Evaluating the safety, efficacy and complications of electrotherapy and its comparison with conventional method of hemorrhoidectomy

AIM This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and complications of electrotherapy compared with conventional hemorrhoidectomy (Ferguson technique). BACKGROUND Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy is always associated with considerable pain and postoperative complications. Still, the electrotherapy method in which the hemorrhoidal tissue is not removed may not improve critical complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS This randomized clinical trial was performed on patients with hemorrhoids referring to hospitals affiliated to the Kerman University of Medical Sciences during 2014-2015. One hundred and twenty patients presented with symptomatic hemorrhoids grade I, II, III, and IV were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (60 patients) underwent electrotherapy using 30 mA direct current and group 2 (60 patients) were submitted to Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy. The groups were compared regarding postoperative pain severity and complications, including recurrent symptoms, infection and recovery time to return to normal activities. The p≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS More than 70% of patients in group 2 complained of severe pain, but in group 1, no more than 30% of patients experienced severe pain up to 6 hours post-surgery and 70% complained of mild pain 2-3 days post-surgery. Twenty four-hour hospitalization in group 2 and group 1 were 97% and 78%, respectively, whilst patients in electrotherapy group could be treated as outpatients. The mean return time to usual activities was 15 and 1.5 days for group 2 and 1, respectively. CONCLUSION Electrotherapy with a direct current of 30 mA significantly reduce postoperative pain and the recovery period. This method showed a good success rate and less complication than the Ferguson method. As a result, because of more effectiveness, less pain, as well as shorter recovery time and getting back to normal activities, we recommend this procedure for the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids grade I, II, and III.