[Ambulatory hemorrhoidectomy through rubber band ligation-review of the literature].

The value of rubber band ligation in the treatment of haemorrhoids is discussed and the literature on the case histories of 3244 patients who were treated by this technique is reviewed. 36% of the patients found this form of therapy to be painless, 41% suffered little and 14% severe pain. 80% of all patients finally were free of symptoms. Rubber band ligation therefore is an effective method treating internal haemorrhoids. Its advantages are simplicity, relatively little discomfort for the patient, applicability in ambulant patients, no general anaesthesia, low cost and good results with only minor complications. Thus it is an alternative to sclerotherapy and to surgical haemorrhoidectomy.