Comparison of clinical effects between warm water spray and sitz bath in post-hemorrhoidectomy period.

BACKGROUND

Warm water sitz bath is advised for a variety of anorectal disorders. However, preparation of the sitz bath is sometimes difficult for patients. As an alternative to the sitz bath, we have adapted a water spray method. A randomized, controlled study was conducted to determine if the water spray method has similar effects to the sitz bath in the post-hemorrhoidectomy period and it is easy to carry out.

METHODS

A total of 120 patients were randomly assigned to water spray or sitz bath groups. All patients received analgesics and a fiber-rich diet after hemorrhoidectomy. Clinical parameters including pain, irritation (burning or itching sensations), hygiene, convenience, and overall satisfaction were evaluated by a visual analog scale to assess treatment outcome in both groups.

RESULTS

There was no obvious difference in age, gender distribution, body mass index, or duration of disease between groups. There were no significant difference in scores for postoperative pain (p = 0.23), irritation (p = 0.48), or hygiene (p = 0.725) between groups. However, the water spray group reported significantly greater convenience (p < 0.05) and higher overall satisfaction (p < 0.05) compared with the sitz bath group. At the end of the 4-week postoperative follow-up period, 90% of patients in the watery spray group and 93% of patients in the sitz bath group showed complete wound healing. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between groups.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that the water spray method could provide a safe and reliable alternative to the sitz bath for post-hemorrhoidectomy care. Furthermore, the water spray method could be used instead of the sitz bath as a more convenient and satisfactory form of treatment.