Treatment of bleeding hemorrhoids by injection sclerotherapy and rubber band ligation.

Between March 1981 and September 1982, 178 patients with first- to third-degree bleeding hemorrhoids were treated by injection sclerotherapy and rubber band ligation, as outpatients. Of the treated patients 85 to 90% were asymptomatic during 1 year of follow-up. Complications, ranging from mild to moderate, occurred in only 5.6% of the patients. We conclude that injection sclerotherapy and rubber band ligation, when properly used, are efficient, inexpensive and safe methods for the treatment of bleeding hemorrhoids.