Efficacy of 10 % Sucralfate Ointment in the Reduction of Acute Postoperative Pain After Open Hemorrhoidectomy: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Effectiveness and tolerability of rectal ointment and suppositories containing sucralfate for hemorrhoidal symptoms: a prospective, observational study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

A high number of topical products are available for the treatment of hemorrhoidal symptoms. Sucralfate-based topical products constitute a new treatment alternative that act as a mechanical barrier to facilitate healing. The aim of this prospective, observational study was to determine patient- and physician-assessed effectiveness and tolerability of rectal ointment and suppositories containing sucralfate for the treatment of hemorrhoidal symptoms in routine clinical practice.

METHODS

Adult patients with diagnosed, mild-to-moderate, symptomatic non-bleeding hemorrhoids treated with rectal ointment or suppositories containing sucralfate were enrolled. Patients were administered treatment twice per day for at least 1 week until symptom resolution and/or for a maximum of 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was patient-assessed effectiveness on a modified Symptom Severity Score (mSSS, range 0 to 14). Physician-assessed effectiveness (9 symptoms, 0 to 5 Likert scale), hemorrhoid grade, and patient satisfaction were also determined.

RESULTS

Five investigators enrolled 60 patients; mean age was 48.4 ± 16.6 years and 72.4% were female. Pain or pressure sensitivity was reported as the most severe symptom by patients, and pressure sensitivity, discharge, soiling, and prolapse by physicians. Mean patient-assessed mSSS at baseline was 6.6 ± 1.9 and was significantly improved overall and in the ointment and suppository groups individually by -4.6 ± 2.0, -4.4 ± 1.8, and -4.8 ± 2.2, respectively (p < 0.0001). Investigator-assessed mean baseline symptom score was 18.1 ± 3.9 and improved by -7.1 ± 4.5, -6.9 ± 5.4, and -7.3 ± 3.5, respectively (p < 0.0001). Investigator-assessed symptoms of pressure sensitivity, swelling, and discharge were improved to the greatest extent. Hemorrhoid grade was improved in 38% of patients at the end of treatment. Compliance with treatment was 97.4% and patient satisfaction with application and onset of action was high (81.3% and 76.2%, respectively). Both the ointment and suppository were well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

The effectiveness of topical ointment or suppository containing sucralfate on patient- and investigator-assessed hemorrhoidal symptoms in real-life clinical practice was demonstrated. Patient satisfaction was high and treatments were well tolerated. Larger controlled trials are warranted to confirm the results.

Comparison of ointment-based agents after excisional procedures for hemorrhoidal disease: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Efficient postoperative pain control is important after hemorrhoidal surgery. Although several locally applied medications have been used, current evidence regarding the optimal strategy is still conflicting. This network meta-analysis assessed analgesic efficacy and safety of the various topical medications in patients submitted to excisional procedures for hemorrhoids.

METHODS

The present study followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the PRISMA guidelines. The last systematic literature screening was performed at 15 June 2023. Comparisons were based on a random effects multivariate network meta-analysis under a Bayesian framework.

RESULTS

Overall, 26 RCTs and 2132 patients were included. Regarding postoperative pain, EMLA cream (surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) 80.3%) had the highest ranking at 12-h endpoint, while aloe vera cream (SUCRA 82.36%) scored first at 24 h. Metronidazole ointments had the highest scores at 7 and 14 days postoperatively. Aloe vera had the best analgesic profile (24-h SUCRA 84.8% and 48-h SUCRA 80.6%) during defecation. Lidocaine (SUCRA 87.9%) displayed the best performance regarding overall morbidity rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the inconclusive results and several study limitations, further RCTs are required.

The efficacy of topical sucralfate in improving pain and wound healing after haemorrhoidectomy procedure: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomised clinical trials

Pain and wound after haemorrhoidectomy constantly bothered the patient's convenience. Recurrently, topical sucralfate is used to treat excoriations and burns. It is considered to enhance epidermal growth and tissue granulation, thus, alleviating patients' problems. This study evaluated topical sucralfate's feasibility, safety, and superiority after haemorrhoidectomy. We searched randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies in PubMed, Google Scholar, Europe PMC, and ClinicalTrials.gov until March 29th, 2022. We investigated the influence of topical sucralfate on pain score postoperatively (24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days), pethidine usage, diclofenac usage, and wound healing rate compared to placebo. This study was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. This study sorted the final six studies with 439 patients underwent haemorrhoidectomy. Topical sucralfate demonstrated significant outcomes on VAS 24 hours post-operative [Std. Mean Difference -1.00 (95% CI -1.70, -0.31), P = .005], VAS 7 days post-operative [Std. Mean Difference -2.29 (95% CI -3.34, -1.25), P < .0001], VAS 14 days post-operative [Std. Mean Difference -1.88 (95% CI -2.74, -1.01), P < .0001], pethidine usage within 24 hours post-operative [Std. Mean Difference -0.62 (95% CI -0.96, -0.27), P = .0004], diclofenac usage 7 days post-operative [Std. Mean Difference -1.76 (95% CI -2.61, -0.92), P < .0001], diclofenac usage 14 days post-operative [Std. Mean Difference -1.64 (95% CI -2.38, -0.91), P < .0001], and wound healing rate at 28-day post-operative [RR 1.45 (95% CI 1.25-1.68), P < .00001]. Topical sucralfate alleviated pain, improved wound healing, and minimised the usage of pethidine and diclofenac compared to placebo.

Comparing the efficacy and safety of different analgesic strategies after open hemorrhoidectomy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of different analgesic interventions in the treatment of pain after open hemorrhoidectomy by systematic review and network meta-analysis.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, WANFANG DATA, and VIP were searched from the date of database construction to June 28, 2022.

RESULTS

Among the 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 731 patients were included in the network meta-analysis. Most interventions are more effective than placebo in relieving postoperative pain. 24 h postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS): glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) (mean difference (MD) - 4.20, 95% CI - 5.35, - 3.05), diltiazem (MD - 1.97, 95% CI - 2.44, - 1.51), botulinum toxin (BT) (MD - 1.50, 95% CI - 2.25, - 0.75), sucralfate (MD - 1.01, 95% CI - 1.53, - 0.49), and electroacupuncture (EA) (MD - 0.45, 95% CI - 0.87, - 0.04). 48 h postoperative VAS: diltiazem (MD - 2.45, 95% CI - 2.74, - 2.15), BT (MD - 2.18, 95% CI - 2.52, - 1.84), and sucralfate (MD - 1.41, 95% CI - 1.85, - 0.97). 7 d postoperative VAS: diltiazem (MD - 2.49, 95% CI - 3.20, - 1.78) and sucralfate (MD - 1.42, 95% CI - 2.00, - 0.85). The first postoperative defecation VAS: EA (MD - 0.70, 95% CI - 0.95, - 0.46). There are few data on intervention safety, and additional high-quality RCTs are expected to study this topic in the future.

CONCLUSION

Diltiazem ointment may be the most effective medication for pain relief following open hemorrhoidectomy, and it can dramatically reduce pain within one week of surgery. The second and third recommended medications are BT and sucralfate ointment. GTN has a significant advantage in alleviating pain 24 h after open hemorrhoidectomy, but whether it causes headache is debatable; thus, it should be used with caution. EA's analgesic efficacy is still unknown. There was limited evidence on the safety of the intervention in this study, and it was simply presented statistically.

Infiltration of Bupivacaine and Triamcinolone in Surgical Wounds of Milligan-Morgan Hemorrhoidectomy for Postoperative Pain Control: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Pain management after hemorrhoidectomy continues to be challenging.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of infiltration of bupivacaine hydrochloride and triamcinolone acetonide in surgical wounds of Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy for postoperative pain relief.

DESIGN

A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted between May 2015 and June 2019.

SETTINGS

This study was carried out in a secondary referral hospital center in Spain.

