A prospective randomized study of calcium alginate (Sorbsan) versus standard gauze packing following haemorrhoidectomy.

Post-haemorrhoidectomy pain is problematical but may be reduced by using less bulky haemostatic dressings in the anal canal. Fifty consecutive patients undergoing haemorrhoidectomy were prospectively randomized to receive either paraffin gauze/cotton gauze roll on calcium alginate (Sorbsan) roll as a post-operative pack. Post-operative pain was assessed at 6 h, on removal of rectal packing and at first bowel action. Haemorrhage was monitored at 6 h and removal of pack. There was no difference in the hospital stay between the two groups. Pain was significantly reduced at the time of removal/spontaneous discharge of rectal packing (P < 0.0001) and first post-operative bowel action (P = 0.0008) in the calcium alginate group. There was no significant difference in post-operative haemorrhage between the two groups. Calcium alginate dressings following haemorrhoidectomy effectively reduce post-operative pain compared to more bulky anal packs.