Intraoperative use of Toradol facilitates outpatient hemorrhoidectomy

Alginate Hydrogel Formulation with Ketorolac for the Treatment of Pain Related Sialolithiasis

Sialolithiasis mainly affects the oral salivary glands due to the presence of small stones that obstruct the secretion of saliva. The treatment and control of pain and inflammation during the course of this pathology is essential to guarantee the patient's comfort. For this reason, a ketorolac calcium cross-linked alginate hydrogel was developed, and it was then applied in the area of the buccal cavity. The formulation was characterized (swelling and degradation profile, extrusion, extensibility, surface morphology, viscosity, and drug release). The drug release was studied ex vivo in static Franz cells and with a dynamic ex vivo method under artificial saliva continuous flow. The product exhibits adequate physicochemical properties considering the intended purpose, and the drug concentrations retained in the mucosa were high enough to deliver a therapeutic local concentration able to reduce the pain associated with the patient's conditions. The results confirmed the suitability of the formulation for application in the mouth.

Effectiveness of Topical Ketorolac in Post-hemorrhoidectomy Pain Management: A Clinical Trial

Background

Postoperative pain management is one of the major challenges of surgeons and anesthesiologists.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of topical ketorolac in post-hemorrhoidectomy pain management.

Methods

This clinical trial was conducted on 84 candidates for hemorrhoidectomy (grade-II hemorrhoids) who visited Ali ibn Abi-Talib hospital of Rafsanjan, Kerman, Iran (2020 - 2021). The participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups of 28. The subjects were treated in topical (4 mL 0.5% Marcaine + 1 mL ketorolac at the surgical site), intramuscular (4 mL 0.5% Marcaine at the surgical site + 1 mL ketorolac intramuscularly), and control (4 mL 0.5% Marcaine at the surgical site) groups. Pain intensity was measured using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. The obtained data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

Female and male patients constituted 46.4% and 53.6% of the participants, respectively. The mean pain intensity was significantly lower in the topical group than in intramuscular and control treatments in all four stages of pain assessment (P < 0.001). Some participants were treated with pethidine due to high pain intensity. However, the mean pain intensity gradually reduced over time in all three groups.

Conclusions

Study findings suggested that the topical administration of ketorolac and Marcaine was more effective than Marcaine used alone for relieving pain in patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy.

Strategies to Reduce Post-Hemorrhoidectomy Pain: A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: Excisional hemorrhoidectomy is considered as a mainstay operation for high-grade hemorrhoids and complicated hemorrhoids. However, postoperative pain remains a challenging problem after hemorrhoidectomy. This systematic review aims to identify pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for reducing post-hemorrhoidectomy pain. Materials and Methods: The databases of Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE were systematically searched for randomized controlled trails (published in English language with full-text from 1981 to 30 September 2021) to include comparative studies examining post-hemorrhoidectomy pain as their primary outcomes between an intervention and another intervention (or a sham or placebo). Results: Some 157 studies were included in this review with additional information from 15 meta-analyses. Fundamentally, strategies to reduce post-hemorrhoidectomy pain were categorized into four groups: anesthetic methods, surgical techniques, intraoperative adjuncts, and postoperative interventions. In brief, local anesthesia-alone or combined with intravenous sedation was the most effective anesthetic method for excisional hemorrhoidectomy. Regarding surgical techniques, closed (Ferguson) hemorrhoidectomy performed with a vascular sealing device or an ultrasonic scalpel was recommended. Lateral internal anal sphincterotomy may be performed as a surgical adjunct to reduce post-hemorrhoidectomy pain, although it increased risks of anal incontinence. Chemical sphincterotomy (botulinum toxin, topical calcium channel blockers, and topical glyceryl trinitrate) was also efficacious in reducing postoperative pain. So were other topical agents such as anesthetic cream, 10% metronidazole ointment, and 10% sucralfate ointment. Postoperative administration of oral metronidazole, flavonoids, and laxatives was associated with a significant reduction in post-hemorrhoidectomy pain. Conclusions: This systematic review comprehensively covers evidence-based strategies to reduce pain after excisional hemorrhoidectomy. Areas for future research on this topic are also addressed at the end of this article.

Evidence-based review of methods used to reduce pain after excisional hemorrhoidectomy

Background Excisional hemorrhoidectomy is one of the most commonly performed anorectal procedures. Despite the satisfactory outcomes of excisional hemorrhoidectomy, the pain perceived by the patients following the procedure can be a distressing sequel. This review aimed to search the current literature for the existing evidence on how to avoid or minimize the severity of post-hemorrhoidectomy pain.

