Topical glyceryl trinitrate ointment for pain related to anal hypertonia after stapled hemorrhoidopexy: a randomized controlled trial

Manual Reduction of Strangulated Internal Hemorrhoids Using Sugar: A Case Report

Emergency hemorrhoidectomy for strangulated internal hemorrhoids should be avoided when possible. Manual reductions can relieve pain and prevent the need for emergency surgery. Herein, we present a 51-year-old female patient. Over the preceding 20 years, she experienced prolapsed internal hemorrhoids every time she defecated and had been performing manual reductions herself. Due to significant pain and difficulty during the manual reduction of the hemorrhoids, she was transported to the emergency room. Anal inspection revealed prolapsed internal hemorrhoids and partial congestion. After 10 minutes of applying Lidocaine Hydrochloride Jelly 2% and Escherichia coli culture suspension/hydrocortisone ointment, the manual reduction was still difficult. Based on previous reports of using sugar to reduce stomal prolapse, we applied sugar directly to the hemorrhoids. Ten minutes later, the number of prolapsed hemorrhoids decreased, and manual reduction was possible. After one day of hospitalization for bed rest, the patient was discharged once it was confirmed that there was no prolapse of the internal hemorrhoids and that her pain had improved. Two weeks later, a grade III internal hemorrhoid was observed, which had markedly reduced in size compared with the time of admission. Using sugar to reduce strangulated internal hemorrhoids manually can be useful due to its simplicity, minimal invasiveness, and cost-effectiveness.

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.

Topical Lidocaine or Lidocaine/Diltiazem Ointment Following Rubber Band Ligation of Hemorrhoids: A Prospective 3-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids causes less pain than excisional hemorrhoidectomy, but many patients still experience significant postprocedure discomfort.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether topical lidocaine, with or without diltiazem, is more effective than placebo for analgesia after hemorrhoid banding.

DESIGN

This is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to 2% lidocaine, 2% lidocaine with 2% diltiazem, or a placebo ointment.

SETTINGS

This study was performed at 2 university public teaching hospitals and 2 private hospitals in Australia.

PATIENTS

Consecutive patients aged ≥18 years undergoing hemorrhoid banding were selected.

INTERVENTIONS

Topical ointments were applied postprocedure 3× daily for 5 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual analog pain score, opiate analgesia usage, and patient satisfaction were the main outcome measures.

RESULTS

Of 159 eligible patients, 99 were randomly assigned (33 in each group). Pain scores were reduced at 1 hour for the lidocaine (OR 4.15 [1.12-15.41]; p = 0.03) and lidocaine/diltiazem groups (OR 3.85 [1.05-14.11]; p = 0.04) compared with placebo. Patients in the lidocaine/diltiazem group had improved satisfaction (OR 3.82 [1.28-11.44]; p = 0.02) and were more likely to recommend the procedure to others (OR 9.33 [1.07-81.72]; p = 0.04). Patients in the lidocaine/diltiazem group required approximately 45% less total and in-hospital analgesia compared with the placebo. There was no difference in complications between any of the groups.

LIMITATIONS

A cost/benefit analysis was not performed. Analgesic efficacy appeared to be short term and the procedures were performed only in the hospital/nonambulatory setting.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical lidocaine reduced short-term analgesia use, whereas combination lidocaine/diltiazem was associated with both improved analgesia and patient satisfaction after hemorrhoid banding.

LIDOCANA TPICA O UNGENTO DE LIDOCANA/DILTIAZEM DESPUS DE LA LIGADURA HEMORROIDAL CON BANDA ELSTICA UN ENSAYO PROSPECTIVO CONTROLADO Y ALEATORIZADO DE TRES BRAZOS

ANTECEDENTES:La ligadura de hemorroides con banda elástica causa menos dolor que la hemorroidectomía escisional, pero muchos pacientes siguen experimentando molestias significativas tras el procedimiento.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tiene como objetivo determinar si la lidocaína tópica, con o sin diltiazem, es más eficaz que el placebo para la analgesia tras la ligadura hemorroidal.DISEÑO:Este es un ensayo prospectivo, aleatorizado, doble ciego, controlado con placebo. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados para recibir lidocaína al 2 %, lidocaína al 2 % con diltiazem al 2 % o ungüento de placebo.AJUSTES:Este estudio se realizó en dos hospitales públicos con docencia universitaria y dos hospitales privados en Australia.PACIENTES:Se seleccionaron pacientes consecutivos de ≥18 años sometidos a ligadura para hemorroides.INTERVENCIONES:Se aplicaron ungüentos tópicos tras el procedimiento tres veces al día durante 5 días.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:La puntuación analógica visual del dolor, el uso de analgésicos opiáceos y la satisfacción del paciente fueron las principales medidas de resultado.RESULTADOS:De 159 pacientes elegibles, 99 fueron aleatorizados (33 en cada grupo). Las puntuaciones de dolor se redujeron a la hora para los grupos de lidocaína (OR 4,15 (1,12-15,41); p = 0,03) y lidocaína/diltiazem (OR 3,85 (1,05-14,11), p = 0,04) en comparación con el placebo.Los pacientes del grupo de lidocaína/diltiazem mejoraron su satisfacción (OR 3,82 (1,28-11,44), p = 0,02) y eran más propensos de recomendar el procedimiento a otros (OR 9,33 (1,07-81,72), p = 0,04). Los pacientes del grupo de lidocaína/diltiazem requirieron aproximadamente un 45 % menos de analgesia total e intrahospitalaria en comparación con el grupo de placebo. No hubo diferencia en las complicaciones entre ninguno de los grupos.LIMITACIONES:No se realizó un análisis de costo/beneficio. La eficacia analgésica pareció ser a corto plazo y los procedimientos solo se realizaron en el hospital/entorno no ambulatorio.CONCLUSIÓN:La lidocaína tópica mejora la analgesia a corto plazo, mientras que la combinación de lidocaína/diltiazem se asocia tanto con una mejor analgesia como con la satisfacción del paciente tras la colocación de bandas para hemorroides. (Traducción-Dr Osvaldo Gauto ).

