Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial of Ligasuretm versus Conventional Hemorrhoidectomy for Grade Iii and Iv Hemorrhoids

Background: Performing hemorrhoidectomy with LigaSureTM vessel sealing system is a rapid and simple new technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate LigaSureTM hemorrhoidectomy (LH) to open hemorrhoidectomy (OH) performed by the conventional diathermy. Patients and methods: One hundred and sixteen patients with grades III and IV hemorrhoids were prospectively randomized to either LigaSureTM or open conventional diathermy hemorrhoidectomy. Primary end point was a postoperative pain. Secondary endpoints were operative time, blood loss, complications, need for analgesics and time to achieve complete wound healing. Results: The LigaSureTM group achieved a significant reduction in operative time, blood loss, first postoperative day pain score, seventh-day pain score, and overall pain score. Patients in the LigaSureTM group required less pethidine analgesia on the first postoperative day. Time to achieve complete wound healing were shorter in the LigaSureTM group. There was difference in postoperative complications. Conclusion: LigaSureTM hemorrhoidectomy provides a valid alternative to conventional hemorrhoidectomy. Based on our results, further studies addressing long-term functional results are needed to prove that LigaSureTM hemorrhoidectomy is the ideal method of hemorrhoidectomy for the patients.