Introduction Conventional haemorrhoidectomy (CH) is well known to cause significant post-operative pain and delayed return to daily activities. Both surgical wounds and sphincterial apparatus spasms are likely responsible for the pain. In this study, we evaluated the role of glyceryl trinitrate ointment (GTN) in reducing post-operative pain, ameliorating wound healing and recovery after CH. Patients and methods Between 01/08 and 12/11, 203 patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids were enrolled in the study and received (103 patients) or not (100 patients) 0.4 % GTN ointment for 6 weeks after surgery. Pain was assessed using a 10-cm linear visual analogue scale (VAS). Data on postoperative pain, wound secretion and bleeding, return to normal activities and complications were recorded. Data were analysed using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests. Results GTN-treated group experienced significantly less pain during the first week after surgery (p< 0.0001). This difference was more evident starting from postoperative day 4 (p<0.0001). A significant higher percentage of untreated patients experienced severe pain (mean VAS score>7) (10 % vs 31 %). There were significant differences in terms of secretion time (p00.0052) and bleeding time (p00.02) in favor of GTN. In addition, the duration of itching was less in the GTN group (p00.0145). Patients treated with GTN were able to an early return to daily activities compared to untreated (p < 0.0001). Fifteen GTN-treated patients (14.6 %) discontinued the application because of local discomfort and headache. Conclusions GTN ointment enhances significantly postoperative recovery, reducing pain in terms of duration and intensity. This effect might be secondary to a faster wound healing expressed by reduced secretion, bleeding and itching time.