Chemical sphincterotomy in posthemorrhoidectomy pain relief: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study aims to evaluate the pain relief function of chemical sphincterotomy in patients undergoing haemorrhoid surgery and compare, through a meta-analysis, the different drugs used to treat this condition.

METHODS

We conducted a search in databases including PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. The methodological quality was evaluated using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (ROB2). The pain score was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) on day 1, day 2, and day 7, and a meta-analysis was conducted based on the use of random effects models. In addition, the subgroup analysis was evaluated based on the kind of experimental drugs. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies with a total of 681 patients were included in this meta-analysis, and all studies were randomized controlled trials RCTs. Chemical sphincterotomy showed better pain relief function than placebo on day 1 (SMD: 1.16, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.80), day 2 (SMD: 2.12, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.87) and day 7 (SMD: 1.97, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.77) after surgery. In the subgroup meta-analysis, we found that different drugs for chemical sphincterotomy provided different pain relief.

CONCLUSION

Chemical sphincterotomy effectively relieves pain after haemorrhoidectomy, and calcium channel blockers have the best effect.

Can Targeting Sphincter Spasm Reduce Post-Haemorrhoidectomy Pain? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Haemorrhoidectomy is often complicated by significant post-operative pain, to which spasm of the internal anal sphincter is thought to be a contributing factor. This study appraises the evidence behind interventions aimed at lowering sphincter spasm to relieve post-haemorrhoidectomy pain.

METHODS

A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses compliant systematic review was conducted. Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were systematically searched. All RCTs which compared interventions targeting the internal anal sphincter to relieve pain post excisional haemorrhoidectomy were included. The primary outcome measure was pain on the visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

Of the initial 10,221 search results, 39 articles were included in a qualitative synthesis, and 33 studies were included in a meta-analysis. Topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) reduced pain on day 7 (7 studies, 485 participants), with a mean difference and 95% confidence interval (MD, 95% CI) of -1.34 (-2.31; -0.37), I² = 91%. Diltiazem reduced pain on day 3 on the VAS, and the MD was -2.75 (-398; -1.51) shown in five studies (n = 227). Botulinum toxin reduced pain on day 7, in four studies with 178 participants, MD -1.43 (-2.50; -0.35) I² = 62%. The addition of Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy to haemorrhoidectomy reduced pain on day 2 in three studies with 275 participants, MD of -2.13 (-3.49; -0.77) I² = 92%. The results were limited by high heterogeneity and risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

Evidence suggests that lateral sphincterotomy, administration of botulinum toxin and the application of topical diltiazem or GTN can reduce post-operative pain after haemorrhoidectomy. Lateral sphincterotomy should not be routinely used due to the risk of incontinence.

Efficacy of Mesoglycan in Pain Control after Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy: A Pilot Comparative Prospective Multicenter Study

Introduction

Various pain management strategies for patients undergoing open excisional hemorrhoidectomy have been proposed, yet postoperative pain remains a frequent complaint.

Objective

To determine whether mesoglycan (30 mg two vials i.m. once/day for the first 5 days postoperative, followed by 50 mg 1 oral tablet twice/day for 30 days) would reduce the edema of the mucocutaneous bridges and thus improve postoperative pain symptoms.

Patients and Methods

For this prospective observational multicenter study, 101 patients undergoing excisional diathermy hemorrhoidectomy for III-IV degree hemorrhoidal disease were enrolled at 5 colorectal referral centers. Patients were assigned to receive either mesoglycan (study group SG) or a recommended oral dose of ketorolac tromethamine of 10 mg every 4–6 hours, not exceeding 40 mg per day and not exceeding 5 postoperative days according to the indications for short-term management of moderate/severe acute postoperative pain, plus stool softeners (control group CG).

