
Transforming post-hemorrhoid surgery care: the role of SURGISPON® Anal Tampon

Hemorrhoids, one of the most prevalent anorectal disorders, affect millions worldwide, causing discomfort, bleeding, and significant disruptions to daily life. These swollen veins in the rectum or the anus can cause intense discomfort, itching, and even bleeding [1]. While mild cases may respond to lifestyle changes, severe conditions often require surgical intervention.
SURGISPON® Anal Tampon serves as a vital solution in post-surgical care, aiding in faster healing, alleviating pain, and ensuring a smoother recovery. This blog assesses the causes of hemorrhoids, the necessity of surgical treatment, and how this product supports better recovery outcomes.
Classification of internal hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are classified into four grades based on their location and degree of prolapse.
- Grade I: the anal cushions bleed but do not prolapse or bulge outward from the anus.
- Grade II: the anal cushions prolapse through the anus on straining but reduce spontaneously
- Grade III: the anal cushions prolapse through the anus on straining or exertion and require manual replacement into the anal canal
- Grade IV: the prolapse stays out at all times and is irreducible
Fig. 1: (a) Proctoscopic grades I and II (left to right); (b) Proctoscopic grades III and IV (left to right) [2]
These classifications guide treatment options, ranging from conservative therapies to surgical procedures.
Causes of hemorrhoids
The exact causes of hemorrhoids remain uncertain, but contributing factors include
- Constipation: straining during bowel movements
- Obesity: increased pressure on pelvic veins
- Aging: weakening of vein walls
- Pregnancy: added pressure on rectal veins
- Prolonged sitting: especially during bowel movements
These factors can lead to swollen and inflamed veins in the anal and rectal areas, causing hemorrhoids [3].
Haemorrhoidectomy: A surgical solution
When hemorrhoids persist, become severe, or recur frequently, surgery may be required. Haemorrhoidectomy, the surgical removal of hemorrhoidal tissue, is a common solution. This procedure is recommended for
- Persistent or severe bleeding hemorrhoids
- Prolapsed hemorrhoids that cannot be manually reduced
- Recurrent hemorrhoids despite conservative tre
- atments(cold compresses, oral pain relievers, fiber-rich diets, etc.)
Two frequently used techniques are the Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy (MMH) and stapled hemorrhoidopexy.
- Milligan-Morgan Method: considered the “gold standard” for severe hemorrhoids, This involves direct excision of hemorrhoidal tissue.
- Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: uses a specialized stapling device to reposition hemorrhoids and reduce their blood supply, offering less pain and faster recovery compared to MMH [4].
While both procedures effectively manage hemorrhoids, they can result in postoperative discomfort and complications such as bleeding, pain, urinary retention (by swelling or difficulty relaxing pelvic muscles post-surgery), or infection. Recovery may be prolonged, particularly if wound healing is delayed.
Role of SURGISPON® Anal Tampon
Effective hemostasis (bleeding control) after surgery is essential for recovery. The SURGISPON® anal tampon addresses this critical need, particularly in hemorrhoid surgeries. This absorbable gelatin sponge tampon helps control bleeding by gently applying pressure on the surgical site, ensuring blood vessels remain sealed while minimizing discomfort.
Fig. 2: Application of SURGISPON® anal tampon after hemorrhoid surgery. This visual demonstrates the tampon’s precise placement at the surgical site, ensuring effective hemostasis, reducing discomfort, and promoting wound stabilization for efficient healing.
Key benefits
- Quick Hemostasis: it helps achieve fast hemostasis, reducing postoperative bleeding and associated complications.
- Painless and easy expulsion: the tampon liquefies rapidly and is expelled within 1 to 2 days after the surgery, without the need for additional medical intervention.
- High absorption capacity: it absorbs up to 45 times its weight, effectively managing post-surgical bleeding.
- Non-toxic and Biocompatible: made from highly purified, pH-neutral gelatin foam, it ensures safety and reduces the risk of allergic reactions.
- Reduction in hospital stay: by promoting faster healing, the tampon can reduce hospital stays by up to four days, allowing quicker patient discharge.
Clinical Evidence
A recent retrospective study evaluated the use of absorbable gelatin sponge (50 mm × 70 mm × 10 mm) compared to epinephrine-soaked gauze in post-hemorrhoid surgery care for 291 patients. Patients using gelatin sponges reported
- Pain reduction: significantly lower pain scores from 8 hours to 2 days post-surgery compared to those using epinephrine-soaked gauze.
- Enhanced comfort: improved patient experience without compromising recovery outcomes.
Both groups had similar overall recovery timelines; however, the gelatin sponge demonstrated superior pain relief and patient comfort, establishing it as a reliable and effective choice for postoperative care [5].
Conclusion
SURGISPON® anal tampon provides an effective and reliable solution for post-hemorrhoid surgery recovery. By simplifying post-surgical care and enhancing patient outcomes, it plays a pivotal role in improving recovery experiences.
By ensuring hemostasis, reducing discomfort, and supporting efficient wound healing, it addresses critical challenges faced during the recovery process. With its ability to integrate smoothly into care protocols, it offers practical benefits for both patients and healthcare providers. For further details or inquiries, contact us to explore how the tampon can support and strengthen your post-surgical care approach.
References
- Lohsiriwat V. Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management. World journal of gastroenterology: WJG. 2012 May 5;18(17):2009.
- Agbo SP. Surgical management of hemorrhoids. Journal of surgical technique and case report. 2011 Jul;3(2):68.
- Ala S, Alvandipour M, Saeedi M, Mansourifar M, Monajati M, Shiva A. Effect of topical baclofen 5% on post-hemorrhoidectomy pain: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2020 Feb 1;24(2):405-10.
- Stolfi VM, Sileri P, Micossi C, Carbonaro I, Venza M, Gentileschi P, Rossi P, Falchetti A, Gaspari A. Treatment of hemorrhoids in day surgery: stapled hemorrhoidopexy vs Milligan–Morgan hemorrhoidectomy. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2008 May 1;12(5):795-801.
- Tsai KM, Kiu KT, Yen MH, Yen YC, Tam KW, Chang TC. Comparison the effect of gelatin sponge and epinephrine-soaked gauze for hemostasis and pain control after hemorrhoidal surgery. Scientific Reports. 2023 Oct 21;13(1):18010.