Long‐term functional results after excisional haemorrhoidectomy

Aim The aim of this work was to perform a long‐term evaluation of a randomized trial focusing on functional aspects after excisional haemorrhoidectomy with a minimum follow‐up of 9 years. Method A questionnaire‐based study including patients operated on for haemorrhoids in Sweden between 1999 and 2003. A total of 225 patients were randomized to Milligan’s or Ferguson’s operation. Twenty‐six patients had died and 151 (76%) participated after a median follow‐up of 10.7 years (range 9.2–12.6 years). Results Seventy‐seven patients were in the Milligan group and 74 in the Ferguson group. Forty‐eight (32%) reported recurrence. Anal bleeding was reported in 80% at baseline but in 28% at long‐term follow‐up (P