Short-term results of DST EEA 33 stapler and neu@ anoscope for stapled haemorrhoidectomy: a prospective study of 1,118 patients from a single centre.

Background: Stapled haemorrhoidectomy has been performed with different techniques and staplers. We review our initial experience with the new DST EEA 33 stapler and neu@ anoscope.

Methods: A review of all patients who underwent stapled haemorrhoidectomy using the DST EEA 33 over a 14-month period was conducted. Short-term outcomes of bleeding, pain and retention of urine requiring admission or strictures requiring surgical intervention were studied.

Results: There were 1,118 patients operated from August 2007 to October 2008. The median age was 46-year-old (20-82 years) and 51% were females. The median operating time was 15 min (range 5-45 min), and median follow-up was 7 months (range 3-16 months). There were 26 patients (2.3%) who were admitted for inability to pass urine and 20 required catheterisation. Fifty-two patients (4.6%) were admitted for post-operative bleeding. In 32 cases the bleeding stopped spontaneously, while 19 patients required adrenaline injection and packing for hemostasis. Only one patient required surgical hemostasis. Thirty-three patients (2.9%) were admitted for post-operative pain and stayed for a median of 1 day (range 1-4 days). There were 14 patients (1.2%) who developed anorectal strictures requiring surgical intervention. All underwent anoplasty at a median of 3 months post-operatively (range 2-5 months), with good result. There were no recurrent haemorrhoids during follow-up.

Conclusion: Stapled haemorrhoidectomy using the DST EEA 33 stapler is safe. The neu@ anoscope provides good visibility and handling, and is a useful tool in this procedure.