INTRODUCTION:Hemorrhoids are very common and pain following their surgical treatment causesgreat suffering. Various alternatives have been studied for reducing postoperativepain. Among these is surgical sphincterotomy, which may in some cases causesome degree of fecal incontinence. For this reason, several studies have usedchemical sphincterotomy, with nifedipine, diltiazem, glycerin trinitrate orbotulinum toxin. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectsof topical nifedipine for reducing anal canal pressures and consequently reducingpostoperative pain.
MATERIAL AND METHOD: Topical gels of 0.2% nifedipine plus 2% lidocaine (Group1) and 2% lidocaine alone (Group 2) were used following hemorrhoidectomy. Pressureswere measured before the operation and on the first, fourth and seventh daysafter the operation. Pain was also evaluated on all of the first seven postoperativedays using a visual analog scale.
RESULTS: There were no differences in relation to anal canal pressures,but lower pain levels were reported in the group that received nifedipine.
CONCLUSION: Nifedipine gel was efficient for postoperative analgesia, butdid not alter anal canal pressures.