PATIENTS

Patients who underwent an elective Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy for grade III-IV hemorrhoids were included.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients allocated in the intervention group received a single infiltration of bupivacaine and triamcinolone and patients allocated in the control group did not receive any intervention.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

The primary end point was the median of maximum pain by visual analog scale during the 48 hours of hospital stay. Secondary end points were pain at follow-up, pain during defecation, analgesic requirements, wound healing rate, and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 128 patients were randomly assigned (64 in each group). The median of maximum pain score at 48 hours was 3 points in the intervention group and 6 points in the control group, which was significantly different ( p < 0.05). No differences were observed regarding pain during defecation. Morphine requirements were significant lower in the intervention group (6.3% vs 21.9% patients; p = 0.01; 5 vs 23 cumulative doses; p = 0.01). Wound healing and complication rates were similar in both groups.

LIMITATIONS

Use of placebo was not considered in the control group ("intervention group" vs "control group" clinical trial). Data regarding pain or other complications at 48 hours postoperatively were pooled and expressed as median of values.

CONCLUSIONS

Infiltration of surgical wounds with bupivacaine and triamcinolone decreases postoperative pain and reduces morphine requirements in Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomies. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B867 .Clinical trial registration: European Registry of Clinical Trials. EUDRACT 2014- 003043-35.

INFILTRACIN DE BUPIVACANA Y TRIAMCINOLONA EN HERIDAS QUIRRGICAS DE HEMORROIDECTOMA DE MILLIGANMORGAN PARA EL CONTROL DEL DOLOR POSOPERATORIO ENSAYO CLNICO DOBLE CIEGO, ALEATORIZADO Y CONTROLADO

ANTECEDENTES:El manejo del dolor posterior a una hemorroidectomía sigue siendo un desafío.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la efectividad de la infiltración de bupivacaína y triamcinolona en heridas quirúrgicas de hemorroidectomía de Milligan-Morgan para el alivio del dolor posoperatorio.DISEÑO:Se realizó un ensayo clínico controlado, aleatorizado, doble ciego entre mayo del 2015 y junio del 2019.ENTORNO CLINICO:Este estudio se llevó a cabo en un centro hospitalario de referencia secundaria en España.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes que se sometieron a una hemorroidectomía de Milligan-Morgan electiva por hemorroides de grado III-IV.INTERVENCIONES:Los pacientes asignados al grupo de intervención recibieron una única infiltración de bupivacaína y triamcinolona y los pacientes asignados al grupo de control no recibieron ninguna intervención.PRINCIPALES RESULTADOS RESULTADOS:El factor de valoración principal fue la mediana del dolor máximo según la escala análoga visual durante las 48 horas de estancia hospitalaria. Las variables secundarias fueron dolor durante el seguimiento, dolor durante la defecación, requerimientos de analgésicos, tasa de cicatrización de heridas y complicaciones.RESULTADOS:Se asignó aleatoriamente a un total de 128 pacientes (64 en cada grupo). La mediana de puntuación máxima de dolor a las 48 horas fue de 3 puntos en el grupo de intervención y de 6 puntos en el grupo de control con diferencias significativas (p < 0,05). No se observaron diferencias en cuanto al dolor durante la defecación. Las necesidades de morfina fueron significativamente menores en el grupo de intervención (6,3% versus 21,9% de los pacientes; p = 0,01; 5 versus 23 dosis acumuladas; p = 0,01). Las tasas de curación de heridas y complicaciones fueron similares en ambos grupos.LIMITACIONES:No se consideró el uso de placebo en el grupo de control (ensayo clínico: "grupo de intervención" versus "grupo control"). Los datos con respecto al dolor u otras complicaciones después de 48 horas postoperatorias se agruparon y expresaron como mediana de los valores.CONCLUSIONES:La infiltración de heridas quirúrgicas con bupivacaína y triamcinolona disminuye el dolor posoperatorio y reduce los requerimientos de morfina en la hemorroidectomía de Milligan-Morgan. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B867 . (Traducción- Dr. Francisco M. Abarca-Rendon).Registro de ensayos clínicos: Registro europeo de ensayos clínicos. EUDRACT 2014- 003043-35.

The Effect of Qingre Huayu Recipe on Wound Healing after Anal Fistulotomy in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Anal fistula is a common anorectal disease. At present, most scholars believe that its pathogenesis is related to anal gland infection. Anal fistula cannot heal on its own after the onset and must be treated surgically. The wound of anal fistula surgery is open and polluted, and it belongs to three types of three-stage healing; it is the most difficult to heal among all surgical incisions, with a long course of disease, a lot of exudation, and pain for the patient; traditional Chinese medicine has rich experience in the treatment of postoperative wound healing of anal fistula. The study aimed to evaluate the mechanism of Qingre Huayu (QRHY) Recipe on wound healing after fistulotomy on SD rats. SD rats (n = 72) were randomized into three groups post-anorectal surgery. The rats in the positive control group were given potassium permanganate (PP), treatment group were given QRHY, and trauma model group were given 0.9% normal salinity. The changes in wound secretion, granulated tissue, and epithelium tissue were observed, and wound healing rates were evaluated by the discrepancies in wound area. HE and Masson's staining as well as transmission electron microscopy were also performed. The localization as well as the measurement of Ang1, Src, and VE cadherin expression in each group adopted real-time PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. Statistically higher wound healing rates were observed in QRHY group on days 3, 7, and 14 compared with other groups. Histological analyses showed highly significant increase in collagen and fibroblasts, less inflammatory cells, and vascular endothelial permeability in QRHY rats. The transmission electron microscopy revealed that the intact structure of tight junctions in endothelial cells and well-organized collagen and VE-cadherin, Ang1, and Tie-2 were upregulated by QRHY, while Src was inhibited. This study showed that QRHY can promote wound healing after anal fistulas.

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.

Topical sucralfate for treatment of mucocutaneous conditions: A systematic review on clinical evidence

Sucralfate is an aluminum salt of sucrose octasulfate, generally considered safe in terms of adverse effects. Systemic sucralfate is FDA-approved for the treatment of duodenal ulcers. Since 1991, topical sucralfate has been used in various mucocutaneous conditions, but it is not approved by the FDA yet. In this systematic review, the online databases were searched with appropriate keywords, and the papers were screened by the authors. After screening steps, the relevant articles were selected according to the inclusions and exclusions criteria. Finally, the full texts of 18 articles were included for final evaluations. In conclusion, topical sucralfate has some clinical benefit in several mucocutaneous conditions, including mucocutaneous inflammatory conditions (e.g., post-radiotherapy reaction, diaper dermatitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, etc.), mucocutaneous infectious disorders (e.g., peristomal wound reaction / Infection); ulcers; burns, and also pain relief.

Scanner-Assisted CO2 Laser Fissurectomy: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Surgery for chronic anal fissure is challenging for every proctologist. Solving the pain by guaranteeing rapid and effective healing is the objective, but what is the price to pay today in functional terms? Though this result is nowadays partially achievable through interventions that include the execution of an internal sphincterotomy among the procedures, it is necessary to underline the high rate of patients who can present faecal incontinence. The aim of this study is to explore the effectiveness of scanner-assisted CO₂ laser fissurectomy.

Methods: From April 2021 to September 2021, all consecutive patients who affected by chronic anal fissure suitable for surgery, meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were evaluated. All planned data were recorded before surgery, then at 24 h, 1 week, and 1 month follow-up. A scanner-assisted CO₂ laser was used in this study to achieve a smooth and dried wound with a minimal tissue thermal damage, to ensure good postsurgical pain control, rapid and functional, elastic and stable healing, and to prevent potential relapses. Paracetamol 1 g every 8 h was prescribed for the first 24 h and then continued according to each patient's need. Ketorolac 15 mg was prescribed as rescue.

Results: Mean pain intensity ≤3, considered as the principal endpoint, was recorded in 26 out of the 29 patients who enrolled in the study with a final success rate of 89.7% at 1-month follow-up. Pain and anal itching showed a statistically significant reduction while bleeding, burning, and maximum pain, and REALIS score showed a reduction too at the end of the follow-up period. Reepithelisation proved to be extremely fast and effective: 22 of 29 (75.9%) showed a complete healing and 5 showed a partial reepithelisation at 1-month follow-up.

Discussion: Outcomes of this study showed that it is undoubtedly necessary to change the surgical approach in case of anal fissure. The internal sphincterotomy procedure must be most of all questioned, where the availability of cutting-edge technological tools must be avoided and offered only in selected cases. Scanner-assisted CO₂ laser showed great results in terms of pain control and wound healing, secondary to an extremely precise ablation, vaporisation, and debridement procedures with minimal lateral thermal damage.

Efficacy of sucralfate ointment in the prevention of acute proctitis in cancer patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Background:

Acute radiation proctitis (ARP) is a usual adverse effect in patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy. The symptoms include diarrhea, rectal blood or mucus discharge, fecal urgency and tenesmus with pain. Sucralfate, an aluminum-based salt of sucrose octasulfate, is a cytoprotective agent that forms a coating barrier at injured sites by adhering to mucoproteins. It has been used in topical management of a wide variety of local lesion. This study was designed to evaluate the preventive effect of rectal sucralfate on acute radiotherapy induced proctitis.

Methods:

Seven percent sucralfate ointment was prepared for topical use. Drug quantification, chemical stability and microbial limit tests were performed carefully. In this randomized double blind placebo controlled trial, fifty-seven patients with pelvic malignancies undergoing radiotherapy were allocated to receive either 1 g of sucralfate or 1 g of placebo, given as a twice daily ointment, one day before and during radiotherapy for six weeks. The eligible patients were evaluated based on RTOG acute toxicity criteria and the following ARP symptoms weekly: rectal hemorrhage, diarrhea, rectal pain, and fecal urgency. The influence of symptoms on lifestyle was also recorded weekly.

Results:

Acute proctitis was significantly less prevalent in patients in the sucralfate group. The incidence of rectal bleeding (P=0.003), diarrhea (P=0.002), rectal pain (P=<0.001) and fecal urgency (P=0.002) was significantly less common in the sucralfate group. No statistical significant difference was observed for radiotherapy induced cystitis in the placebo and sucralfate groups (P=0.27).

Conclusion:

This study suggests that sucralfate7% ointment reduces the incidence of symptoms associated with acute radiation proctitis.

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.

The effect of sucralfate-containing ointment on quality of life in people with symptoms associated with haemorrhoidal disease and its complications: the results of the EMOCARE survey

Background and aim:

A rectal ointment containing 3% of sucralfate and herbal extracts (calendula, witch hazel leaf (hamamelis), chamomile), became available in Italy in 2019 for the treatment of symptoms associated with haemorrhoidal disease. This survey evaluated the effect of the mentioned sucralfate ointment, on quality of life (QoL) and symptom frequency in participants seeking treatment for haemorrhoidal disease from community pharmacies in Italy.

Methods:

EMOCARE was a multicentre prospective survey conducted at community pharmacies in Italy. Eligible participants (≥18 years) were those with haemorrhoidal symptoms in the last 7 days and were willing to initiate a treatment with the sucralfate ointment and herbal extracts (calendula, witch hazel leaf (hamamelis), chamomile). A survey was administered by the investigating pharmacists at the beginning and end (~14 days) of treatment. The primary endpoint was the change in HEMO-FISS-QoL scores.

Results:

Of the 290 (mean age 53.1 years old; 58.3% female) enrolled, 287 attended the follow-up visit. After a mean duration of 13 days, the sucralfate ointment significantly improved total HEMO-FISS-QoL scores (mean change from baseline: –10.41; 95%CI –11.95, –8.86; P<0.001) and mean scores for all domains of the HEMO-FISS-QoL scale (–11.13 [95%CI –12.95, –9.30] for physical disorders, –6.14 [95%CI –7.42, –4.85] for psychology, –18.79 [95% CI –21.67, –15.90] for defaecation, and –6.46 [95%CI –8.40, –4.51] for sexuality; all P<0.001 versus baseline). At the end of treatment, 39.4% of participants reported that they no longer had haemorrhoidal symptoms and the frequency of all assessed symptoms were reduced significantly from baseline (all P<0.05).

Conclusions:

After a mean 13 days of treatment the sucralfate ointment with herbal extracts improved HEMO-FISS-QoL scores and reduced symptoms in people with haemorrhoidal disease. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Comparison of mean pain score using topical and oral metronidazole in post milligan morgan hemorrhoidectomy patient; A randomized controlled trial

Background and Objectives:

Milligan Morgan Hemorrhoidectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgeries. Post-operative pain is the major cause of morbidity in post hemorrhoidectomy patients. Metronidazole has an established role in relieving post hemorrhoidectomy pain. The objective was to evaluate the pain score by using topical and oral metronidazole in post Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy patients.

