The aim of this study was to review the experience of the Coloproctology Department of HSPM-SP in the treatment of hemorrhoids. We have retrospectively studied 253 patients submitted to the surgical treatment of hemorrhoids between 05/10/ 2004 and 12/31/2007. Patients were distributed in groups: Group 1) Conventional Hemorrhoidectomy (212); Group 2) Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy (41). Epidemiology, indications, results and complications were studied based on registers. From 253 patients studied, 170 were women, with a mean age of 50 years. Mean operating time was 52 minutes (25 -120) in group 1 and 31 minutes (20 - 65) in group 2 (p=0.0001). Mean time for ambulatory discharge was 10 and 6 weeks for groups 1 and 2 respectively (p=0.021). The overall complications totalized 28 cases in group 1 and 3 cases in group 2 (p>0,05). In consequence of these complications, 13 cases in group 1, and 1 case in group 2 were submitted to a new surgical procedure. At this Department the most used technique was conventional hemorrhoidectomy. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy was associated with less operating time and a faster functional recovery (early ambulatory discharge). Hemorrhoidectomy was associated with more complications and recurrence, but without statistical significance.
