[Stapled hemorrhoidopexy in the treatment of hemorroidal prolapse].

In the treatment of hemorroidal prolapse, stapled hemorrhoidopexy, according to the Longo's technique, represents an innovative and interesting procedure. The Authors consider own experience in the years 2001-2002, estimating preliminary results in the treatment of 50 patients affected by hemorrhoidal disease classified as III-IV grade, associated with mucosal prolapse, rectocystocele in 5 cases, anal fissures in 6 and hyperplastic polyp in 1. The patients were submitted to mucosal prolapsectomy with mechanical stapler (PPH 01-33 Ethicon), applying haemostatic stitch on suture line, apart from intraoperative bleeding, associated to closed anal sphincterotomy in 6 cases, and resection of anal hyperplasic polyp in 1. In 5 cases of rectocystocele a Burch's culposuspension was associated to a stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR). After 3 and 12 months the Authors performed ano-rectoscopy, anal manometry and defecography. Mean operative time was 45 minutes (range 20'-130') and mean hospital stay was 3 days (range 2-6 days). In the early postoperative course urinary ritention in 4 cases, treated with temporary catheterization in 3 and permanent for 72 hours in 1, was observed. Only 1 patient, was reoperated in day-surgery and with loco-regional anesthesia for residual fibrous hemorroid. Bleeding, severe pain, anal stenosis, impairment of continence were not observed. According to the Literature data, our experience confirm that mucoprolapsectomy represents an innovative, safe, simple and definitive operation in the treatment of hemorrhoids disease. In case of rectal prolapse associated to external fibrous hemorroids, a combined surgical treatment is requested in order to achieve better results.