Randomized clinical trial of LigaSure and conventional diathermy haemorrhoidectomy.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this randomized prospective trial was to compare LigaSure and conventional diathermy haemorrhoidectomy.


METHODS
Two hundred and eighty-four patients with grade III or IV haemorrhoids were randomized to LigaSure or diathermy (Milligan-Morgan) haemorrhoidectomy as a day-case procedure. Operating time, postoperative pain score, hospital stay, postoperative complications, wound healing time and time to return to normal activities were assessed. Thirty-four patients were lost to follow-up.


RESULTS
The mean operating time for LigaSure haemorrhoidectomy was significantly shorter than that for diathermy (P = 0.011). Patients treated with LigaSure had significantly less postoperative pain (measured on a visual analogue scale; P = 0.010), a shorter wound healing time (defined as time to absence of swelling; P = 0.012) and less time off work (P = 0.010) than patients who had diathermy. Neither postoperative complications nor mean hospital stay (day-case surgery) were significantly different.


CONCLUSIONS
LigaSure haemorrhoidectomy demonstrates simplicity, reproducibility, a low complication rate, fast wound healing, a quick return to work and reduced postoperative pain.
Muzi
M G
MG
Department of Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy. marcog.muzi@ptvonline.it
Milito
G
G
Nigro
C
C
Cadeddu
F
F
Andreoli
F
F
Amabile
D
D
Farinon
A M
AM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003972:Diathermy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008026:Ligation / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology