Rubber band ligation on internal hemorrhoid treatment as a safe and effective option

Abstract

Rubber band ligation is established as one of the most important, cost-effective and commonly used treatments for first- to third-degree internal hemorrhoids, causing fibrosis, retraction, and fixation of the hemorrhoidal cushions. In this study we evaluate the safety of the procedure according to complication rates. 134 patients with Grade 2 internal hemorrhoids included the study. All patients underwent single or two quadrant rubber band ligation under local anesthesia. Intraoperatively 21 patient developed mild bleeding, 1 patients developed massive bleeding postoperatively. No patient developed thrombosed hemorrhoids, 11 patients developed urinary retention needing catheterization, 51 patients developed mild pain postoperatively. 14 patients developed vasovagal symptoms, in 1 patient slippage of bands occured. Pelvic sepsis and death not occured. In this study our results showed that rubber band ligation is a safe and effective option Grade 1 and 2 internal hemorrhoids in proper cases.