. As a late complication, 'faecal urgency' occurred in 8 patients (6.5%), and disappeared after some months. No recurrent haemorrhoidal disease occurred. No cases of chronic pain were reported. Average hospital stay was 1 day, except for 2 patients who remained for 2 days for bleeding observation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The correct application of SH reduces the possible complications. The advantages of the stapled procedure are reduced postoperative pain, the minimal hospital stay and early return to work.
authors.affiliation: 1st Surgical Clinic, First IKA Hospital, Lamera 31, Nea Makri, 19005 Attiki, Greece. pgrigoropoulos@yahoo.gr
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Grigoropoulos
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kalles
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Papapanagiotou
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mekras
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Argyrou
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Papageorgiou
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Derian
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012677:Sensation; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult