title: A randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of diltiazem gel on pain after hemorrhoidectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Spasm of the internal anal sphincter is considered to be one of the causes of pain in anal diseases. We have evaluated the effects of topical diltiazem on postoperative pain after hemorrhoidectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-two patients were randomly assigned to receive a 2 % diltiazem gel (n = 32) or a placebo gel (n = 30) after hemorrhoidectomy. Patients applied the gel to the anal region three times per day for 14 days. Pain both in the resting state and on defecation ranged from 0 to 10 on a numerical rating scale, and the number of prescribed loxoprofen tablets (Loxonin) were recorded and confirmed daily by telephone. Any morbidity during the follow-up period was recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both pain scores during defecation and the number of analgesic tablets consumed tended to be lower in the diltiazem group, although they did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.09, P = 0.12, respectively). Total number of complications was significantly higher in the diltiazem group, but each incidence of complications, including itching sensation, headache, and dizziness was not statistically different.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Perianal application of 2 % diltiazem gel after hemorrhoidectomy has the potential to reduce postoperative pain during defecation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Kameda Medical Center, 929 Higashi-cho, Kamogawa, Chiba 296-0041, Japan. taku1313@yahoo.co.jp
authors.forename: Takuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sugimoto
authors.forename: Akira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tsunoda
authors.forename: Nobuyasu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kano
authors.forename: Yasuharu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kashiwagura
authors.forename: Ken-Ichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hirose
authors.forename: Tadanori
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sasaki
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004110:Diltiazem / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005782:Gels; D061865:Hemorrhoidectomy; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D005782:Gels; D004110:Diltiazem