Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy with radiofrequency versus classic diathermy.
BACKGROUND
This randomized study compared results obtained with the Ferguson's technique for the treatment of hemorrhoids performed with a radiofrequency (RF) scalpel and traditional diathermy.


METHODS
28 patients affected by grade IV hemorrhoids were randomized to receive either the Ferguson operation with the RF scalpel (group A) or traditional diathermy (group B). The operating time, intra- and postoperative bleeding, postoperative pain, and overall patient satisfaction were all recorded.


RESULTS
Six patients (three for each group) did not attend follow-up controls. Group A showed a significant reduction of the surgical time (23 vs. 33 min; p < .01), pain at first postoperative day (Visual Analog Scale [VAS] score 3.4 vs. 4.8; p < .05), and at the first evacuation (3.4 vs. 5.0; p < .05). No significant differences were observed for the pain score at the seventh postoperative day, or overall satisfaction scores at the 7th postoperative day, and six months postoperatively (p = NS). No severe complications were recorded. Two patients in group A (18.2%) and four patients in group B (36.4%) reported transitory gas incontinence that spontaneously resolved within one month (p = NS). Three patients in group A (27.3%) and four patients in group B (36.4%) required postoperative catheterization due to urinary retention (p = NS).


CONCLUSIONS
RF scalpel shortens the operating time of the Ferguson operation and is less painful in the early postoperative period.
Filingeri
Vincenzino
V
Department of General Surgery, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy. v.filingeri@tiscali.it
Gravante
Gianpiero
G
Overton
John
J
Iqbal
Adam
A
Toti
Luca
L
D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome