Randomized placebo-controlled trial on local applications of opioids after hemorrhoidectomy.

Background: Hemorrhoidectomy is associated with considerable postoperative pain. This study assessed whether a small dose of morphine or oxycodone administered in the embedded sponge set in the anus at the end of a hemorrhoidectomy intervention reduced postoperative pain.

Methods: The presence of opioid receptors was assessed in the anal mucosa excised from ten patients with perianal condyloma acuminata and 19 patients with symptomatic third-fourth degree hemorrhoids.