Day-case haemorrhoidectomy

Background: Ligation excision haemorrhoidectomy is usually performed on an inpatient basis. This study was designed to assess the feasibility of day-c ase haemorrhoidectomy. Methods: Patients fulfilling criteria for day surgery underwent ligation ex cision haemorrhoidectomy with the intention of a same-day discharge from ho spital. A standardized protocol for anaesthesia, perioperative analgesia an d antiemesis was followed. Patients received daily home nursing visits unti l they felt both comfortable and confident. Staff recorded pain and nausea scores on a visual analogue scale (range 1-10) until the first bowel action . Patient satisfaction was assessed independently after operation. Results: Fifty-one patients underwent planned day-case haemorrhoidectomy. F orty-two (82 per cent) were discharged on the day of surgery. All patients were discharged within 26 h of surgery. Four patients required readmission, two with reactive bleeding, one with urinary retention and one for pain co ntrol. Pain and nausea were well controlled. Forty-four patients (86 per ce nt) were totally or very satisfied with their overall care. Conclusion: Ligation excision haemorrhoidectomy can be performed successful ly as a day-case procedure.