RESUMO
PURPOSE: A stapler hemorrhoidectomy (hemorrhoidopexy) does not excise hemorrhoid tissue, but instead re-positions the prolapsed hemorrhoid. We introduced a hand-sewn circumferential mucosectomy under direct vision as a new hemorrhoidectomy method and evaluated its safety and effectiveness for the surgical treatment of hemorrhoids. METHODS: We performed 108 hand-sewn circumferential mucosectomies between June 2003 and December 2006. We evaluated the operating time, the postoperative course, and the complications. Pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 48 years, and the numbers of males and females were similar. The most common indication was third-degree hemorrhoids. The mean operating time was 37.7 minutes, and most operations took between 20 and 40 minutes. The average postoperative pain score was 5.0 on the day of surgery and 3.9 on the second postoperative day. The time to the first bowel movement and the length of the hospital stay averaged 1.3 and 2.5 days, respectively. The mean time to return to work was 5.2 days. There were no serious complications with the hand-sewn circumferential mucosectomy. Postoperative complications occurred in 31.5% of the cases. Urinary complications were the most common. CONCLUSIONS: A hand-sewn circumferential mucosectomy is safe for the treatment of hemorrhoids, and there are no serious complications. The operative pain, the postoperative course, the time to return to work, and the nature of complications are acceptable, although the operating time is longer. A hand-sewn circumferential mucosectomy is considered to be an effective new alternative for the surgical treatment of hemorrhoids.