[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.
DESIGN: 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.
CONCLUSION: 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.