Objective: To compare the outcome of stapled hemorrhoidopexy with that of the Milligan-Morgan technique.

Method: Prospective study conducted on186 patients, 93 stapled and 93 open with a follow up period was minimum of 1 month and maximum was 2 years. The two groups were compared for duration of surgery, hospital stay, cost of treatment, return to work and post-operative complications.

Results: The stapled group had statistically significant (P<0.001) lessper operative bleedingshorter duration
of surgery, less post-operative pain and hence need for analgesia. The time taken for the patients to first post-operative defecation, post-operative hospital stayand durationto normal activity was significantly lesser (P<0.001) in the stapled group compared to open group.In the first week of follow up mucoid discharge and pain at defecation was significantly higher in all the 186 patients followed up from the open group. At 6 months, 166 patients,at 1 year, 114 patients, at 1.5 years, 52 patients, at 2 years, 22
patients were available for follow-up. No statistical significance in the complications was found between the 2 groups.

Conclusion: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is a safer alternative to open hemorrhoidectomy with many short-term benefits.