Haemorrhoidectomy as a one-day surgical procedure: modified Ferguson technique

Modification of Ferguson haemorrhoidectomy had been started because it was easier to ligate the haemorrhoidal pedicle with a rubber band instead of using the stitch. There is no need to use a retractor for such a procedure as it would cause discomfort to the patient when only infiltrative anaesthesia for one or two haemorrhoidal complexes was given. In the period from 1994 to 1999, we performed 398 haemorrhoidectomies as a one-day surgical procedure under local infiltrative anaesthesia. The examination follow-ups of the patients were performed and medical charts were reviewed. Early postoperative complications were rare: haemorrhage occurred in 1.8%, urine retention in 0.5%, high temperature in 1.3% and temporary incontinence in 0.3%. Overall, 28 patients (7%) had additional treatment for residual haemorrhoid problems 5-10 years after the primary haemorrhoidectomy was performed. We believe that our modified technique is a welcome alternative to the one-day surgical practice.