Meta-Analysis
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World J Gastroenterol. Aug 7, 2013; 19(29): 4799-4807
Published online Aug 7, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i29.4799
Meta-analysis of stapled hemorrhoidopexy vs LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy
Jun Yang, Pei-Jing Cui, Hua-Zhong Han, Da-Nian Tong
Jun Yang, Hua-Zhong Han, Da-Nian Tong, Department of Surgery, Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
Pei-Jing Cui, Department of Geriatrics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
Author contributions: Yang J and Cui PJ contributed equally to this work; Tong DN designed research; Yang J and Cui PJ performed the data search and meta-analysis; Han HZ and Tong DN wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Da-Nian Tong, Chief Physician, Department of Surgery, Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 600 Yishan Road. Shanghai 200233, China. tongdanian@126.com
Telephone: +86-21-64369181 Fax: +86-21-64368920
Received: March 16, 2013
Revised: June 17, 2013
Accepted: June 28, 2013
Published online: August 7, 2013
Processing time: 142 Days and 20.7 Hours
Abstract

AIM: To compare outcome of stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) vs LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy (LH) by a meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS: Databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and the Science Citation Index updated to December 2012, were searched. The main outcomes measured were operating time, early postoperative pain, postoperative urinary retention and bleeding, wound problems, gas or fecal incontinence, anal stenosis, length of hospital stay, residual skin tags, prolapse, and recurrence. The meta-analysis was performed using the free software Review Manager. Differences observed between the two groups were expressed as the odds ratio (OR) with 95%CI. A fixed-effects model was used to pool data when statistical heterogeneity was not present. If statistical heterogeneity was present (P < 0.05), a random-effects model was used.

RESULTS: The initial search identified 10 publications. After screening, five RCTs published as full articles were included in this meta-analysis. Among the five studies, all described a comparison of the patient baseline characteristics and showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Although most of the analyzed outcomes were similar between the two operative techniques, the operating time for SH was significantly longer than for LH (P < 0.00001; OR= -6.39, 95%CI: -7.68 - -5.10). The incidence of residual skin tags and prolapse was significantly lower in the LH group than in the SH group [2/111 (1.8%) vs 16/105 (15.2%); P = 0.0004; OR= 0.17, 95%CI: 0.06-0.45). The incidence of recurrence after the procedures was significantly lower in the LH group than in the SH group [2/173 (1.2%) vs 13/174 (7.5%); P = 0.003; OR= 0.21, 95%CI: 0.07-0.59].

CONCLUSION: Both SH and LH are probably equally valuable techniques in modern hemorrhoid surgery. However, LigaSure might have slightly favorable immediate postoperative results and technical advantages.

Keywords: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy; Ligasure hemorrhoidectomy; Hemorrhoids; Meta-analysis

Core tip: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) and Ligasure hemorrhoidectomy are probably equally valuable techniques in modern hemorrhoid surgery. However, appropriate surgical techniques are important in SH, especially the placement of the purse-string suture. Its misplacement may cause operative and postoperative complications.