Radiofrequency hemorrhoidectomy: less is less? Results of a comparative study

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency has been introduced as an instrument conceived to upgrade the conventional treatment of hemorrhoidectomy. To reduce the economic aspect, recently a new radiofrequency device has been introduced: Vojant™. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of hemorrhoidectomy with LigaSure™ and Vojant™, performed with the Milligan-Morgan technique, on the medium term. METHODS: Between January 2016 and December 2016, 50 consecutive patients with symptomatic grade III and IV were scheduled for surgical treatment. Patients were assigned randomly to either Vojant™ or LigaSure™ hemorrhoidectomy. All preoperative and postoperative data were collected. RESULTS: Patients in the LigaSure™ group experienced less pain than those treated with Vojant™, (P<0.05). In the Vojant™ group one patient developed immediate postoperative bleeding (within 48 hours), the other one seven days after surgery. Complete wound healing and return to work activities was faster in the LigaSure™ group (P<0.05). One case of stenosis in the LigaSure™ group and two in the Vojant™ group were detected (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency hemorrhoidectomy with Vojant™ seems a valid alternative to LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy.