A Retrospective Study of Milligan-Morgan Versus LigaSure Hemorrhoidectomy in the Treatment of Symptomatic Hemorrhoids at an Institute in North India

Objective The present study aimed to assess and compare the surgical outcomes of hemorrhoidectomies performed using two different techniques: conventional Milligan-Morgan and another popular vessel sealing approach of LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at our tertiary care hospital and involved patients who underwent either of the surgical procedures from June 2016 to March 2022. The patient demographics and data on the duration of operation, hospital stay, and postoperative recovery were collected and evaluated. Results Of the 91 cases reviewed, a total of 44 patients underwent Milligan-Morgan open hemorrhoidectomy and 47 had LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy. The mean operative time was significantly shorter for LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy (33.84 +/- 9.18 vs. 23.15 +/- 3.36 minutes for Milligan-Morgan and LigaSure, respectively, p<0.0001). Additionally, in comparison to Milligan-Morgan open hemorrhoidectomy, the LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy group exhibited a significant reduction in hospital stay (2.20 +/- 0.79 vs. 1.47 +/- 0.50 days), lower pain score [6.55 +/- 1.19 vs. 5.30 +/- 1.10 on the visual analog scale (VAS) on day one and 2.25 +/- 1.26 vs. 1.47 +/- 0.78 VAS on day seven], and faster return to normal activities (18.18 +/- 4.30 vs. 14.85 +/- 3.15 days). Conclusions When pitted against the traditional Milligan-Morgan method, the LigaSure approach to performing a hemorrhoidectomy is superior, owing to the shorter duration of operation, shorter hospital stays, lesser pain, and earlier return to normal activities. In light of these findings, surgeons may consider choosing this procedure to improve surgical outcomes and efficiency.