Patients who had undergone circular stapling were significantly more likely to have recurrent hemorrhoids in the long term than those whose hemorrhoids were surgically removed.

Such were the findings of a comprehensive review of seven randomized clinical trials involving 537 participants.

Stapling of hemorrhoids is a relatively new and increasingly popular procedure. Introduced only in the late 1990s, circular stapling (hemorrhoidopexy) does not remove hemorrhoids but treats them by inhibiting blood flow to the tissue.

Though previously shown to be less painful and faster to heal than conventional surgery, the new review results seem to advice against it.

According to lead investigator Shiva Jayaraman Colquhoun, M.D., resident in general surgery at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, in Canada:

"This study shows that stapled hemorrhoidopexy is associated with a greater risk of hemorrhoid recurrence and the symptom of prolapse in long-term follow-up compared to conventional excisional surgery. If surgeons are to offer this novel technique to their patients, there should be an informed discussion of the risks."

The review appears in the current issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration.

Source: Center for the Advancement of Health