Evaluation of hydrocortisone applied topically to hemorrhoidectomy wounds

Summary and Conclusions

A series of 118 patients was studied following hemorrhoidectomy to evaluate the effect of topically applied hydrocortisone on wound healing. Sixty of the patients received hydrocortisone-containing suppositories, while 58 were given inert suppositories and served as controls. Wound healing was evaluated, and the patients were classified on the basis of excellence of healing. The treated patients and controls were then identified in accordance with the double-blind method, and the results were compared. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. On the basis of this study it appears that administration of hydrocortisone-containing supposiories during the period of convalescence following hemorrhoidectomy has no significant effect upon wound healing.