Real-time ultrasound-guided sacral plexus block combined with mild sedation for hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoidal artery ligation in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis present perioperative challenges for clinical anesthesiologists for anesthesia-associated complications. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old Han woman with a 2-year history of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was scheduled for hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoidal artery ligation. We performed real-time ultrasound-guided sacral plexus block with dexmedetomidine under standard monitoring. The anesthesia method met the surgical demands and avoided respiratory complications during the procedures. There was no neurological deterioration after the surgery and 3 months after, the patient was discharged. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time ultrasound-guided sacral plexus block combined with mild sedation may be an effective and safe technique in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis undergoing hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoidal artery ligation.

Ultrasound-guided intersphincteric space block combined with spinal anesthesia for hemorrhoidectomy: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the analgesic effects and incidence of urinary retention between ultrasound-guided intersphincteric space block combined with low-dose ropivacaine spinal anesthesia and conventional-dose ropivacaine spinal anesthesia post-hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: Fifty patients aged 20-65 years who underwent elective hemorrhoidectomy were stochastically assigned to one of two groups. Spinal anesthesia was induced with 8 mg ropivacaine, combined with ultrasound-guided intersphincteric space block in the treatment group. Spinal anesthesia was induced with 12 mg ropivacaine in the control group. The primary outcome was the postoperative pain score, measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours and at the first defecation postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included urinary retention, extent of anal sphincter relaxation, and the time required to lift the lower limbs out of bed postoperatively. RESULTS: The treatment group showed markedly lower VAS scores than those of the control group at 8, 12, 24, and 48 h, and at the first postoperative defecation time (P<0.05). The incidence of urinary retention was considerably lower in the treatment group than in the control group (24% vs. 52%, P=0.04). No remarkable difference in the degree of anal sphincter relaxation was observed between the two groups (P=0.556). The time taken by the treatment group patients to lift their lower limbs off the bed was much shorter than that in the control group (1.3±0.6 h vs. 3.2±1.2 h, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided intersphincteric space block combined with low-dose ropivacaine spinal anesthesia provides good anesthesia and analgesia for hemorrhoidectomy.

Risk Factors for Readmission in Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy at a Tertiary Teaching Center.

INTRODUCTION: Unplanned readmission is often seen after excisional hemorrhoidectomy. This study aims to explore associations between patient and operative factors, and readmission rates in excisional hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all excisional hemorrhoidectomies performed in Capital and Coast District Health Board for an 8-year period from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2020. The primary outcome measure was 30-day readmissions post hemorrhoidectomy. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors to readmisson. A decision tree model was designed to further look at the interactions between risk factors. RESULTS: There were a total 370 patients undergoing 389 excisional hemorrhoidectomies over the study period. There were 47 (12.1%) readmissions. The commonest reasons for readmission were pain (48.9%) and bleeding (38%). 17% of readmitted patients required operative intervention. Readmission was associated with the use of advanced energy devices (OR 2.21; P = 0.027). Trainees were more likely to use advance energy devices than consultants (51% versus 38%, P = 0.010). Consultants were involved in more procedures requiring a removal of 3 pedicles or more than trainees (43% versus 30%, P = 0.010). A decision tree model predicts readmission based on primary operator experience, age, advanced energy device use, and patient ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Two risk models are presented showing the complex relationship between the factors associated with readmission after hemorrhoidectomy. Advanced energy device use was associated with an increased risk of readmission after hemorrhoidectomy in our population. Future work could involve targeted interventions to patients at increased risk of readmission such as preprocedural and postprocedural information, early interval follow-up and targeted analgesia regimes.

The 50% effective dose of hydromorphone and morphine for epidural analgesia in the hemorrhoidectomy: a double-blind, sequential dose-finding study.