Methods:

A prospective randomized controlled trail was done in surgical departments of Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, Islamabad. A total of 166 consecutive patients with 3^rd and 4^th degree hemorrhoids were presenting in surgical OPD and who underwent Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy between July 2018 and December 2018 were included in the study. Patients allocated in two groups, Group-A received topical metronidazole 10% post hemorrhoidectomy for seven days and Group-B were given oral metronidazole 400mg for 07 days. Analgesics were given on patient’s requirement. Patients post hemorrhoidectomy pain was recorded by using VSA scale at baseline (1^st day) and on 7^th post-operative day. Data analysis was done by using SPSS 21. Pain calculated by compared in terms of mean, standard deviation between groups and independent sample T test was used. Association between demographic details like gender and ages of the patients with pain scale on 7^th day was measured and chi-square distribution was used.

Results:

Total 166 patients were included in this study. The mean ages of the patients were 44.07±10.62 years with minimum 20 and maximum 60 years. Out of 166 patients, female were 55 (33.1%) and male were 111 (66.9%). Results showed significantly lower pain in patients using topical metronidazole as compared to oral metronidazole (p=0.001). Association of pain with respect to ages was insignificant (p=0.202) whereas between genders inside the groups showed significant difference (p=0.028).

Conclusion:

These results showed that topical metronidazole significantly reduces pain in post hemorrhoidectomy patients as compared to oral metronidazole overall and even when data stratified among age, gender and type of hemorrhoids.

Evaluation of the efficacy of topical sucralfate on healing haemorrhoidectomy incision wounds and reducing pain severity: A randomised clinical trial

The healing of haemorrhoidectomy wounds is a main concern of surgeons and patients. Various modalities can improve the quality of wound care after surgery. Antibiotics and topical agents, such as solutions and ointments, have been evaluated. The current research investigates the effects of sucralfate ointment on wound healing (epithelialisation) and postoperative pain after open haemorrhoidectomy. This trial involves two groups of randomly collected patients (n = 40) who underwent open haemorrhoidectomy surgery by the Milligan-Morgan method. A 10% topical sucralfate ointment was applied to the investigated group's wounds, while the control group patients used Vaseline as a placebo. The present work measured the two outcomes as follows: pain severity by a Visual Analogues Scale (VAS) score and epithelialisation by a surgeon's visual inspection. During the postoperative phase, the mean VAS was 3.70 for the investigated group and 6.90 for the control group. On the average, the completion of epithelialisation for the investigated group was on day 13 as opposed to day 20 for the control group. The topical application of sucralfate ointment on post-haemorrhoidectomy wound is an effective method for the promotion of healing, also lessens the severity of pain, and reduces the need for analgesics.

Topical analgesia following excisional haemorrhoidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

PURPOSE

Post-operative pain following excisional haemorrhoidectomy poses a particular challenge for patient recovery, as well as a burden on hospital resources. There appears to be an increasing role for topical agents to improve this pain, but their efficacy and safety have not been fully assessed. This systematic review aims to assess all topical agents used for pain following excisional haemorrhoidectomy.

METHODS

The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two authors independently assessed MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases to 27 June 2019. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in English that investigated topical agents following excisional haemorrhoidectomy were included. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager, version 5.3.

RESULTS

A total of 3639 records were identified. A final 32 RCTs were included in the qualitative analysis. Meta-analysis was performed on 9 RCTs that investigated glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) (5 for diltiazem, 2 for metronidazole and 2 for sucralfate). There were mixed significant changes in pain for GTN compared with placebo. Diltiazem resulted in significant reduction of pain on post-operative days 1, 2, 3 and 7 (p < 0.00001). Metronidazole resulted in significant reduction of pain on days 1 (p = 0.009), 7 (p = 0.002) and 14 (p < 0.00001). Sucralfate resulted in signification reduction of pain on days 7 and 14 (both p < 0.00001).

CONCLUSION

Topical diltiazem, metronidazole and sucralfate appear to significantly reduce pain at various timepoints following excisional haemorrhoidectomy. GTN had mixed evidence. Several single trials identified other promising topical analgesics.

Effect of Topical Baclofen 5% on Post-Hemorrhoidectomy Pain: Randomized Double Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Baclofen is an agonist for a subtype of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA-B) receptors and traditionally been used for the systemic treatment of spasticity. Topical application of baclofen has been shown to reduce pain in patients with localized neuropathic pain.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we investigate the efficacy of baclofen cream (5%) in reducing postoperative pain and analgesic requirement after open hemorrhoidectomy.

DESIGN

The patients were randomly assigned to either baclofen (5%) cream or placebo immediately after surgery and then every 12 h for 14 days.

PATIENTS

A total of 66 patients with third- and fourth-degree hemorrhoids undergoing open hemorrhoidectomy were randomly assigned to this trial.

SETTING

This study was conducted at a single educational hospital.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes were intensity of pain, measured with a visual analog scale, and the analgesic requirement, measured by the amount of the acetaminophen consumption.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Postoperative pain score of the baclofen group was significantly lower on week 1 (P = 0.01) and week 2 (P = 0.02) than the placebo group. Similarly, patients in the baclofen group consumed significantly less analgesic medication on week 1 (P = 0.025) and week 2 (P = 0.024) than the control group.

CONCLUSION

Topical application of baclofen effectively relieves pain after hemorrhoidectomy with minimal side effects.

Effectiveness of Topical Sucralfate in the Management of Pressure Ulcer in Hospitalized Patients: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of topical sucralfate in the management of pressure ulcer (PU) in hospitalized patients.

METHODS

Forty hospitalized patients with stage II PU were included in this prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial and were randomly divided into 2 groups receiving either sucralfate gel or placebo, on a daily basis. The patients were visited every day for 14 days, the ulcer was evaluated using the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) and changes to the measured scores over time were used as an indicator of wound healing.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in any of the demographic characteristics between both groups. Both of the interventions reduced the average PUSH score, and at the end of the trial, all but 2 patients were healed. One in each group discontinued the trial because of exacerbation of the ulcer. No significant between-group difference in the average PUSH score reduction was observed (6.36 ± 2.11 vs. 5.89 ± 1.41, P = 0.42). Although the average healing time was less in the sucralfate group (6.05 ± 2.17 vs. 7.78 ± 3.42), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Sucralfate gel does not improve healing of PU compared with placebo.

Effects of Topical Atorvastatin (2 %) on Posthemorrhoidectomy Pain and Wound Healing: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Atorvastatin is a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitor widely used in treatment of hypercholesterolemia and prevention of coronary heart disease and has various pleiotropic effects. In this study, the efficacy of atorvastatin emulgel (2 %) in reducing postoperative pain at rest, pain during defecation and analgesic requirement after open hemorrhoidectomy was investigated.

METHODS

A total of 66 patients with third- and fourth-degree hemorrhoids undergoing open hemorrhoidectomy were included in this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. The patients were randomly assigned to either atorvastatin emulgel or placebo immediately after surgery and then every 12 h for 14 days. The primary outcomes were intensity of pain at rest and during defecation, measured with a visual analog scale, and the analgesic requirement, measured by amount of pethidine and acetaminophen consumption, and percent of wound healing.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the average postoperative pain scores in the first 48 h (P _12h = 1, P _24h = 0.128 and P _48h = 0.079) after the surgery between the two groups, but at the week 1 the pain scores during defecation were considerably lower in the atorvastatin group than in placebo group (P = 0.004), which also was the same at the week 2 (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in the average pethidine and acetaminophen (mg) administration at 12 h and 24 h between the two groups after surgery. Regarding the data about wound healing, at the week two the healing was much better in the treatment group than it was in control group and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with placebo, atorvastatin emulgel reduced postoperative pain at rest and on defecation and could improve the healing process after open hemorrhoidectomy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

IRCT201404013014N8.

