Following diathermy excision of haemorrhoids, a tube of lignocaine gel (Instillagel) was instilled into the anal canal followed by insertion of a gram of metronidazole and 50 mg of voltarol unless a history of asthma contraindicated the use of Voltarol in which case that was omitted. A soft sponge 'pack' [curisponge] was subsequently inserted. Patients were warned pre-operatively to expect the passage of the gelatinous curisponge in the post-operative period with their first defaecation.