Rubber band ligation of haemorrhoids. Analysis of 281 patients.

The problems and discomfort resulting from haemorrhoidectomy have led to the development of other forms of therapy. Rubber band ligation has become a popular method of treatment for internal piles. The results are comparable with those achieved by excisional surgery. The material consists of 281 consecutive patients with internal haemorrhoids treated with rubber band ligation. The average follow-up was 12 months. 239 of the 262 patients re-examined were entirely free of discomfort (91%). In all the eight cases with mucosal prolapse the ligation was not successful. In these as well as in patients with rubber allergy, other forms of treatment are suggested.