Complications and reoperations in stapled anopexy: learning by doing

Although stapled anopexy for second and third degree hemorrhoids has been widely used since 1998, there are limited long-term data available. We performed an analysis of a prospectively accrued data set of all patients undergoing stapled anopexy in our practice from 1998 through August 2003. Patients were specifically assessed for early and late complications and long-term reoperation rates for anorectal pathology. We performed stapled anopexy in 654 patients (296 females) during the study period. Mean operation time was 21 min (5-70 min), and the postoperative stay was 3.6 days (1-13 days). Early postoperative complications: urinary retention, 42 patients (6.4%); fecal impaction, 18 (2.8%); postoperative hemorrhage, 26 (4.0%); thrombosed external hemorrhoid, four (0.6%); and fistula/abscess, nine (1.4%). Late postoperative complications: anastomotic dehiscence, 21 patients (3.2%); persistence of prolapse in three (0.5%); submucosal anastomotic cysts in four (0.6%); thrombosed external hemorrhoid in two (0.3%); skin tags in ten (1.5%); fissure in six (0.9%); proctitis in two (0.3%); and fecal incontinence in ten (1.5%). Reoperation was required in 50 patients (7.6%). Reoperation for complications within 30 days occurred in 42 patients (6.4%) for the following reasons: bleeding (23), dehiscence (five), thrombosed external hemorrhoid (three), fecal retention (two), fistula (three), fissure (five), and anal papilla (one). Reoperation for anorectal pathology after 30 days was required in 54 patients (8.3%) and was performed for the following: dehiscence/reprolapse (17), stenosis (two), submucous cyst (two), fistula (four), fissure (six), anal papilla (four), skin tags (five), persistent anal itching (five), and miscellaneous (seven). These data represent the largest series of patients with long-term follow-up following stapled anopexy and confirm that the operation is safe in experienced hands using appropriate patient selection. The early complication rate is low and similar to rates reported for excisional hemorrhoidectomy. Importantly, the procedure is associated with a low 3.4% rate of reoperation for persistence or recurrence of hemorrhoidal prolapse with good patient selection.