BACKGROUND: Although previous studies have showed that epidural morphine can be used as a complement to local anesthetics for analgesia after postcesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia, there is little known about the analgesic dosage of epidural morphine and hydromorphone for hemorrhoidectomy. Therefore, we conducted this study to examine the potency ratio of hydromorphone to epidural morphine as well as effective analgesic dose for 50% patients (ED50) undergoing elective hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: 80 patients under elective hemorrhoidectomy with combined spinal and epidural anesthesia(CSEA) in department of anesthesia, Dongguan Tungwah hospital. To assess the ED50, patients were treated with epidural morphine or epidural hydromorphone randomly using a biased coin method-determined dose with a sequential allocation procedure. Following surgery, standardized multimodal analgesia was administered to all patients. A pain response score of ≤ 3 (on a scale of 0-10) was determined to be the effective dose after 24 h following CSEA. The ED50 in both groups were determined using the probit regression and isotonic regression method. We also measured pain intensity by patient interview using a 10 point verbal numeric rating scale prospectively at 6, 12 and 24 h after CSEA, and adverse effects were also noted. RESULTS: The ED50 was 0.350 mg (95% CI, 0.259-0.376 mg) in hydromorphone group and 1.129 mg (95% CI, 0.903-1.187 mg) in morphine group, respectively, estimated by isotonic regression method. Regression analysis with the probit, the ED50 of epidural hydromorphone was 0.366 mg (95% CI, 0.276-0.388 mg) and epidural morphine was 1.138 mg (95% CI, 0.910-1.201 mg). Exploratory findings showed that there was no difference between the most frequent dosages of epidural hydromorphone or epidural morphine in the occurrence of nausea, vomiting and pruritus. When administered with epidural opioids at ED50 doses or higher, 97.5% (39/40) of epidural morphine patients and 97.5% (39/40) epidural hydromorphone of patients were satisfied with their analgesia. CONCLUSION: Effective hemorrhoidectomy analgesia requires a 3:1 ratio of epidural morphine to epidural hydromorphone. Both drugs provide excellent patient satisfaction.

A cost-utility study of elective haemorrhoidectomies in Canada.

AIM: The aim was to estimate the 10-year cost-utility of haemorrhoidectomy surgery with preference-based measures of health using Canadian health utility measures and costs. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective haemorrhoidectomies by general and colorectal surgeons in British Columbia, Vancouver, between September 2015 and November 2022, completed preoperatively and postoperatively the EuroQol five-dimension five-level health-related quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) attributable to surgery were calculated by discounting preoperative and postoperative health utility values derived from the EQ-5D-5L. Costs were measured from a health system perspective which incorporated costs of hospital stay and specialists' fees. Results are presented in 2021 Canadian dollars. RESULTS: Of 94 (47%) patients who completed both the preoperative and postoperative questionnaires, the mean gain in QALYs 10 years after surgery was 1.0609, assuming a 3.5% annual discounting rate. The average cost of the surgery was $3166. The average cost per QALY was $2985 when benefits of the surgery were assumed to accrue for 10 years. The cost per QALY was higher for women ($3821) compared with men ($2485). Participants over the age of 70 had the highest cost per QALY ($8079/QALY). CONCLUSIONS: Haemorrhoidectomies have been associated with significant gains in health status and are inexpensive relative to the associated gains in quality of life based on patients' perspectives of their improvement in health and well-being.

Liposomal bupivacaine versus conventional anesthetic or placebo for hemorrhoidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Liposome bupivacaine (LB) is a long-acting anesthetic to enhance postoperative analgesia. Studies evaluating the efficacy of the LB against an active comparator (bupivacaine or placebo) on acute postoperative pain control in hemorrhoidectomy procedures are few and heterogeneous. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing LB's analgesic efficacy and side effects to conventional/placebo anesthetic in hemorrhoidectomy patients. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials investigating the use of LB after haemorrhoidectomy. We searched the literature published from the time of inception of the datasets to August 19, 2022. The electronic databases included English publications in Ovid MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and Scopus. RESULTS: A total of 338 patients who underwent a hemorrhoidectomy procedure enrolled in three randomized clinical trials were included. The overall mean age was 45.84 years (SD ± 11.43), and there was a male predominance (53.55% male). In total 194 patients (52.2%) received LB and 144 (47.8%) received either bupivacaine or placebo. Pain scores at 72 h in the LB (199, 266, and 300 mg) were significantly lower than in the bupivacaine HCl group (p = 0.002). Compared to the bupivacaine/placebo group, the time to first use of opioids in the LB group was significantly longer at LB 199 mg (11 h vs. 9 h), LB 266 mg (19 h vs. 9 h), and LB 300 mg (19 h vs. 8 h) (p < 0.05). Moreover, compared to the bupivacaine/epinephrine group, it was significantly lower in the LB 266 mg group (3.7 vs. 10.2 mg) and at LB 300 mg (13 vs. 33 mg) (p < 0.05). Finally, regarding adverse effects, the conventional anesthetic/placebo group reported more pain in bowel movement than LB groups (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.31-5.16). CONCLUSIONS: Comparing LB to conventional anesthetic/placebo anesthetic for hemorrhoidectomy, we found a statistically significant reduction in pain through 72 h, decreased opioid requirements, and delayed time to first opioid use. Moreover, the conventional anesthetic/placebo group reported more pain in bowel movement than LB groups.

