[Rubberband ligation of hemorrhoids: symptoms almost gone after 6 weeks, but many patients need retreatment in the long run].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the short and middle-long term results of outpatient treatment of internal haemorrhoids by rubber band ligation.


METHODS
Prospective.


METHODS
The results and the complications of rubber band ligation were assessed in a group of consecutive patients treated for internal haemorrhoids by one surgeon in March 1995-September 1997 in the Laurentius Hospital Roermond, the Netherlands. Middle-long term results were assessed by an independent examiner who questioned the patients by phone.


RESULTS
Ninety-four patients were treated: 43 women and 51 men, with a mean age of 51 years (range: 23-80). After 6-18 weeks 80 out of 90 accessible patients (89%) were symptom-free, 71 (79%) of them after one treatment. Serious complications were not reported. However, the days after treatment mild complaints of anal urgency and pain were present in 16 patients (20%). Twenty-three patients underwent sigmoidoscopy. In 10 patients (43%) adenomatous polyps (in 9 patients) or diverticulosis (in 1 patient) were found. After a mean of 18 months (range: 6-31) 32 patients (41%) (still) had anal complaints compatible with haemorrhoids.


CONCLUSIONS
Rubber band ligation is an easy and safe outpatient treatment of internal haemorrhoids. Most patients become symptom-free, often after one treatment. However, about 40% of the patients have recurrent symptoms within a few years after initial treatment.
Laurentius Ziekenhuis, afd. Algemene Heelkunde, Roermond.
M
M
Konings
J M
JM
Debets
C G
CG
Baeten
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013511:Minor Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012408:Rubber; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D012408:Rubber
Rubberbandligering van hemorroïden: klachten na 6 weken veelal verdwenen, maar nieuwe behandeling op langere termijn bij veel patiënten noodzakelijk.