title: Effects of Aloe vera cream on posthemorrhoidectomy pain and wound healing: results of a randomized, blind, placebo-control study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Aloe vera is an herbal medicine, which has wound healing effects in burn injury. This study assessed the effects of Aloe vera cream in reducing postoperative pain, postdefection pain, and its promotion of wound healing after open hemorrhoidectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted comparing the effects of a cream containing Aloe vera versus a placebo cream on posthemorrhoidectomy pain. The study preparations were applied by patients to the surgical site 3 times per day for 4 weeks after hemorrhoidectomy. Pain was assessed with a visual analog scale immediately postoperatively and at hours 12, 24, and 48 after surgery and at weeks 2 and 4. Wound healing was examined and evaluated at the end of 2 and 4 weeks. The use of analgesics was recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-nine (49) patients were randomly assigned to receive aloe (n = 24) or placebo (n = 25). Patients in the topical aloe cream group had significantly less postoperative pain at hours 12, 24, and 48 hours and at 2 weeks. Aloe cream reduced the pain after defecation in 24 and 48 hours postsurgery (p < 0.001). Wound healing at the end of the second postoperative week was significantly greater in the aloe group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.001). Patients required fewer additional analgesics posthemorrhoidectomy (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Application of Aloe vera cream on the surgical site is effective in reducing postoperative pain both on resting and during defecation, healing time, and analgesic requirements in the patients compared with the placebo group.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
authors.forename: Fariborz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Eshghi
authors.forename: Seyed Jalal
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Hosseinimehr
authors.forename: Nasrin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rahmani
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khademloo
authors.forename: Mohammad Sina
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Norozi
authors.forename: Omolbanin
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Hojati
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000504:Aloe; D000700:Analgesics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003672:Defecation; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009824:Ointments; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D009824:Ointments; D028321:Plant Preparations