Our Summary

This study looked at the effectiveness and safety of a cream called EMLA for pain relief after hemorrhoid surgery. The researchers searched five online databases for relevant studies and used a tool to assess the risk of bias in these studies. They only included studies that were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which is a type of experiment where people are randomly put into two groups - one that gets the treatment (in this case, EMLA cream) and one that doesn’t (the control group). They were interested in various outcomes, including pain levels, patient satisfaction, dosage and frequency of a painkiller called meperidine, and the use of urinary catheters. They used specialized software to do their analysis. The results showed that patients who used EMLA cream had significantly less pain when they woke up after surgery and at night on the day of the operation. However, there was no significant difference in pain levels the morning after the operation. Patients who used EMLA also reported being more satisfied with their treatment. There was no significant difference in the use of urinary catheters between the two groups. The researchers conclude that applying EMLA cream after hemorrhoid surgery can effectively reduce pain and the need for painkillers, leading to greater patient satisfaction. However, they say that more research is needed to confirm these results.

FAQs

  1. What is the EMLA cream and how was it used in the study about hemorrhoid surgery?
  2. What were the main findings of the study on the use of EMLA cream after hemorrhoid surgery?
  3. Why do the researchers believe that more research is needed to confirm the results of the EMLA cream study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about hemorrhoidectomy is to consider using EMLA cream for pain relief after surgery. This cream has been shown to significantly reduce pain levels immediately after surgery and at night, leading to greater patient satisfaction. However, it is important to consult with your doctor before using any new medication or treatment.

Suitable For

Hemorrhoidectomy is typically recommended for patients who have severe hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments such as medication, dietary changes, or lifestyle modifications. These patients may experience symptoms such as severe pain, bleeding, itching, or prolapse of the hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoidectomy is also recommended for patients who have recurrent hemorrhoids or complications such as thrombosis or strangulation of the hemorrhoids. Additionally, patients with large or external hemorrhoids may also be candidates for hemorrhoidectomy. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine if hemorrhoidectomy is the appropriate treatment for their condition.

Timeline

  • Before hemorrhoidectomy:
  1. Patient experiences symptoms of hemorrhoids such as pain, itching, and bleeding.
  2. Patient consults with a doctor who recommends a hemorrhoidectomy as a treatment option.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and preparations for surgery.
  • After hemorrhoidectomy:
  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to remove the hemorrhoids.
  2. Patient may experience pain and discomfort post-surgery.
  3. Patient is prescribed pain medications and instructed on post-operative care.
  4. Patient may use EMLA cream for pain relief as suggested by the doctor.
  5. Patient follows up with the doctor for post-operative check-ups and monitoring of recovery.
  6. Patient gradually experiences relief from symptoms and improved quality of life after the recovery period.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hemorrhoidectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after a hemorrhoidectomy?
  3. Will I need to take time off work or make any lifestyle changes during the recovery period?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  5. How can I manage pain and discomfort after the surgery?
  6. Are there any specific dietary restrictions I should follow after the surgery?
  7. Will I need any follow-up appointments or tests after the surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with a hemorrhoidectomy?
  9. How experienced are you in performing hemorrhoidectomy surgeries?
  10. Can you provide me with information on the success rates of hemorrhoidectomy surgery and what outcomes I can expect?

Reference

Authors: AlAwadhi K, Allafi FA, Almukaimi BA, Alkandari A, Alenezi SA, Alenezi A, Alenezi S, Alenezi S, Alenezi N, Fahiman A, Alsalem A, Alotaibi M. Journal: Cureus. 2024 Aug 8;16(8):e66423. doi: 10.7759/cureus.66423. eCollection 2024 Aug. PMID: 39132089