Topical Diltiazem Ointment For Post- Hemorrhoidectomy Pain

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Pharmacology
• Pain Management

Background:

• Hemorrhoids are a prevalent anal pathology globally.
• Milligan-Morgan open hemorrhoidectomy is the gold standard treatment.
• Post-operative pain is a significant complication, increasing hospital stay and patient stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of topical diltiazem gel in alleviating post-hemorrhoidectomy pain.
• To compare pain scores in patients receiving diltiazem gel versus standard care.

Main Methods:

• A randomized study involving 80 patients with third- and fourth-degree hemorrhoids undergoing hemorrhoidectomy.
• Patients were divided into two groups (40 each): one receiving diltiazem gel, the other standard treatment.
• Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Main Results:

• Patients treated with diltiazem gel (Group A) reported significantly lower mean pain scores at 24 hours (5.38±1.06) and on the 3rd post-operative day (3.08±0.99) compared to the control group (Group B: 7.23±0.95 and 5±0.78, respectively).
• A significantly higher percentage of patients in the control group (70%) required rescue analgesia.
• The study highlights the effectiveness of diltiazem in managing post-hemorrhoidectomy pain.

Conclusions:

• Topical diltiazem application significantly reduces pain following hemorrhoidectomy.
• Diltiazem gel is effective in managing post-operative pain associated with anal muscle spasm.
• This intervention can lead to improved patient outcomes and potentially shorter hospital stays.