Stapled Versus Conventional Hemorrhoidectomy: A Retrospective Study and Comparative Analysis of Outcomes

Background Anorectal hemorrhoids are a common condition that frequently needs surgery in more challenging situations. Both stapled hemorrhoidectomy and conventional hemorrhoidectomy are standard surgical procedures, each one with various advantages and disadvantages as well. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of these two operations concerning patient satisfaction, complications, recovery time and postoperative pain. Method This retrospective cohort analysis was conducted in Karbala, Iraq, at AL-Kafeel Hospital and AL-Safeer Hospital. Information has been collected from patients who had stapled hemorrhoidectomy in 2023–2024 and those who had conventional hemorrhoidectomy from 2015–2018. To account for baseline variations, especially those related to the kind of anesthetic and extent of hemorrhoids, propensity score matching (caliper = 0.05) was employed. SPSS version 29.0 was used for statistical analysis, and comparisons were made by using t-tests, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of less than 0.05. Results Out of 114 patients (50 conventional, 64 stapled), the stapled group had a higher percentage of fourth-degree hemorrhoids, postoperative pain and bleeding were significantly lower in the stapled group (p < 0.001), and only the conventional group had wound infections and anal stenosis (p < 0.05). The stapled group also showed better postoperative outcomes. Conclusion Stapled hemorrhoidectomy is linked to less pain, fewer complications, and faster recovery than conventional hemorrhoidectomy, but the risk of recurrent hemorrhoidectomy is still a concern. These findings support that surgical decision-making in hemorrhoid management can be optimized.