Topical Versus Oral Metronidazole Following Excisional Haemorrhoidectomy

The pathogenesis of post-operative excisional haemorrhoidectomy pain is multi-factorial with secondary bacterial colonisation, inflammation and anal sphincter spasm/hypertonicity all purposed to play a role. Several pharmacological agents have been introduced in the last two decades targeting specific parts of the hypothesized pathway of pain pathogenesis showing promising improvements.

Metronidazole is part of the nitroimidazole class of antibiotics and primarily affects anaerobic bacteria and protozoa and traditionally has been used in surgical prophylaxis and treating anaerobic infections. It has been postulated to decrease pain following EH via two mechanisms; first by decreasing secondary bacterial colonisation and hence reducing post-operative inflammation; and second via a hitherto poorly understood direct anti-inflammatory response. The oral route has been initially investigated but topical administration has more recently been mooted for analgesia and theoretically reduces the unpleasant systemic side effects of oral administration. Our research group has recently completed a systematic review of both oral and topical administration of metronidazole. This review showed benefit in reducing postoperative haemorrhoidectomy pain from both routes of administration but this far there has been no comparison of the two routes.

Metronidazole has been proposed to have both anti-bacterial and pleiotropic anti-inflammatory properties but its precise mechanism of action is unknown. The increased understanding of this novel use of an agent with a known pharmacological profile will generally broaden our use of a simple, cheap and widespread agent. The investigators hope research into this drug will enable its use beyond that of haemorrhoidectomies, with possible pleiotropic applications into other similar operations.

Given the high prevalence of haemorrhoids in a vital segment of New Zealand's population, this research will contribute to improved outcomes for affected patients. Decreasing the significant post-operative pain will improve the quality of life for New Zealanders as well as affected populations worldwide. Socially and financially, it will enable earlier return to normal activity and reduce the burden on visits and readmissions to primary and secondary care, respectively.