ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of circumferential mucosectomy procedure for treatment of prolapsed hemorrhoids (PPH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2001 to June 2003, 74 patients (27 men and 47 women) with an average age of 57 years (ranging from 31 to 80 years), with prolapsed hemorrhoids III - IV degree underwent PPH using a circular stapler.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>69 (93.2%) patients were fully satisfied with results. Two patients underwent simultaneous rectal polypectomy along with PPH hence required analgesic treatment for 5 days. Three patients experienced bleeding during or after operation, 1 case bleeding was due to ulcerative hemorrhoid, while the bleeding the remaining 2 cases was (bleeding about 300 ml) caused by insufficient anastomosis, thus extending operating time to 1 hour. The average operation time (70 patients) was 13 minutes (range 10 - 15 minutes). The mean hospitalization was 3.5 days (2 - 4 days), with exception of 2 patients lasting 1 week.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PPH is a safe, effective and rapid method for treatment of prolapsed hemorrhoids, The procedure causes minimal pain with decreased complications.</p>