Comparison of Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty and Milligan-Morgan Hemorrhoidectomy Techniques in the Treatment of Grade 2 and 3 Hemorrhoidal Disease.

INTRODUCTION: The estimated prevalence of hemorrhoidal disease (HD) worldwide ranges from 2.9% to 27.9%. Conservative, medical, non-operative, and surgical therapy approaches are applied in HD treatment. Milligan-Morgan (MM) hemorrhoidectomy which is the most well-known and frequently applied surgical treatment method, and Laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LH) are among the accepted treatment methods in Grade 2-3 HD treatment where medical treatment is insufficient. PURPOSE: In this study, the early results of laser hemorrhoidoplasty and Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy techniques were compared. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial. The study included ASA 1-3, total 85 patients aged 18-70 years old with symptomatic Grade 2 and Grade 3 hemorrhoidal disease whose symptoms persisted despite at least one month of medical treatment. Fifty-four patients were allocated to Group L, whereas 31 were allocated to Group M. Age, gender, weight, body mass index, preoperative symptoms, presence of additional disease, use of anticoagulant medication, and length of hospital stay of the patients included in the study were recorded. Rescue analgesic used was recorded. Postoperative VAS score and complications were recorded within 10 days. The total energy numbers applied to all packages were recorded. RESULTS: The incidence of minor perioperative hemorrhage was significantly lower in Group L compared to Group M (P = .035). The postoperative 3rd-hour VAS scores were statistically significantly lower in Group L compared to Group (P < .001). At the 3rd hour postoperatively, the need for rescue analgesia was statistically significantly higher in Group M compared to Group L. On the seventh postoperative day, Group M needed considerably more rescue analgesia compared to Group L (P < .001, P = 1.00, P = .035, respectively). The cut-off value of 571 J was calculated in Group L. CONCLUSION: We believe that it is not an advantageous method compared to MM hemorrhoidectomy, both in terms of patient comfort and cost-effectiveness, since postoperative pain, which is shown as the most important advantage of LH over conventional hemorrhoidectomy methods in the literature, can be relieved with simple NSA-I rescue analgesia in patients undergoing MM. Trial Registration: 03.06.2021/21-63.

Haemorrhoidal artery distribution in patients with grade III and IV haemorrhoids treated with artery ligation and rectoanal repair. Assessment of Doppler guidance.

INTRODUCTION: While haemorrhoidal dearterialization and mucopexy are accepted as a valid alternative to haemorrhoidectomy, differences exist regarding the fixed or variable location of the arteries to be ligated. Our aim was to shed light on this issue of arterial distribution in candidates for surgery. METHODS: The study included consecutive patients diagnosed with Goligher grade III and IV haemorrhoids, who had undergone Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation (DG-HAL) and rectoanal repair (RAR) at 2 medical centres in Spain. The main objective was to evaluate the number and 12-h clock locations of arterial ligatures necessary to achieve Doppler silence. RESULTS: In total, 146 patients were included: 111 (76%) men, and 35 (24%) women. Average age was 54 years (21-84). Grade III and grade IV haemorrhoids were diagnosed in 106 (72.6%) and 40 (27.4%) patients, respectively. The average number of ligatures per patient was 7 (range 2-12). Ligature percentages greater than 60% occurred at clock positions 7, 11, 10, 12, 9, and 1. The average number of mucopexies per patient was 3 (range 1-4). The most frequent mucopexy locations were the left posterior, right posterior, and right anterior octants. CONCLUSIONS: While the greatest frequency of arterial ligatures occurred in odd-numbered clock positions, non-negligible percentages occurred in even-numbered clock positions, which, in our opinion, makes the use of Doppler necessary, given that arterial distribution is not the same in all patients. We also noted that more ligatures and mucopexies were needed on the right half of the rectal circumference than on the left side, suggesting greater right-side vascularization.

