Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hemorrhoids are common anorectal disorders that frequently require surgical intervention. Conventional hemorrhoidectomy is effective but often associated with significant postoperative pain and prolonged recovery. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy has emerged as a less invasive alternative aimed at improving postoperative outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To compare stapled hemorrhoidopexy and conventional hemorrhoidectomy with respect to operative parameters, postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, hospital stay, and postoperative complications. METHODS: This prospective comparative study was conducted in 50 patients with Grade II and III hemorrhoids who were divided into two groups: stapled hemorrhoidopexy (n = 25) and conventional hemorrhoidectomy (n = 25). All patients underwent standardized preoperative evaluation and surgery under spinal anesthesia. Operative duration, postoperative pain (visual analogue scale (VAS) score), duration of hospital stay, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in the groups. Operative time was significantly shorter in the stapled group, with all procedures completed within 20 minutes, compared to longer durations in the conventional group (p < 0.001). VAS scores were significantly lower in the stapled group (2.40 ± 0.58 vs. 4.72 ± 0.46; p < 0.001), with reduced analgesic requirement. Hospital stay was significantly shorter following stapled hemorrhoidopexy (1.40 ± 0.58 vs. 2.38 ± 1.14 days; p < 0.001). Postoperative complications were more frequent in the conventional group, though differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy offers significant advantages over conventional hemorrhoidectomy in terms of operative efficiency, postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, and hospital stay, with comparable safety in patients with Grade II and III hemorrhoids.