Comparative study of management of grade III hemorrhoids by Harmonic Scalpel technique versus conventional surgical technique (Milligan Morgan method)

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to compare the management of Grade III hemorrhoids by conventional Milligan Morgan versus Harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy with respect to the intraoperative time, intra operative blood loss, length of hospital stays, postoperative outcome based on immediate and late complications and activity resumption, recurrence and cost.Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 60 patients, 30 patients undergoing Harmonic Scalpel hemorrhoidectomy and 30 patients undergoing Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy, were studied. Operated patients were monitored for bleeding, pain, retention of urine, fecal incontinence ambulatory time and recurrence.Results: Symptoms such as pain during defecation, bleeding PR were significantly reduced at follow up in patients undergoing Harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy over Milligan Morgan technique. Fecal incontinence was present in 8 cases following Milligan Morgan method over 3 months follow up. Recurrence was highest in (26.08%) in Milligan Morgan group while lowest in (4.34%) in Harmonic Scalpel group. No of days absent from work is more Milligan Morgan group and significantly less in Harmonic Scalpel group.Conclusions: This study showed significant difference in operative time, blood loss during surgery and pain score on postoperative days 15, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months and postoperative analgesic requirement for Harmonic scalpel assisted hemorrhoidectomy as compared to conventional Milligan Morgan, which were statistically significant. Harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy is a newer, safer, more effective, faster and bloodless operative technique with minimal tissue damage and further larger sample studies and required to establish its complete efficacy and benefit over other modalities of hemorrhoidectomy.