Comparison of hemorrhoidectomy using harmonic scalpel and electrocautery: A randomized controlled trial

Aim: Hemorrhoids of grade III and IV require surgical management. Recurrence and postoperative pain have been reported to be associated with the type of surgical method. The aim of this study was to compare the hemorrhoidectomy using harmonic and electrocautery scalpel. Materials and methods: The present study was a randomized clinical trial, enrolling patients with grade III and IV hemorrhoids. The patients were randomly divided into the two groups A and B, to receive hemorrhoidectomy using electrocautery and harmonic scalpel, respectively. Outcomes such as postoperative pain, bleeding and recurrence of hemorrhoids were recorded for all the patients. The data were analyzed statistically using SPSSv22. Results: The demographic data was not significantly different among the two groups P < 0.05. The incidence of postoperative bleeding was greater in electrocautery group, however, non-significantly, p = 0.41. The recurrence of hemorrhoids was reported in 2 patients following 3 months in group A. At 6-month follow-up, 71.4% patients in group A and 28.6% in group B had recurrence of hemorrhoids. The pain was significantly lesser in group B p = 0.017. Conclusion: Hemorrhoidectomy using harmonic scalpel is significant associated with reduced postoperative pain. Postoperative bleeding was also non-significantly lesser in this group. (C) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Surgical Associates Ltd.