title: Updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing conventional excisional haemorrhoidectomy with LigaSure for haemorrhoids.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To compare the surgical outcome of haemorrhoidectomy performed using LigaSure bipolar diathermy with conventional haemorrhoidectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Only randomized and alternate allocated studies were included from the major electronic databases using the search terms "ligasure" and "haemorrhoids". Duration of operation, blood loss during operation, postoperative pain score, wound healing, in-hospital stay, time to return to normal activities and complications were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 11 trials contained a total of 1,046 patients; the largest study was based on 273 patients and two earlier studies were based on 34 patients. No significant gender mismatch between the groups was reported in any of the studies. The patients' ages were similar between groups in the studies, as was disease severity. All 11 studies reported a shorter duration of the operation when using LigaSure compared to the conventional technique (p<0.001). The postoperative pain score (p=0.001) and blood loss during operation (p=0.001) were significantly reduced. After LigaSure haemorrhoidectomy wound healing (p=0.004) and the return to normal activities (p=0.001) were significantly faster than after conventional haemorrhoidectomy. However, the overall incidence of complications reported was not significantly different (p=0.056).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LigaSure is an effective instrument for haemorrhoidectomy which results in less blood loss, quicker wound healing and earlier return to work.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery School of Medicine, James Cook University, The Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland 4814, Australia.
authors.forename: M Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Mastakov
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Buettner
authors.forename: Y-H
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Ho
mesh_terms: D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000601:surgery*; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*