Rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids in ambulatory care

The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of elastic ligation in internal haemorrhoids in our out-patient setting.The authors performed elastic ligation of haemorrhoids in 77 patients, and of these 71 (92%) procedures were accomplished in out-patients. The procedure was indicated in second and third-degree symptomatic haemorrhoids and was carried out without local anaesthesia with the aid a Seward Medical applicator. Typically, one haemorrhoidal node was treated per one session. All patients were clinically examined two weeks after completion of treatment.The success rate of the procedure was 91%. The results were analyzed by a questionnaire. The most common unpleasant symptoms were pain and tenesms. Bleeding occurred in 6 patients. There was no serious life-threatening complication.Based on our observation we consider band ligation as a reliable therapy for symptomatic internal haemorrhoids in out-patients. We suggest reminding patients of possible of complications, unpleasant symptoms sensations restricting their daily activity on the first days after the procedure.