BACKGROUND: The importance of using associated sphincterotomy for better pain control in patients who underwent hemorrhoidectomy remains controversial in the literature. AIM: Determine the role of associated sphincterotomy in patients submitted to surgical treatment for hemorrhoids. Patients and METHODS: Twenty patients who underwent Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy were distributed in two groups: Group 1: Hemorrhoidectomy without sphincterotomy and Group 2: Hemorrhoidectomy with sphincterotomy. Post-operative pain, complications as well anal continence was evaluated. Moreover, pre and post-operative manometry was performed, and collected data was compared between the two groups of patients. RESULTS: There was no difference in the incidence of post-operative complications. Although group I used more narcotics and analgesics in the post-operative time, pain was significantly higher at 3rd and 7th post-operative day for Group II patients. Wound healing time was similar for both groups. Anal incontinence was significantly higher for patients who underwent sphincterotomy. CONCLUSION: Hemorrhoidectomy with associated internal lateral sphincterotomy did not reduce post-operative pain, and increased the risk of post-operative incontinence.
Hemorrhoids; Hemorrhoidectomy; Sphincterotomy; Manometry
