Long term review of the results of rubber band ligation of haemorrhoids.

A long term assessment (mean 4.8 years) of the value of rubber band ligation treatment for haemorrhoids has been obtained by a questionnaire answered by 125 of 147 patients. Eighty-nine per cent of patients were cured or satisfied with the results of treatment, although complete absence of symptoms was only obtained in 44 per cent. Further conservative treatment (rubber band ligation or manual dilatation) was required in 12 per cent and only 3 (2 per cent) have had a haemorrhoidectomy. Similar results were obtained for patients with the additional symptoms of pain and irritation, the presence of large skin tags and for the majority of third degree piles.