Radiofrequency hemorrhoidectomy: less is less? Results of a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency has been introduced as an instrument conceived to upgrade the conventional treatment of hemorrhoidectomy. To reduce the economic aspect, recently has been introduced a new radiofrequency device: VojantTM. Aim was to compare clinical outcomes of hemorrhoidectomy with LigaSureTM and VojantTM, performed with the Milligan- Morgan technique, in medium-term perspective.

METHODS: Between January 2016 and December 2016, 50 consecutive patients with symptomatic grade III and IV were scheduled for surgical treatment. Patients were assigned randomly to undergo either VojantTM or LigaSureTM haemorrhoidectomy. All preoperative and postoperative data were collected.

RESULTS: Patients in the LigaSureTM group experienced less pain than those treated by VojantTM, (p<0.05). In VojantTM group one patient developed immediate postoperative bleeding (within 48 h), the other one seven days after surgery. Complete wound healing and return to work activities was faster in LigasureTM group (p<0.05). One stenosis in LigasureTM group and two cases in VojantTM group were detected (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency hemorrhoidectomy with VojantTM seems a valid alternative to Ligasure hemorrhoidectomy.