Randomised Clinical Trial of Harmonic Scalpel Haemorrhoidectomy Versus Stapled Haemorrhoidopexy in grade III / IV Haemorrhoids

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of Harmonic Scalpel Haemorrhoidectomy versus Stapled Haemorrhoidopexy in the management of grade 3 and grade 4 haemorrhoids. This comparison factored in post-operative pain, operating time, intra-operative bleeding, post-operative complications, and recurrence rates. The aim was to aid the decision-making process to determine the course of treatment to be offered to patients. Over the course of 18-months, it was a randomised control trial. A total of 42 patients (21 in each arm) were studied to observe the outcomes of procedures in treating grade III / IV haemorrhoids. The only statistically significant difference was in the post-operative pain, as calculated using Visual Analog Scale, with patients undergoing Stapled Haemorrhoidopexy experiencing lesser pain, thus translating to early hospital discharge and return to work. In conclusion, Stapled Haemorrhoidopexy can be regarded as a better modality with reduced post-operative pain as compared to Harmonic Scalpel Haemorrhoidectomy.