Methods An organized literature search was performed using electronic databases including PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar service for the articles that evaluated different methods for pain relief after excisional hemorrhoidectomy. Then, the studies were summarized in a narrative way illustrating the hypothesis and the outcomes of each study. The methods devised to reduce pain after excisional hemorrhoidectomy were classified into three main categories: technical tips; systemic and topical agents; and surgical methods. The efficacy of each method was highlighted along the level of evidence supporting it.

Results Stronger evidence (level Ia) supported LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy and the use of glyceryl trinitrate ointment to be associated with significant pain relief after excisional hemorrhoidectomy whereas the remaining methods were supported by lower level of evidence (level Ib).

Conclusion The use of LigaSure in performing excisional hemorrhoidectomy and the application of topical glyceryl trinitrate ointment contributed to remarkable relief of postoperative pain after excisional hemorrhoidectomy according to the highest level of evidence. Perhaps a multimodality strategy that combines systemic and topical agents can be the optimal method for control of pain after excisional hemorrhoidectomy, yet further prospective trials are required to draw such conclusion.

Topical Mucoadhesive Alginate-Based Hydrogel Loading Ketorolac for Pain Management after Pharmacotherapy, Ablation, or Surgical Removal in Condyloma Acuminata

Condyloma acuminata is an infectious disease caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is manifested as warts that frequently cause pain, pruritus, burning, and occasional bleeding. Treatment (physical, chemical, or surgical) can result in erosion, scars, or ulcers, implying inflammatory processes causing pain. In this work, a biocompatible topical hydrogel containing 2% ketorolac tromethamine was developed to manage the painful inflammatory processes occurring upon the removal of anogenital condylomas. The hydrogel was physically, mechanically, and morphologically characterized: it showed adequate characteristics for a topical formulation. Up to 73% of ketorolac in the gel can be released following a one-phase exponential model. Upon application on human skin and vaginal mucosa, ketorolac can permeate through both of these and it can be retained within both tissues, particularly on vaginal mucosa. Another advantage is that no systemic side effects should be expected after application of the gel. The hydrogel showed itself to be well tolerated in vivo when applied on humans, and it did not cause any visible irritation. Finally, ketorolac hydrogel showed 53% anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting that it is a stable and suitable formulation for the treatment of inflammatory processes, such as those occurring upon chemical or surgical removal of anogenital warts.

What every PA needs to know about anorectal pain

Anorectal pain is common but often misdiagnosed, and patients may suffer in silence if they are too uncomfortable discussing the topic with their healthcare provider. This article reviews rectal anatomy and the signs and symptoms of several common anorectal conditions and how to manage them.

Clinical Outcome Following Hemorrhoid Surgery: a Narrative Review

Surgical therapy guaranties satisfactory results, which are significantly better than those obtained with conservative therapies, especially for Grade III and IV hemorrhoids. In this review, we present and discuss the results of the most diffuse surgical techniques for hemorrhoids. Traditional surgery for hemorrhoids aims to remove the hemorrhoids, with closure (Fergusson's technique) or without closure (Milligan-Morgan procedure) of the ensuing defect. This traditional approach is effective, but causes a significant postoperative pain because of wide external wounds in the innervated perianal skin. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy, proposed by Longo, has gained a vast acceptance because of less postoperative pain and faster return to normal activities. In the recent literature, a significant incidence of recurrence after stapled hemorrhoidopexy was reported, when compared with conventional hemorrhoidectomy. Double stapler hemorrhoidopexy may be an alternative to simple stapled hemorrhoidopexy to reduce the recurrence in advanced hemorrhoidal prolapse. Transanal hemorrhoidal deartertialization was showed to be as effective as stapled hemorrhoidopexy in terms of treatment success, complications, and incidence recurrence. However, further high-quality trials are recommended to assess the efficacy and safety of this technique.

Fast track colorectal surgery

A "fast track" colon surgery program is the global package of perioperative care encompassing preoperative, operative, and postoperative techniques, which in aggregate result in fewer complications, a reduction in cost, less postoperative pain, a reduction in the hospital length of stay, and quicker return to work and normal activities. Results of fast track programs have shown significant advantages; however, strong evidence is forthcoming. Implementation of a fast track program requires a significant commitment and a multidisciplinary approach. Fast track principles may also be applied to anorectal surgery with good results.

Epidural anesthesia using a 0,75% ropivacaine and subarachnoid anesthesia with a 0,5% bupivacaine associated or not with clonidine in hemorroidectomies

PURPOSE: To study the safety and efficiency of two anesthetic blockages in hemorroidectomy and the effect of clonidine on analgesia. METHODS: 80 patients were studied, randomly divided into four groups: l (n=19)- peridural with a 0,75% ropivacaine; 2 (n=21)-peridural with a 0,75% ropivacaine and 150 µg of clonidine; 3 (n=19)- subarachnoid with a 0,5% bupivacaine; 4 (n=21)- subarachnoid with a 0,5% bupivacaine and 50 µg of clonidine. The intensity of pain was evaluated by the visual analogical scale 8, 12 and 24 hours after surgery. The use of vasoconstrictors on the transoperatory and the amount of analgesics within the 24 hours were registered. RESULTS: The intensity of pain, 8 hours after surgery, was lesser on group 4, and much lesser on group 4 comparing with groups 1 and 2, 12 hours (p=0,022; p=0,001) and 24 hours (p=0,03; p=0,003). The frequency of vasoconstrictors usage on the transoperatory and the analgesics on the post-operatory showed no difference among the groups. There were no anesthetic complications. CONCLUSIONS: The subarachnoid anesthesia with a 0,5% bupivacaine with clonidine, showed better analgesia comparing with the peridural anesthesia with a 0,75% ropivacaine with or without clonidine, however all were safe and efficient. The clonidine aided on the decreasing of pain when subarachnoid anesthesia was used.

[A single rectal diclofenac dose reduces post-haemorrhoidectomy urine retention: results of a randomised, controlled clinical study]

INTRODUCTION

Post-surgical urinary retention requiring a catheter has a mean incidence of 15% (1% to 52%) in the post-operative period after anal surgery. The primary objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of topical rectal Diclofenac in reducing post-surgical haemorrhoidectomy urinary retention. Its impact on the reduced need for post-surgery analgesia has also been assessed as a secondary objective.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

The 157 patients intervened for symptomatic haemorrhoids were randomised into two groups: Group with 100 mg diclofenac anal suppository after surgery; and Control group without diclofenac. Haemorrhoidectomy was performed with diathermy, without pedicle ligatures and with hyperbaric spinal anaesthesia. No anal dressings were used and the use of drips was restricted during the post-operative period. Metamizole and diclofenac were used as post-surgical intravenous analgesia in all patients. Meperidine was chosen as rescue analgesia. The descriptive variables evaluated in the patient series were: age, sex, grade and number of haemorrhoid groups, and post-surgical complications. The response variables were: need or not for a urethral catheter, post-surgical pain (Visual Analogue Scale) VAS and rescue analgesia requirements.

RESULTS

The 86 males (54.6%) and 71 females (45.4%), with a mean age of 54 years (26-82 years) were randomised into 2 groups: 73 (46.5%) in the diclofenac group and 84 (53.5% in the control group. Of the haemorrhoidectomies performed, 95 were open and 63 were closed. There were no differences as regards the distribution by, age, sex, haemorrhoid grade or in the number of haemorrhoid groups extirpated. Only 1 (1.3%) patient in the diclofenac group and 8 (9.5%) in the control group (p = 0.028) had urine retention. Rescue analgesia was required by 9 (12.3%) patients in the study group compared to 20 (33.3%) in the control group (p = 0.002). The assessment of the magnitude of therapeutic effect of diclofenac gave an RRR of 85.6% (95% CI, 12.3-98.2), RAR, 8.2% (95% CI, 1.3-15) and an NNT of 13 (95% CI, 7-77).

CONCLUSIONS

The placing of a 100 mg diclofenac suppository at the end of a haemorrhoidectomy reduces urinary retention and rescue analgesia requirements.

A comparative study between ketorolac and ketoprofen in postoperative pain after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Postoperative pain is a serious problem, requiring an appropriate response from the medical doctor. In otolaryngology special attention is needed after uvulopala topharyngoplasty (UP3). Aim: To compare the efficacy of postoperative analgesia using ketorolac and ketoprofen after UP3. Patients and Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was made of 24 patients that were divided into 2 groups (14 received ketorolac and 10 received ketoprofen). Pain intensity was based on an analog visual scale and the need for opioids (tramadol). Results: Of the 13 patients that received ketorolac, 3 (21%) required opioids; 7 of 10 (70%) patients in ketoprofen group used opioids. 12 hours after surgery, 71% of the patients that received ketorolac had mild or absence of pain. 70% of the ketoprofen users reported moderate to significant pain. 24 hours after surgery, 60% of the patients using ketoprofen reported moderate to significant pain, while 86% of the ketorolac users reported mild or absence of pain. Conclusion: We concluded that ketorolac is more effective compared to ketoprofen in the treatment of immediate postoperative pain after UP3, as patients using ketorolac had less pain and used opioids to a lesser degree.

Patient Outcomes After Axillary Lymph Node Dissection for Breast Cancer: Use of Postoperative Continuous Local Anesthesia Infusion

BACKGROUND

Although considered a safe surgical procedure, axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is associated with postoperative numbness, paresthesias, pain, and muscle weakness. Despite meticulous surgical technique and the absence of long thoracic or thoracodorsal nerve injury, the risk of these complications are reported as great as 35% to 50%, with a subset of patients developing chronic pain syndromes.

METHODS

Female patients (n = 27) undergoing Level I-II ALND for breast cancer were recruited. After ALND, patients were randomized to three groups. Group 1 received standard axillary lymph node dissection. Patients assigned to group 2 or 3 (double-blinded) received 120 h continuous 0.9% saline solution or 0.5% bupivacaine using a catheter placed into the axilla and delivered by an elastomeric pump device. After routine postoperative care, patients were discharged with oral opioid analgesics. Twice-daily assessment of pain, sedation, and nausea were conducted using validated visual-analog scale measures. Daily and total opioid analgesic requirements after surgery were recorded.

RESULTS

Patients treated with a continuous infusion of bupivacaine experienced significantly lower pain scores (P < 0.001) during the first 5 postoperative days. Postoperative opioid analgesic requirements also were significantly decreased in the bupivacaine group, and these effects persisted until postoperative day 14 (P < 0.001). Concomitant to the observed decreases in pain and oral opioid requirements, nausea and morning sedation also were significantly reduced. There were no pump-related complications, wound infections, or postoperative axillary fluid collections.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of continuous administration of bupivicaine after ALND significantly decreases pain and opioid analgesic requirements, with concomitant decreases in nausea and sedation. This study provides encouraging evidence of the therapeutic benefits of continuous infusion of local anesthesia and may represent a valuable adjunct for surgical patients who require ALND, including those with breast cancer and melanoma.

Local anesthesia for stapled prolapsectomy in day surgery: results of a prospective trial

PURPOSE

This article reports the results of a prospective trial of the feasibility of Longo's procedure under local anesthesia in day surgery.

METHODS

From April 2002 to May 2003, 66 patients (42 males and 24 females) were enrolled in the study; the mean age was 47.5 (range, 23-65) years. Thirty-six patients (55 percent) had prolapsed third-degree hemorrhoids, while 30 (45 percent) had fourth-degree hemorrhoids. All patients were operated on under local infiltration of the anorectal region by injecting ropivacaine 7.5 mg/dl using a Quadrijet. During the surgical procedure, blood pressure and heart rate were always monitored and the level of pain was checked using a visual analog scale. Hospital discharge was programmed for 6:00 p.m. Any immediate complications, such as bleeding, urinary retention, or pain, were also recorded.

RESULTS

It was possible to perform the procedure under local anesthesia in all patients, and the anesthesiologist did not need to intervene at any time. No vagal reaction was observed; the transient reduction of blood pressure and heart rate, which occurred in four patients (6 percent),was controlled with an analgesic drug. In 96 percent of the cases the mean intraoperative visual analog score was not higher than four. Fifty-six patients were discharged at 6:00 p.m., while only 10 percent required an overnight stay.

CONCLUSIONS

The stapled prolapsectomy procedure is feasible and can be performed safely under local anesthesia and as day surgery. This procedure provides good pain control and results in a minimal number of complications.

The economic impact of opioids on postoperative pain management

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the consequences of opioid use for postoperative pain management and the degree to which these consequences may be reduced or minimized with opioid-sparing or opioid-replacement techniques.

DESIGN

Literature review relating to the economics of postoperative pain management. Comparisons between opioids and opioid-sparing techniques were identified and selected for study.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Studies evaluating overall economic impacts or surrogate outcomes (e.g., resource use or recovery milestones) showed benefits with opioid-sparing therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Opioids will likely remain an integral part of postoperative pain management, but side effects increase the costs of care. The challenge is to identify situations where opioid-sparing techniques improve surrogate economic measurements and decrease overall hospital costs.