Efficacy of metronidazole versus placebo in pain control after hemorrhoidectomy. Results of a controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Hemorrhoidal disease occurs in 50% of people aged > 40 years and is the most common reason for anorectal surgery. Pain is the main complication. Multiple topical and systemic drugs have been investigated for pain control, but there is no ideal treatment. Metronidazole has been shown to decrease postoperative pain but is not used widely.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of oral metronidazole versus placebo and to assess postoperative pain following hemorrhoidectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Controlled clinical trial in adult patients who underwent elective hemorrhoidectomy for grade III/IV hemorrhoids. Patients were assigned to receive metronidazole (500 mg q8 h orally; study group, SG) or placebo (control group, CG) for 7 days after surgery. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale after surgery. Analgesic administration (time and use of analgesics) and resumption of daily life activities were also assessed.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were included, 22 in each group. Postoperative pain differed significantly between the SG and CG at 6 h (3.86 ± 0.56, 6.64 ± 1.49), 12 h (5.59 ± 1.33, 8.82 ± 0.79), 24 h (6.86 ± 1.49, 9.73 ± 0.45), day 4 (5.32 ± 2.10, 9.50 ± 0.59), day 7 (3.14 ± 1.03, 7.36 ± 1.39), and day 14 (2.14 ± 0.46, 5.45 ± 1.29). The first analgesia dose was required at 21.27 ± 5.47 h in the CG and 7.09 ± 2.36 h in the SG (p < 0.05), the time of analgesic use was 6.86 ± 1.61 days in the CG and 13.09 ± 2.48 days in the SG (p < 0.05), and resumption of daily activities occurred at 7.59 ± 1.56 days in the CG and 14.73 ± 3.76 days in the SG (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Oral administration of metronidazole is effective in pain management after hemorrhoidectomy.

Is the severe pain after Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy still currently remaining a major postoperative problem despite being one of the oldest surgical techniques described? A case series of 117 consecutive patients

INTRODUCTION

Surgery is the only curative method of hemorrhoidal disease. Currently the Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy is still considered the "gold standard", since it is the best performing technique. However, postoperative pain remains a major problem. We analize the postoperative analgesic requirements for this procedure in 117 patients.

PRESENTATION OF CASES

Between 2012 and 2013, 117 consecutive patients undergoing Milligan-Morgan hemorroidectomy, with an analysis of sex, age, total vascular anal cushions removed, hospital stay, complications, and relation with postoperative analgesic requirements. Patients with documented allergy to NSAIDs or pyrazolones were excluded. Additionally 23 patients undergoing Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy associated to internal lateral sphincterotomy were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 51.7 years. The 50.8% were women and 49.2% men. In 33.3% of cases, one vascular anal cushion was removed, 2 in 39.3%, and 3 in 27.4%. The average stay for the 3 groups was 2.0days. An analgesic dose average of 4.1 by day was given, with opioid requirements in 22.2% of cases. It was statistically significant that as more anal cushions were eliminated was higher the opioids need. No significant difference of opioids use was found regarding patients undergoing sphincterotomy as additional procedure.

DISCUSSION

Postoperative pain after a Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy currently remains a problem for colorectal surgery teams. This involves the use of opioids comparable to other major surgeries, finally causing not negligible days of admission charge. A protocolized analgesic treatment, as we actually do in our center, should be implemented after a Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy for improving the postoperative period pain management.

Efficacy of 10% sucralfate ointment after anal fistulotomy: A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

The most frequent problems after anal fistulotomy are pain, bleeding, and delayed or impaired wound healing. Topical Sucralfate preparation has been used to treat a wide variety of wounds. In this study, we investigate effects of 10% sucralfate ointment on wound healing and postoperative pain after fistulotomy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A total of 41 patients undergoing anorectal fistulotomy were included in this randomized, blinded, controlled trial and were randomly allocated to either sucralfate ointment (every 12 h) or placebo. The patients were visited weekly for up to 5 weeks. The intensity of pain and the wound healing were assessed.

RESULTS

The sucralfate group had significantly less pain at rest (1.92 ± 0.88 vs 2.96 ± 0.98; P = 0.002) and on defecation (1.68 ± 0.92 vs 3.08 ± 1.12; p < 0.001) than the placebo group from 1st to 5th post-operative visits. Complete wound healing was achieved after 8.15 ± 1 weeks in placebo group versus 5.9 ± 0.8 weeks in sucralfate group (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the frequencies of postoperative complications between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Compared with placebo, sucralfate ointment reduced postoperative pain at rest and on defecation and improves wound healing in patients undergoing fistulotomy.