Our Summary

This research paper is a detailed review of existing studies investigating whether acupuncture can effectively reduce pain after a hemorrhoidectomy (surgery to remove hemorrhoids). The authors looked at a range of databases for relevant clinical trials up until the end of September 2021.

They analyzed results from four trials involving 275 patients. One study found that patients who underwent electro-acupuncture (a type of acupuncture that uses small electric currents) experienced less pain than those who had sham acupuncture (a fake version of acupuncture for comparison) at various points after the surgery. This was also the case for pain experienced during the first bowel movement after the surgery. Another study found that electro-acupuncture was effective at reducing pain during bowel movements for up to a week after surgery, when compared to local anesthetics.

However, the results were mixed for studies comparing traditional (manual) acupuncture with other pain relief medications. The quality of the studies also varied. Therefore, while some benefits of acupuncture for pain relief after hemorrhoid surgery were observed, the evidence was not conclusive enough to definitively support its effectiveness.

FAQs

  1. What is the main focus of the research paper on acupuncture and hemorrhoidectomy?
  2. What were the findings on the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture for pain relief after hemorrhoidectomy, according to the research?
  3. Why does the research paper not definitively support the effectiveness of acupuncture for pain relief after hemorrhoidectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a hemorrhoidectomy that acupuncture, specifically electro-acupuncture, has shown some potential to reduce pain after the surgery. However, the evidence is not yet definitive, so it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider to see if it is a suitable option for you. In the meantime, following post-operative care instructions, managing pain with prescribed medications, and taking steps to prevent constipation can also help with recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are recommended for hemorrhoidectomy surgery typically have severe or recurrent hemorrhoids that have not responded to more conservative treatments such as dietary changes, topical creams, or rubber band ligation. These patients may experience symptoms such as severe pain, bleeding, itching, or prolapse of the hemorrhoids.

In the context of the research paper on acupuncture for pain relief after hemorrhoidectomy, the patients included in the studies were those who had undergone the surgical procedure and were experiencing postoperative pain. These patients were likely to be experiencing discomfort and pain during bowel movements, as well as general pain and discomfort in the anal region following the surgery.

It is important to note that hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure that carries risks and potential complications, so it is typically recommended for patients who have exhausted other treatment options and are experiencing significant symptoms that impact their quality of life. Patients considering hemorrhoidectomy should discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with their healthcare provider to determine if it is the right option for them.

Timeline

Before the hemorrhoidectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of hemorrhoids such as pain, itching, and bleeding
  • Consults with a doctor who recommends a hemorrhoidectomy
  • Prepares for surgery by following specific instructions such as fasting before the procedure

After the hemorrhoidectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to remove the hemorrhoids
  • Experiences pain and discomfort post-surgery
  • Receives pain medication and instructions for post-operative care
  • Follows up with the doctor for check-ups and monitoring of the healing process
  • Begins to gradually resume normal activities as the pain subsides and the surgical site heals

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after a hemorrhoidectomy involves preparation for surgery, undergoing the procedure, managing pain and discomfort post-surgery, and eventually recovering and resuming normal activities.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about undergoing a hemorrhoidectomy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a hemorrhoidectomy?
  2. What is the expected recovery time after a hemorrhoidectomy?
  3. Will I need to follow a specific diet or lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  5. How much pain can I expect after the surgery, and what pain management options are available?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing a hemorrhoidectomy?
  7. How many hemorrhoidectomies have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  8. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, or is it outpatient?
  9. How soon can I return to work or normal activities after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before and after the surgery to optimize my recovery?

Reference

Authors: Chen H, Zhang W, Sun Y, Jiao R, Liu Z. Journal: Front Surg. 2022 Mar 28;9:815618. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.815618. eCollection 2022. PMID: 35419404