Perirectal sepsis after rubber band ligation of haemorrhoids : a case report.

Rubber band ligation (Barron ligation, RBL) is a widely used method for the treatment of symptomatic -haemorrhoids. In general, it is considered as a safe, effective and easily performed way of treating second and third -degree haemorrhoids. Perineal and pelvic sepsis was already known to be a rare, but possible complication after stapled haemorrhoidopexy. However, there have been some reports of severe sepsis after rubber band ligation as well. We -present a patient who was treated twice for haemorrhoids with rubber band ligation and attended the emergency department 10 days later. He was diagnosed with perirectal sepsis and aggressive antibiotic treatment was the first attempt of treatment. Because of further deterioration under medical therapy, our patient required extensive surgery. Copyright© Acta Chirurgica Belgica.