Comparison of Hemorrhoid Electrotherapy with Direct Current and Ligasure Hemorrhoidectomy in the Treatment of Hemorrhoidal Disease

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to compare LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy and direct current electrotherapy in the treatment of grade 2 and grade 3 internal hemorrhoids. Materıal and Methods: This retrospective study included patients with symptomatic grade 2 or 3 internal hemorrhoids unresponsive to medical treatment. In the galvanization group, hemorrhoidal columns were coagulated using electrotherapy with a current probe set between 2 mA and 16 mA. LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy was routinely performed as an open surgical procedure. Operative time, postoperative pain, length of hospitalization, and clinical stage were recorded. Patients were followed for 3 months to asses s healing, late complications, and recurrence. The patients' follow-ups were conducted via phone up to 2 years. Results: All patients underwent rectoscopy at the 3rd postoperative month. Patients with grade 2 or 3 hemorrhoids, as confirmed by endoscopy and physical examination, were classified as having a recurrence. The LigaSure method showed a sta tistically significant difference in recurrence rates. The mean operative time for the galvanization method was 26 minutes, and this difference was also statistically significant. Pain scores were significantly lower with direct current electrotherapy compared to other methods. Conclusion: Hemorrhoidal coagulation with galvanic electrotherapy reduces operative time and hospitalization duration. Additionally, the relapse rate and postoperative pain, as measured by VAS scores, are lower with this procedure compared to LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy. However, late complications and the intensity of late postoperative pain may be comparable between the two surgical methods. © 2025, Van Medical Journal. All rights reserved.