Patient care after discharge from the ambulatory surgical center

An important and often forgotten aspect of postoperative care occurs after the patient is discharged from the ambulatory surgical center. With more than 60% of all surgeries and procedures occurring on an ambulatory basis, what happens after the patient is no longer in continuous professional care is of concern to the ambulatory nurse. Numerous physical postoperative complaints are common and expected sequelae of anesthesia and surgery in the ambulatory patient. In this article, important postdischarge complications are reviewed and contemporary management options discussed. The information contained in this review article is valuable to the provider in educating patients regarding their anticipated course of postoperative recovery.

OBJECTIVES

-Based on the content of this article, the reader should be able to (1) identify important postdischarge complications to provide patients with comprehensive discharge instructions regarding their continued recovery at home; (2) discuss contemporary management options available to treat postdischarge complications; (3) realize the incidence of specific postdischarge complications and how that relates to patient satisfaction with the surgical experience; (4) recognize signs and symptoms of postdischarge complications; and (5) identify risk factors of patients for developing specific complications in the postoperative phase.

Harmonic Scalpel vs. electrocautery hemorrhoidectomy: a prospective evaluation

INTRODUCTION

Management of posthemorrhoidectomy pain remains a very unsatisfactory clinical dilemma. Compared with electrocautery and laser, the Harmonic Scalpel causes minimal lateral thermal injury during tissue dissection.

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to establish whether decreased lateral thermal injury translated into diminished posthemorrhoidectomy pain.

METHODS

A prospective randomized trial comparing Harmonic Scalpel hemorrhoidectomy and electrocautery was undertaken. Fifty consecutive patients were randomized into two groups: Harmonic Scalpels and electrocautery hemorrhoidectomy. The indications included Grade III internal hemorrhoids with external components or Grade IV disease. Patients with additional anorectal pathology (fissure or fistula) were excluded, as were patients with neurologic deficits, chronic pain syndrome, and those already taking narcotic analgesics. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale preoperatively and on postoperative Days 1, 2, 7, 14, and 28. Twenty-four-hour narcotic usage (Hydrocodone, 10 mg) was recorded on postoperative Days 1, 2, 7, 14, and 28. A three-quadrant modified Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy was performed with each patient in the prone jackknife position.

RESULTS

Pain in the Harmonic Scalpel hemorrhoidectomy group was significantly less than in electrocautery patients on each postoperative day studied. Analgesic requirements were also significantly less in the Harmonic Scalpel group on Days 1, 2, 7, and 14. There was no correlation between postoperative pain and grade of hemorrhoid, status of the surgical incision (open vs. closed), or any other study variable. Fifty-five percent of Harmonic Scalpel patients returned to work within one week of surgery, compared with 23 percent of electrocautery patients.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates significantly reduced postoperative pain after Harmonic Scalpel hemorrhoidectomy compared with electrocautery controls. The diminished postoperative pain in the Harmonic Scalpel group likely results from the avoidance of lateral thermal injury.

Ketorolac improves recovery after outpatient anorectal surgery

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ketorolac combined with local anesthetics for anorectal surgery.

METHODS

From June 1998 through March 1999, 123 outpatients undergoing anorectal surgery were entered into a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study involving three treatment groups. All patients received intravenous sedation consisting of fentanyl and a propofol infusion, with a local anesthesia mixture of lidocaine, bupivacaine, and bicarbonate. Group A (41 patients) received placebo (saline) injections. Group B (41 patients) received 60 mg of intravenous ketorolac at the onset of the procedure, and Group C (41 patients) received 60 mg of ketorolac mixed with the local anesthetic. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and chi-squared tests.

RESULTS

All groups had similar demographic characteristics and operative procedures. Twenty-nine of the 123 patients were human immunodeficiency virus-positive. There was no difference in operative or anesthesia time. Anesthesia and fluids given were similar in across groups. A significantly higher percentage of Group A patients had pain (34 percent) and required additional oral analgesia (20 percent) in the Day Surgery Unit. Only 5 percent of Group B and Group C patients complained of pain, with oral analgesics given to 2 percent of Group B and none in Group C. Voiding difficulties were more common in Group A patients, one patient requiring catheterization.

CONCLUSION

The addition of ketorolac (60 mg), either intravenous or injected with local anesthetics, reduces voiding problems and significantly decreases postoperative analgesic requirements in outpatients undergoing anorectal surgery.

Day-case haemorrhoidectomy

BACKGROUND

Ligation excision haemorrhoidectomy is usually performed on an inpatient basis. This study was designed to assess the feasibility of day-case haemorrhoidectomy.

