Comparative Study of Open Haemorrhoidectomy using Ultrasonic Energy Device (Harmonic Scalpel) Versus Electrodiathermy

Aim: This study aimed to compare preoperative and postoperative courses of open haemorrhoidectomy using ultrasonic energy device (harmonic scalpel) versus electrodiathermy. Materials and Methods: 50 patients undergoing haemorrhoidectomy were equally divided into two groups: 25 patients in group A (conventional method) treated with monopolar electrocautery and 25 patients in group B treated with ultrasonic scalpel. The resting pain and the post defecation pain was recorded us­ing the visual analogue scale (VAS), as well as the amount of bleeding and urinary retention. Result: Intraoperative bleeding was less in the ultrasonic scalpel group in comparison to the conventional hemorrhoidectomy and this was statistically significant (p<0.05). There was a high statistical difference between both groups according to wound healing duration (p<0.05). There was statistically significant reduction (p=0.006) in wound infection and discharge in the ultrasonic scalpel group compared to the conventional hemorrhoidectomy group. Postoperative pain in day 1 and day 2 was significantly less in the ultrasonic scalpel group compared to the conventional hemorrhoidectomy group but no difference was noticed after 1 week. Conclusion: This study concluded that ultrasonic scalpel technique is better in treating haemorrhoidectomy than the conventional hemorrhoidectomy using electrodiathermy in terms of postoperative pain, intraoperative bleeding, wound healing, wound infection and discharge.