Efficacy of combination of 0.2% GTN and lignocaine ointments in wound healing and pain relief after Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy--a comparison with lignocaine and 0.2% GTN ointments separately.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the analgesic efficacy and rate of wound healing of combination of 0.2% Glyceryl Trinitrate and 2% lignocaine ointments with 0.2% Glyceryl Trinitrate and 2% lignocaine ointment separately after Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy.

DESIGN: Randomized control trial.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Combined Military Hospital, Kharian, Malir and Bannu. November 2007 to August 2011.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy were randomized into 3 groups by using computer generated table. Group A received combination of 0.2% Glyceryl Trinitrate and 2% lignocaine ointment, Group B 2% lignocaine and Group C received 0.2% Glyceryl Trinitrate ointment. These ointments were given on twice daily basis. Pain scores were measured on a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale. Pain scores and quantity of oral analgesics used were compared daily until the 7th post-operative day. The time required for complete healing (in weeks) was also compared.

RESULTS: Out of 210 patients, 192 (67 Group A, 64 Group B and 61 Group C) completed the study. Demographic data were comparable in all three groups. There were statistically significant reductions in pain scores and quantity of analgesics used from the first to the fourth post-operative days in Group A. The time required for complete healing was also significantly reduced in the combination group. There were no significant side effects in any group.

CONCLUSION: The combination of 0.2% GTN and 2% lignocaine showed better pain relief resulting in less use of oral analgesics and faster healing of the wound after Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy.