Comparison of anesthesia techniques in laser hemorrhoid surgery: pudendal nerve block vs. spinal anesthesia

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Aims: Laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure gaining popularity due to its low complication rate and rapid recovery. However, issues such as postoperative pain and urinary retention continue to adversely affect patient comfort. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ultrasound-guided pudendal nerve block (PNB) under propofol sedation, compared to spinal anesthesia (SA), on postoperative pain control, analgesic requirement, urinary retention incidence, and patient satisfaction. Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted at Amasya University Sabuncuoğlu Şerefeddin Training and Research Hospital. Ninety-six patients diagnosed with grade 2–3 hemorrhoidal disease and scheduled for elective LHP were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups: the PNB group (n=48) received PNB under propofol sedation, and the SA group (n=48) received SA. Postoperative pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 2, 4, 8, 16, 48, and 72 hours. Secondary outcomes included total analgesic consumption, urinary retention incidence, and patient satisfaction. Results: At all time points, VAS scores were significantly lower in the PNB group compared to the SA group (p