title: Randomized clinical trial of Ligasure versus open haemorrhoidectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Postoperative pain associated with open haemorrhoidectomy remains problematic. Haemorrhoidectomy performed using bloodless bipolar diathermy--Ligasure--may have advantages over conventional open haemorrhoidectomy in terms of operating time and postoperative pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-four patients were randomized to undergo Ligasure (18 patients) or diathermy (16) haemorrhoidectomy. The operating time, amount of pain and postoperative analgesic requirement, postoperative complications and overall patient satisfaction were documented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median duration of operation was shorter in the Ligasure haemorrhoidectomy group (5.1 versus 9.2 min; P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative pain score, but the median analgesic requirement was lower in the Ligasure group (850 versus 1600 mg tramadol; P = 0.013). Patient satisfaction was similar in both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ligasure haemorrhoidectomy is quick and bloodless and, although as painful as diathermy haemorrhoidectomy, is associated with a reduced analgesic requirement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, UK. ffpalazzo@aol.com
authors.forename: F F
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Palazzo
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Francis
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Clifton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics