Randomised controlled clinical trial of stapled haemorrhoidectomy vs conventional haemorrhoidectomy; a three and a half year follow up

OBJECTIVE: This article presents the results of a three and a half year follow up of patients recruited to a randomised controlled clinical trial comparing circumferential mucosectomy (stapled haemorrhoidectomy) vs conventional haemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: Patients were assessed in an outpatient setting to examine a number of outcome measures. RESULTS: Our data suggest that at the three and a half year follow up, there are no significant differences in outcome between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: It will be important to review the long-term results of larger trials.