Long-term outcome of a multicentre randomized clinical trial of stapled haemorrhoidopexy versus Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy

INTRODUCTION: Stapled haemorrhoidopexy is less painful than Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy, allowing an earlier return to working activities, but its long-term efficacy is not fully established. This study reports the long-term follow-up of a randomized clinical trial comparing the two techniques in 100 patients affected by third- and fourth-degree haemorrhoids. METHODS: All patients were contacted and invited to attend the clinic to assess long-term functional outcome. The degree of continence and satisfaction were assessed by questionnaire. Anal manometry and anoscopy were performed. RESULTS: Eighty patients were available after a median follow-up of 87 months. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of incontinence, stenosis, pain, bleeding, residual skin tags or recurrent prolapse. A tendency towards a higher recurrence rate was reported in patients with fourth-degree haemorrhoids, irrespective of the technique used. No significant changes in anal manometric values were found after surgery in either group. CONCLUSION: Both techniques are effective in the long term.