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Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy and morbidity of a hemorrhoidectomy using the EnSeal energy device in comparison to a standard Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy.
Design:
Randomized Control Trial.
Setting:
High volume community based Colorectal Surgery practice.
Patients:
Adults (age 18-80) that presented to an outpatient clinic with the combination of external and symptomatic grade 3 or 4 internal hemorrhoids. All were offered admission to our IRB approved study. Of the 60 patients meeting eligibility criterion, 35 accepted.
Interventions:
The control group underwent a standard Ferguson closed hemorrhoidectomy. The intervention group underwent excision and sealing of the external and internal hemorrhoidal cushions with the EnSeal device.
Main Outcome Measures:
Primary outcomes included operative time, time for return to normal activities, duration of narcotic use, and time to complete wound healing.
Results:
Operative time was significantly lower in the EnSeal group (22 minutes vs. 32 minutes. P = <0.0001). There was no significant difference between the EnSeal hemorrhoidectomy group and the control group in the median days for return to normal activity (16 vs. 15. P = 0.97), the median days of narcotic utilization (10 vs. 6. P = 0.2), or the median days to complete wound healing (81 vs. 91. P = 0.81).
Conclusions:
Hemorrhoidectomy using the EnSeal device appears to provide some benefit in reduction of operative time without compromising patient comfort and wound healing.