METHODS

Patients fulfilling criteria for day surgery underwent ligation excision haemorrhoidectomy with the intention of a same-day discharge from hospital. A standardized protocol for anaesthesia, perioperative analgesia and antiemesis was followed. Patients received daily home nursing visits until they felt both comfortable and confident. Staff recorded pain and nausea scores on a visual analogue scale (range 1-10) until the first bowel action. Patient satisfaction was assessed independently after operation.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients underwent planned day-case haemorrhoidectomy. Forty-two (82 per cent) were discharged on the day of surgery. All patients were discharged within 26 h of surgery. Four patients required readmission, two with reactive bleeding, one with urinary retention and one for pain control. Pain and nausea were well controlled. Forty-four patients (86 per cent) were totally or very satisfied with their overall care.

CONCLUSION

Ligation excision haemorrhoidectomy can be performed successfully as a day-case procedure.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain relief on patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy: prospective, randomized, controlled trial

PURPOSE

Posthemorrhoidectomy pain control remains a challenging problem. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is known to be effective in the treatment of many diseases. Our aim was to investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain relief in patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy.

METHODS

Sixty patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids were randomly allocated into two groups, the acupoint group (n = 30) and the nonpoint control group (n = 30). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was applied to those patients who received hemorrhoidectomy, and patient-controlled analgesia was achieved by injection of morphine through ambulatory infusion pumps. The dependent measures in this study were pain score from 0 (no pain) to 10 (agonizing pain), analgesic doses administrated through patient-controlled analgesia, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The subjective pain scores evaluated 8, 12, 16, and 24 hours after hemorrhoidectomy in the control group and the acupoint group were 5.9 +/- 0.5 and 4.1 +/- 0.5, 5.7 +/- 0.5 and 3.5 +/- 0.4, 4.1 +/- 0.4 and 2.3 +/- 0.3, and 3.2 +/- 0.4 and 1.9 +/- 0.2, respectively (two-way analysis of variance; P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between treatment groups in morphine use, with 11.6 +/- 2.2 mg in the control group and 6.2 +/- 1.3 mg in the acupoint group (P < 0.05). The acupoint group tended to have less postoperative acute urinary retention (Fisher's exact probability test; P = 0.145) and less need for analgesics than the control group (P = 0.112, Fisher's exact test).

CONCLUSION

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is effective for pain relief in patients receiving hemorrhoidectomy. Its efficacy and safety could assist outpatient pain management after hemorrhoidectomy.

Double-blind randomised controlled trial of effect of metronidazole on pain after day-case haemorrhoidectomy

BACKGROUND

Haemorrhoidectomy is commonly an inpatient procedure because patients and doctors worry about postoperative pain. Day-case haemorrhoidectomy (DCH) is possible if patient anxiety is addressed and postoperative pain and bowel function are managed. Pain sometimes increases a few days after haemorrhoidectomy, possibly because of secondary infection. We studied the effect of metronidazole on pain after DCH.

METHODS

We randomly assigned 40 consecutive patients admitted for DCH metronidazole 400 mg (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) three times daily, both for 7 days. All patients received lactulose from 2 days before surgery for 2 weeks. Diathermy DCH was performed without pedicle ligature or anal-canal dressing, and a diclofenac suppository was administered at the end of the procedure. Patients were discharged on the same day with diclofenac, 0.2% glyceryl-trinitrate ointment, lactulose, a telephone number to call for queries in emergencies, and an outpatient appointment. Patients took paracetamol or Co-dydramol (dihydrocodeine and paracetamol) as required; they completed linear analogue charts every day and completed questionnaires on satisfaction at 1 and 6 weeks.

FINDINGS

34 patients had all three major piles excised, of whom seven had additional division and reconstruction of the posterior skin bridge. Overall, both groups of patients experienced less pain than expected, except on days 3 and 4. Patients in the metronidazole group had significantly less pain than those in the placebo group on days 5, 6, and 7 (p = 0.004, p = 0.02, and p = 0.006). Median time to return to work or normal activity was 15 days (range 12-28) in the metronidazole group and 18 days (7-34) in the placebo group (p = 0.009). The patient satisfaction score was higher in the metronidazole group than in the placebo group at 1 week (p = 0.005).

INTERPRETATION

Prophylactic metronidazole in diathermy DCH suppressed secondary pain around days 5-7 and increased patient satisfaction and earlier return to work.