Rubber Band Ligation of Hemorrhoids: A Simple, Painless, and Cost Effective Procedure

Authors

  • S. Aliyu
  • M.B. Tahir
  • U.D. Babayo
  • A.B. Zarami
  • A.G. Ibrahim
  • A.G. Madziga

Abstract

Background. Open surgical procedure in the treatment of hemorrhoids is associated with high morbidity that discouraged many patients and made them to look for other alternatives of treatment. Rubber band ligation has been found to have less morbidity and many patients preferred it as an alternative procedure. Materials and Methods. The study prospectively reviewed all patients diagnosed with hemorrhoids and managed in this Hospital between January 2012 and December 2016. Results. A total of 53 patients were studied age range from 17 to 70 years with male to female ratio of 2:1. The peak age group was 21 to 30 years with 23.08%. The severities of the condition were first degree in 20.75%, second degree in 52.83%, and third degree in 26.42%. Those with multiple sessions were 20.75%, of which 63.63% had third degree while 36.67% had second degree. The post operative complications were anal pain/ discomfort in 49.06%, mucus discharge in 35.85%, minor bleeding in 13.21% patients. Recurrences were seen in 9.43% patients. Patients were followed for a period of 9 – 30 months with a mean follow up period of 18 months Conclusion. Rubber band ligation is an efficacious, cost-effective, simple and patient friendly treatment for all hemorrhoids regardless of the degree. In our series complications were mere discomfort and mucus discharge.

Keywords: hemorrhoids, rubber band ligation, management outcome

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Published

2018-05-01

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Articles