Aim:The major problem after hemorrhoidectomy is postoperative pain. This study was designed to investigate the hypothesis that the pain will be reduced as the resection wound is smaller. Aluminum potassium sulphate and tannic acid (ALTA) injection sclerotherapy was performed on the internal hemorrhoid component and the external hemorrhoid component was resected.Methods: 59 patients with Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhoids who underwent ALTA sclerotherapy with complementary resection were included for the analysis. The patients were asked to record their pain for 3 days after surgery. Outcome measures included maximal pain score (0-10), time off work, and patient satisfaction score (-3 to +3). This is a prospective, observational and single arm study.
Results:The median maximal pain score was 7.4 [interquartile range (IQR), 5.4-9.0], the median time off work was 3 days (IQR, 2-4 days), and the median patient satisfaction score was +3 (IQR, 2.5-3.0).
Conclusion:Minimizing the extent of resection by performing thorough sclerotherapy may reduce pain a few days after surgery and expedite the return to work.