Results

Postoperative thrombosis (SG 1/48 versus CG 5/45) (p < 0.001) and pain after rectal examination (p < 0.001) were significantly reduced at 7–10 days after surgery in the mesoglycan-treated group, permitting a faster return to work (p < 0.001); however, in the same group, the incidence of postoperative bleeding, considered relevant when needing a readmission or an unexpected outpatient visit, was higher, possibly owing to the drug's antithrombotic properties.

Conclusions

The administration of mesoglycan after an open diathermy excisional hemorrhoidectomy can reduce postoperative thrombosis and pain at 7–10 days after surgery, permitting a faster return to normal activities.

Persistent anal and pelvic floor pain after PPH and STARR: surgical management of the fixed scar staple line

BACKGROUND

Persistent anal pain (PAP) after stapled procedures, be it hemorrhoidopexy (PPH) or stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) may be hardly resolved by medical therapy. The typical objective finding in these patients is the staple line characterized by fixed scar to underlying layers.

METHODS

A total of 21 consecutive patients were operated for PAP after stapled procedure. The scarred staple line was excised and detached from layers below, the mucosal continuity reconstructed by single stitches. From January 2003 to December 2013 1500 patients underwent stapled procedure. Of these patients treated in our unit, 9 (0.6 %) were operated for chronic anal pain and 12 were referred to our center from other hospitals.

RESULTS

Fifteen (71.4 %) patients resolved and do not take any drugs for pain; an overall of 85.7 % (18/21) improved their clinical status. Mean time between the beginning of symptoms and the operation was 4.27 months (range 1-18 months). We divided the patients into three groups: before 3 months, between 3 and 6 months and after 6 months from the beginning of symptoms to the operation. The best results were in the first group with 100 % pain relief and satisfactory functional results.

CONCLUSIONS

The relief of PAP after stapled procedure, in which we recognize a scarred and fixed staple line, depends by the early recognition of this typical finding. The authors suggest the surgical treatment not later than 3-6 months after the onset of symptoms to achieve the best results.

Predictors of early postoperative pain after stapled haemorrhoidopexy

AIM

Moderate to severe pain after stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH) is not uncommon. This study was designed to identify the predictors of postoperative pain after SH in a single centre.

METHOD

Seventy-six patients with Grade II to IV haemorrhoids who underwent SH were selected from a prospectively compiled database. Preoperative data, including patient characteristics, manometry results and surgical data, were documented. Pain was evaluated during the first 24 h after the operation. Its intensity was classified into three grades according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) score: mild (VAS ≤ 3), moderate (VAS >3 to <5) and severe (VAS ≥ 5). Analgesics were not routinely given but were administered if the patient had moderate or severe pain. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the predictors of postoperative pain.

RESULTS

Moderate and severe pain was noted in 43 (58.9%) patients. No patient was readmitted due to persistent anal pain during the month following discharge. Postoperative pain was significantly associated with gender (P = 0.017), age (P = 0.014), first initial sensory volume (P = 0.023) and constipation (P = 0.005) in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis identified male gender as an independent predictor of postoperative moderate to severe pain (P = 0.037, OR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.07-9.09). The initial sensory volume and preoperative coexisting constipation were negative predictors of postoperative moderate to severe pain after SH (P = 0.037, OR = 0.320, 95% CI 0.110-0.934, and P = 0.036, OR = 0.255, 95% CI 0.071-0.913, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Male gender and the initial sensory volume are predictors of postoperative pain after SH. Anal manometry is recommended before the SH procedure. An active analgesia protocol should be considered for male patients with a low initial sensory volume after SH.

Does the removal of retained staples really improve postoperative chronic sequelae after transanal stapled operations?

BACKGROUND

Transanal stapled procedures are increasingly being used. Several postoperative complications can be referred to their application, including those related to the presence of retained staples at the level of the staple line.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to assess whether the removal of the retained staples is a useful approach to improve some of the most common postoperative complications of these surgical techniques.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective study.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at the One-Day Surgery Unit of St. Andrea Hospital.

PATIENTS

All of the patients who underwent a stapled transanal procedure from January 2003 to December 2011 were included in the study. Patients included in the study were followed postoperatively for 1 year after surgery to identify the presence of retained staples.

INTERVENTIONS

If identified, the retained staples were removed endoscopically or transanally.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

After the staple removal, patients were followed with biweekly office visit for 2 months to evaluate the progression of symptoms.

RESULTS

From the 566 patients included in the study, 165 experienced postoperative complications, and in 66 of these cases, retained staples were found and removed. With the removal of retained staples, symptoms were almost all resolved or improved. In only 1 case did the retained staples removal not modify the symptoms.

LIMITATIONS

The study design may have introduced potential selection bias. In addition, the study was limited by the lack of a specific questionnaire for the evaluation of symptoms improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The removal of the retained staples is an efficacious and safe procedure to solve or improve postoperative complications and should be always considered.