Efficacy of postoperative oral metronidazole for haemorrhoidectomy pain: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this work was to examine the efficacy of oral metronidazole in reducing posthaemorrhoidectomy pain versus placebo. Method: Forty patients were randomized to either metronidazole and standard care or placebo and standard care (21 metronidazole, 19 placebo) in a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. The main outcome measure was posthaemorrhoidectomy pain scores over 21 days, measured on a 10-point Likert scale. Results: There were no significant differences between groups with regards to age, gender, smoking status, self-reported general health or quality of life, haemorrhoid-related pain, haemorrhoid-related impact on quality of life, reported satisfaction with surgery,..