Hemorrhoid stapling is a relatively new procedure for the repair of hemorrhoids that have protruded from the anal canal. Stapling utilizes a circular device that excises a band of prolapsed anal tissue above the hemorrhoid. It pulls in the prolapsed mucous membrane, cuts the redundant tissue with a knife, and then inserts staples to attach the remaining tissue to the anal wall. Hemorrhoid stapling restores hemorrhoidal tissue to its original to its original anatomical position. There are some notable benefits to hemorrhoid stapling, as well as several (albeit rare) risks:
The Benefits of Hemorrhoid Stapling -
- less painful than many others because surgery is not done at the anus
- patients return to normal activities sooner
- in-patient stay is lower than with conventional techniques
Risks of Hemorrhoid Stapling -
- rectal wall can be damaged if too much tissue is drawn
- can cause short or long-term dysfunction
- rare cases of pelvic sepsis
- may not be enough room for the stapling device
- may be too much tissue to fit into the device
- persistent pain and fecal urgency after hemorrhoid stapling