Role of antibiotics in Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy for Grade III to IV Hemorrhoids: A randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: This study was mainly to compare the safety and long-term clinical efficacy of using intravenous antibiotics in Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy for Grade III to IV Prolapsing Hemorrhoids. METHODS: This was a parallel group, 3-arm, randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous prophylactic antibiotics. A total of 150 consecutive patients undergoing Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy (MMH) in a tertiary hospital for grade III/IV hemorrhoids from January 2020 to August 2022 were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups using a computer-generated table. Group A did not receive any prophylactic antibiotic, group B received 2 g I/V Cefoxitin Sodium before the induction of anesthesia, and group C received 2 g I/V Cefoxitin Sodium before the induction of anesthesia and 6 h after operation. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in measured VAS values on the 1st day,3rd day and 7th day after surgery (p> 0.05). Compared with VAS values on the 1st day postoperatively, these values got decreased on the 3rd day and 7th day after surgery (p< 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference among the first defecation time, wound edema, bleeding, urinary retention after surgery (p> 0.05). There was no significant difference in the outcome comparison between all 3 groups' basal and the 3rd day postoperatively no matter in WBC, NUET% or CRP (p> 0.05). However, compared with basal, the WBC, NUET%,CRP(p< 0.05) of group A and group B on the 3rd day postoperatively got rised, the rate of recurrence of hemorrhoids follow-up for 1 year was 1.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that there is no efficacy on intravenous prophylactic antibiotics in Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy.

Transanal open haemorrhoidopexy: a well-tolerated, minimally invasive surgical method for haemorrhoids grade II to IV.

BACKGROUND: To determine 1-year postoperative recurrence rates, postoperative pain and complication rates of transanal open haemorrhoidopexy applied also in grade IV haemorrhoids. METHODS: Single-centre retrospective observational study without control group. The primary outcome was recurrence rate after 1 year postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were length of postoperative pain, use of opiates and postoperative complications. The recurrence rate was assessed with the Sodergren haemorrhoid symptom severity score questionnaire. For information on the early postoperative period, a retrospective chart review based on the routine 3-month clinical follow-up was done. RESULTS: 135 consecutive patients with haemorrhoids Goligher grades II-IV were operated with transanal open haemorrhoidopexy. 88 patients (65%) consented to participate in the study when approached later via mail. 23% of patients had haemorrhoids Goligher grade IV. 15 patients (17%) needed a second transanal open haemorrhoidopexy for residual haemorrhoidal prolapse. The recurrence rate of prolapsing haemorrhoids was 15% (13 patients) 1 year postoperatively. 21% of patients reported no postoperative pain, 54% described pain for a duration of up to 1 week and 22% for up to 2 weeks. Two patients reported a longer duration of pain of 3 and 4 weeks, respectively. No complications grade Clavien-Dindo III or higher were detected. CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicate that transanal open haemorrhoidopexy has a recurrence rate comparable to traditional haemorrhoidectomy including grade IV haemorrhoids and is associated with less pain and tissue damage. A randomized controlled trial may provide further support for the routine application of this method, but may pose challenges.

Parameters predicting postoperative pain and quality of life after hemorrhoidectomy: follow-up results from a prospective multicenter randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Pain and reduced quality of life (QoL) are major subjects of interest after surgery for hemorrhoids. The aim of this study was to find predictive parameters for postoperative pain and QoL after hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: This is a follow-up analysis of data derived from a multicenter randomized controlled trial including 770 patients, which examines the usefulness of tamponade after hemorrhoidectomy. Different pre-, intra-, and postoperative parameters were correlated with pain level assessed by NRS and QoL by the EuroQuol. RESULTS: At univariate analysis, relevant (NRS > 5/10 pts.) early pain within 48 h after surgery was associated with young age (≤ 40 years, p = 0.0072), use of a tamponade (p < 0.0001), relevant preoperative pain (p = 0.0017), pudendal block (p < 0.0001), and duration of surgery (p = 0.0149). At multivariate analysis, not using a pudendal block (OR 2.64), younger age (OR 1.55), use of a tamponade (OR 1.70), and relevant preoperative pain (OR 1.56) were significantly associated with relevant early postoperative pain. Relevant pain on day 7 was significantly associated only with relevant early pain (OR 3.13, p < 0.001). QoL overall remained at the same level. However, n = 229 (33%) patients presented an improvement of QoL and n = 245 (36%) an aggravation. Improvement was associated with a reduction of pain levels after surgery (p < 0.0001) and analgesia with opioids (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Early relevant pain affects younger patients but can be prevented by avoiding tamponades and using a pudendal block. Relevant pain after 1 week is associated only with early pain. Relief in preexisting pain and opioids improve QoL. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00011590 12 April 2017.

Local anesthesia versus saddle block for open hemorrhoidectomy: cost-analysis from a randomized, double blind controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite the benefits attributed to the use of local anesthesia (LA) for open hemorrhoidectomy (OH) in developed countries, this technique is still not considered as the first line technique in low-income countries such as Uganda; therefore, we aimed at comparing the cost of OH under LA versus Saddle block among patients with 3rd or 4th degree hemorrhoids. METHODS: This trial was conducted from December 2021 to May 2022 among patients with primary uncomplicated 3rd or 4th degree hemorrhoids. The operating time, and direct costs in (US$) including medical and non-medical were recorded. We analysed the cost in the two groups (local anesthesia versus saddle block) using SPSS version 23.0. RESULTS: Findings of fifty-eight patients were analysed including 29 participants per group. There was a significant difference in operating time and cost among the two groups (p < 0.05). The mean operating time was 15.52 ± 5.34(SD) minutes versus 33.72 ± 11.54 min for OH under LA and SB respectively. The mean cost of OH under LA was 57.42 ± 8.90 US$ compared to 63.38 ± 12.77US$ in SB group. CONCLUSION: The use of local anesthesia for OH was found to have less operating time with high-cost effectiveness. Being affordable, local anesthesia can help to increase the turnover of patients who would otherwise wait for the availability of anesthesia provider. Policy makers should emphasize its applicability in low-income settings to help in the achievement of 2030 global surgery goals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, PACTR202110667430356. Registered on 08/10/2021.

Colonization of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria increases risk of surgical site infection after hemorrhoidectomy: a cross-sectional study of two centers in southern China.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to determine the rectoanal colonization rate and risk factors for the colonization of present multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRBs). In addition, the relationship between MDRB colonization and surgical site infection (SSI) following hemorrhoidectomy was explored. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Colorectal Surgery of two hospitals. Patients with hemorrhoid disease, who underwent hemorrhoidectomy, were included. The pre-surgical screening of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) colonization was performed using rectal swabs on the day of admission. Then, the MDRB colonization rate was determined through the rectal swab. Logistic regression models were established to determine the risk factors for MDRB colonization and SSI after hemorrhoidectomy. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 432 patients met the inclusion criteria, and the MDRB colonization prevalence was 21.06% (91/432). The independent risk factors for MDRB colonization were as follows: patients who received ≥ 2 categories of antibiotic treatment within 3 months (odds ratio (OR): 3.714, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.436-9.605, p = 0.007), patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; OR: 6.746, 95% CI: 2.361-19.608, p < 0.001), and patients with high serum uric acid (OR: 1.006, 95% CI: 1.001-1.010, p = 0.017). Furthermore, 41.57% (37/89) of MDRB carriers and 1.81% (6/332) of non-carriers developed SSIs, with a total incidence of 10.21% (43/421). Based on the multivariable model, the rectoanal colonization of MDRBs (OR: 32.087, 95% CI: 12.052-85.424, p < 0.001) and hemoglobin < 100 g/L (OR: 4.130, 95% CI: 1.556-10.960, p = 0.004) were independently associated with SSI after hemorrhoidectomy. CONCLUSION: The rectoanal colonization rate of MDRBs in hemorrhoid patients is high, and this was identified as an independent risk factor for SSI after hemorrhoidectomy.

A retrospective comparative study of hemorrhoidal artery ligation versus ligasure hemorrhoidectomy for the third degree hemorrhoidal disease.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is the most common disease of the anorectal region. Excision of pathological hemorrhoidal structures by providing bipolar energy transfer with Ligasure, which is basically an electrosurgical device, is one of the treatment methods Ligasure hemorrhoidectomy (LH). In another method applied for the first time by Morinaga, the vascular plexus is provided by Doppler-guided ligation of the hemorrhoidal arteries (ADHL). In our study, we aimed to compare and evaluate the results of these two minimally invasive treatment methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated with ADHL and LH for HD in our Surgery Clinic were included in the study. Demographic data, complaints, number of hemorrhoidal structures, location, complications, operation time, bleeding during and after the operation, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain scoring, and postoperative results were evaluated from the patient files. RESULTS: The number of patients included in the study was 91. While 54 patients were treated with ADHL (group 1), 37 patients (group 2) were treated with LH. Although the gender distribution between the groups was similar, there was male predominance in both groups. The mean operative time was shorter in group 1. The number of packages was 2.7 in group 1 and 2.4 in group 2. The mean hospital stay was 1.5 days in the ADHL-treated group, compared to. 3.05 days in the LH group. In the postoperative period, bleeding was not observed after an average of 1.4 days in group 1, while this period was 4.9 days in group 2. While recurrence occurred in 4 patients in the ADHL group, recurrence developed in 3 patients who underwent LH. CONCLUSION: ADHL and LH techniques have advantages and disadvantages over each other. Although the ADHL technique seems to be superior to LH in terms of post-defecation pain and shorter hospital stay, prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to determine which method should be chosen in which patient.

