Randomized clinical trial of Ligasure versus open haemorrhoidectomy.

TLDR: Haemorrhoidectomy performed using bloodless bipolar diathermy – Ligasure™ – may have advantages over conventional open haemorhoidectomy in terms of operating time and postoperative pain.

Abstract: Background: Postoperative pain associated with open haemorrhoidectomy remains problematic. Haemorrhoidectomy performed using bloodless bipolar diathermy – Ligasure™ – may have advantages over conventional open haemorrhoidectomy in terms of operating time and postoperative pain. Methods: Thirty-four patients were randomized to undergo Ligasure™ (18 patients) or diathermy (16) haemorrhoidectomy. The operating time, amount of pain and postoperative analgesic requirement, postoperative complications and overall patient satisfaction were documented. Results: The median duration of operation was shorter in the Ligasure™ haemorrhoidectomy group (5·1 versus 9·2 min; P < 0·001). There was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative pain score, but the median analgesic requirement was lower in the Ligasure™ group (850 versus 1600 mg tramadol; P = 0·013). Patient satisfaction was similar in both groups. Conclusion: Ligasure™ haemorrhoidectomy is quick and bloodless and, although as painful as diathermy haemorrhoidectomy, is associated with a reduced analgesic requirement. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd