title: Outcome of rubber band ligation of haemorrhoids using suction ligator.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Haemorrhoids are a common surgical problem seen in the outpatient department. Rubber band ligation using suction is an effective treatment for symptomatic haemorrhoids but associated with significant morbidity. This prospective observational study was carried out to assess the efficacy, effectiveness and complications of rubber band ligation performed in outpatient for symptomatic haemorhoids using suction ligator. The results and outcome of procedure performed by the consultants and senior residents were also compared.
  
  
  METHODS
  56 consecutive patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids underwent rubber band ligation in the outpatient clinic of the department of general surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. Outcome measures were symptomatic cure i.e. stoppage of bleeding and reduced mucosal prolapse. Complications were categorized as immediate, early (within one week) and late (within 3 months).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Symptomatic cure was achieved in 50(89.20%) patients (stoppage of bleeding and reduced mucosal prolapse). Six (10.72%) patients required further banding. Pain (mild to severe) was most common immediate and intermediate complication (14 and 20 patient's respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rubber band ligation is an effective, outdoor procedure for symptomatic haemorrhoids, but associated with certain degree of morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad. ktanwir@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Tanwir
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Khaliq
authors.forename: S Aslam
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Ansar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mehboob
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome