RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Hemorrhoidal disease is a common ailment that presents a challenge in terms of standard treatment methods. Although surgical hemorrhoidectomy is often considered the gold standard, new surgical techniques have emerged, such as laser hemorrhoidoplasty and LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy, to address postoperative pain, bleeding, and extended return-to-work times. This study aims to compare the outcomes of laser hemorrhoidoplasty and LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy in patients with grade II-III hemorrhoidal disease. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of patients who underwent laser hemorrhoidoplasty or LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy. Data were collected on postoperative pain, complications, recurrence rates, and return-to-work times. The primary outcome was the difference in postoperative pain between the two groups, as assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULTS: Patients in the laser hemorrhoidoplasty group experienced significantly lower postoperative pain compared to those in the LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy group. Bleeding amounts during the operation were also significantly lower in the laser group. However, the recurrence rate was higher in the laser group compared to the LigaSure group (9.4% versus 2.5%). Return to work and normal activities time after laser hemorrhoidoplasty was shorter than after LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy. CONCLUSION: Laser hemorrhoidoplasty is a minimally invasive technique that can be safely applied in suitable grade II-III patients, offering lower postoperative pain rates, fewer complications, and shorter return to work and normal activity times compared to LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy. However, recurrence rates are still higher for laser hemorrhoidoplasty. Future studies should explore the potential of combining laser hemorrhoidoplasty with other surgical treatments.
