Randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of effect of nitroglycerin ointment on pain after hemorrhoidectomy

PURPOSE: Fissure-in-ano is characterized by pain, bleeding, and internal anal sphincter hypertonicity. Spasm of the internal sphincter also plays a role in hemorrhoidal disease and may be a source of anal pain after hemorrhoid surgery. Inducing sphincter relaxation with a nitroglycerin ointment has shown promise in healing anal fissures and relieving symptoms of pain. Our study attempts to test the hypothesis that topical nitroglycerin applied to the perianal region is beneficial in reducing pain after hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: After hemorrhoidectomy 39 patients were randomly assigned to receive 0.2 percent nitroglycerin ointment (n = 19) or placebo (n = 20). Ointments were applied to the perianal region three times daily for seven days. Patients were prescribed hydrocodone bitartrate to take as needed. Visual analog scales were used to measure postoperative pain intensity and ointment benefits. Patients completed questionnaires to record medication morbidity and number of prescribed or nonprescribed medications taken. RESULTS: Patients using nitroglycerin had less pain and greater benefit from ointment than those did in the placebo group, but differences were not significant. Narcotic use was higher in the placebo group when considered on a daily basis, but was statistically significant on the second postoperative day only (P < 0.05). Morbidity from ointment application was significantly higher in the nitroglycerin group (P < 0.002) and included a headache in 8 of 19 patients. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen were not prescribed, but were taken more frequently in nitroglycerin patients (P < 0.0003). CONCLUSION: Perianal application of 0.2 percent nitroglycerin ointment after hemorrhoidectomy significantly reduced narcotic requirements on the second postoperative day. Headaches and a subsequent need for nonnarcotic medications may limit benefits of nitroglycerin.