One year follow up of a randomized trial comparing Ligasure with open haemorrhoidectomy

Ligasure haemorrhoidectomy is an effective treatment for prolapsing haemorrhoids, however, concerns exist regarding potential damage to the anal sphincters.

Patients previously included into a randomized trial comparing open and Ligasure haemorrhoidectomy were contacted by postal questionnaire to evaluate their overall satisfaction and continence at 12 months post operatively.

Thirteen patients who underwent open and 17 who underwent Ligasure haemorrhoidectomy were evaluated. Three patients from the open group and 2 from the Ligasure group were unhappy with the result (P = 0.37) and minor incontinence was reported in 5 Ligasure and 2 open patients (P = 0.42).

Patient satisfaction and post operative continence scores at 1 year post operatively are comparable for open and Ligasure haemorrhoidectomy.