Symptom Control 1-year After Circular Stapler Anopexy or Diathermy Excision for Prolapsed Haemorhoids

Symptom Control 1-year After Circular Stapler Anopey or Diathermy Excision for Prolapsed Haemorrhoids: an International Randomsed Trial (the STOPP-trial

Background: In an international randomised controlled trial we studied how patient self-reported symptoms improved after either a stapled anopexy operation or a diathermy excision of the haemorrhoids.

Methods: The study involved 18 hospitals in Sweden, Denmark and the UK. Two hundred and seven patients were randomised. After exclusion of 27 patients, 90 in both groups were operated and followed one year. Patients provided self-reported symptoms before surgery and after 1 year. A patient diary obtained daily self-reported postoperative pain scores (VAS). Surgeons evaluated the anal anatomy before surgery and after 1 year.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Grades III and IV haemorrhoids

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous operation for high anal fistula or injury to the anal sphincteres