A rare presentation of large bowel obstruction post haemorrhoidectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhoidal disease is a common anorectal pathology. Complications post hemorrhoidectomy are rare. Postoperative complications following hemorrhoidectomy include bleeding (2%), infection (0.4-8%), urinary retention (15%), and constipation (15-30%). CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old of Asian background female presented to a tertiary colorectal service with large bowel obstruction post hemorrhoidectomy. This is the first case in the surgical literature describing large bowel obstruction secondary to extrinsic compression from urinary retention following hemorrhoidectomy. The patient developed urinary retention and obstructed defecation in setting of inadequate analgesia post hemorrhoidectomy. The patient required indwelling catheter insertion and aggressive constipation management to resolve symptoms. Histopathology from the hemorrhoidectomy did not reveal a malignancy. CONCLUSION: Anesthetic choice and postoperative analgesia are important factors to avoid the development of complications. A missed malignancy diagnosis must always be excluded with patients presenting post hemorroidectomy with bowel obstruction.

Effect of sacral erector spinae plane block on post-hemorrhoidectomy pain: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhoidectomy is a common surgical procedure associated with significant postoperative pain. The conventional analgesic methods used for hemorrhoidectomy often have adverse effects and may not provide adequate pain relief. The sacral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a newly introduced technique that has shown promise in various surgical procedures. This prospective, randomized, controlled trial aimed to evaluate the analgesic effects of sacral ESPB following hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: Seventy patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy were divided into 2 groups: the control group and the sacral ESPB group. Bilateral sacral ESPB was performed in the sacral ESPB group, whereas no intervention was performed in the control group. The numeric rating scale at rest and during the active period (mobilizing) was used as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were the cumulative doses of tramadol, the number of patients who required rescue analgesia postoperatively, and quality of recovery-15 Turkish version patient recovery quality. RESULTS: The sacral ESPB group had significantly low numeric rating scale scores at various time points (P < .05). More patients in the control group needed rescue analgesia during the postoperative period (P < .001). The dosages of tramadol consumption after the first 24 hours postoperatively were significantly lower in the sacral ESPB group compared with the control group (P < .001). Furthermore, quality of recovery-15 Turkish version scores were high in the sacral ESPB group (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that sacral ESPB is an effective method for post-hemorrhoidectomy pain management, reducing the need for additional analgesics and improving patient recovery.

Safety and Efficacy of Oral Nalbuphine on Postoperative Pain in Hemorrhoidectomy Patients: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Pivotal Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Severe postoperative pain requiring opioid treatment has been reported in 20% to 40% of hemorrhoidectomy patients. Compared with morphine, nalbuphine offers better hemodynamic stability, a lower risk of respiratory depression, and a lower potential for addiction. Nalbuphine was developed from the intravenous form into an oral form (PHN131) to alleviate moderate-to-severe pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose, parallel-design trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PHN131 in patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive either PHN131 soft capsules containing nalbuphine hydrochloride 60 mg or placebo capsules. Intramuscular diclofenac was the rescue analgesic. Pain was measured by the area under the curve of mean Visual Analog Scale pain intensity scores. RESULTS: Visual Analog Scale results in patients receiving PHN131 were significantly lower than placebo group scores through 48 hours postoperatively (149.2±75.52 vs. 179.6±65.97; P =0.0301). According to Brief Pain Inventory Short-Form scores, the impact of pain on quality of life was significantly smaller for the PHN131 group than for the placebo group. Time to the first use of diclofenac postoperatively was significantly longer in the PHN131 group than in the placebo group. The cumulative dosage of diclofenac in the PHN131 group was only around half of that in the placebo group ( P <0.0001). Drug-related adverse events were mild-to-moderate and resolved by the treatment end. No drug-related severe adverse events were observed. DISCUSSION: Our findings demonstrate that PHN131 is effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of moderate-to-severe post hemorrhoidectomy pain and may provide another option for patients to control their pain.