Objective:

In this study, we examined patients who underwent stapled hemorrhoidopexy (Longo procedure) because of stage 3 and 4 symptomatic hemorrhoids. We evaluated our clinical findings obtained from our patients with those from the literature and aimed to question the validity of this method.

Methods:

Forty patients who underwent stapled hemorrhoidopexy between August 2014 and November 2015 in Eren Hospital and Kocaeli University School of Medicine Department of General Surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The demographic characteristics of the patients, other anal diseases, operation time, length of hospital stay, complications, and early recurrence rates were evaluated.

Results:

Overall, 35 patients were men (87.5%) and 5 were women (12.5%). Their mean age was as 42.3±2.1 years. Six (15%) patients had chronic anal fissures and 2 (5%) had anal polyps. The mean operation time was 25.4±7.3 min, and the mean length of hospital stay was 24.5±4.2 h (16–34 h). One patient (2.5%) underwent a reoperation on the postoperative first day because of bleeding. Four patients (10%) had urinary retention. Thirty (87.5%) patients were able to be followed up for six months postoperatively. Perianal fistulas occurred in one of these patients (3.3%). Stenosis, stricture, or recurrence was not detected in any patient at sixth months postoperatively.

Conclusion:

The complication rates of stapled hemorrhoidopexy vary. Rectal perforation, stenosis, pelvic sepsis, and rectovaginal fistula are rare, but severe complications have been reported. However, stapled hemorrhoidopexy performed in experienced centers have acceptable outcomes in selected patients. This method is still a good alternative to other treatment methods.

Keywords: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy, longo procedure, hemorrhoid disease, perianal fistula