[Same-day diathermic hemorrhoidectomy in 48 patients; few complications and tolerable pain]

To measure pain characteristics and to ascertain patient satisfaction and level of complications after day-care haemorrhoidectomy.

Prospective.

Diathermic haemorrhoidectomy was performed in daytime care in 40 successive patients in hospital De Heel, Zaandam in 1997-1998. The operation was part of a package of measures, such as extensive counseling, preoperative bulking agents, surgery performed by colorectal surgeon, dedicated anaesthesiological techniques, adequate pain medication, and frequent outpatient clinic visits.

The 40 patients were 21 men and 19 women with a mean age of 43 years (range: 27-67). One male patient was admitted for 24 hours because of urinary retention and 1 female patient developed a wound infection. No other serious complications were seen. During the first 5 postoperative bowel movements 75% of the total pain score was obtained. Postdefaecatory pain lasted on average 81 min on day 1 to 8 min on day 7. Time away from work was on average 6.4 days (range: 0-12). In between clinic visits 5 patients consulted their general practitioners. After 6 weeks 95% of the patients would again have consented to day-care haemorrhoidectomy.

Diathermic haemorrhoidectomy has a low complication rate and tolerable pain and can be performed in day care.