Hunt L, Luck A J, Rudkin G, Hewett P J
Department of Surgery, Leicester Royal Infirmary NHS Trust, UK.
Br J Surg. 1999 Feb;86(2):255-8. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2168.1999.01024.x.
Ligation excision haemorrhoidectomy is usually performed on an inpatient basis. This study was designed to assess the feasibility of day-case haemorrhoidectomy.
Patients fulfilling criteria for day surgery underwent ligation excision haemorrhoidectomy with the intention of a same-day discharge from hospital. A standardized protocol for anaesthesia, perioperative analgesia and antiemesis was followed. Patients received daily home nursing visits until they felt both comfortable and confident. Staff recorded pain and nausea scores on a visual analogue scale (range 1-10) until the first bowel action. Patient satisfaction was assessed independently after operation.
Fifty-one patients underwent planned day-case haemorrhoidectomy. Forty-two (82 per cent) were discharged on the day of surgery. All patients were discharged within 26 h of surgery. Four patients required readmission, two with reactive bleeding, one with urinary retention and one for pain control. Pain and nausea were well controlled. Forty-four patients (86 per cent) were totally or very satisfied with their overall care.
Ligation excision haemorrhoidectomy can be performed successfully as a day-case procedure.
