Local infiltration with ropivacaine improves immediate postoperative pain control after hemorrhoidal surgery

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of infiltration with a new local anesthetic (ropivacaine) to control pain after hemorrhoidal surgery. METHODS: Thirty-four patients who underwent hemorrhoidectomy were included in a double-blind, randomized study to assess the analgesic effect of a perianal infiltration with 40 ml of 0.75 percent ropivacaine compared with isotonic saline infiltration. Postoperatively, pain was assessed on a visual analog scale, and intravenous morphine consumption was measured with patient-controlled administration. RESULTS: In the ropivacaine group, patients had lower visual analog scale scores at 1, 3, and 6 hours after infiltration and required fewer cumulative doses of morphine (patient-controlled administration) at 3, 6, and 12 hours. Side effects were comparable in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Local infiltration with ropivacaine improves pain control and patient comfort in the immediate postoperative course of hemorrhoidal surgery.