Long-term evaluation of rubber ring ligation in hemorrhoidal disease.

Records of 266 patients who had undergone rubber ring ligation for hemorrhoidal complaints from 1969 through 1976 were reviewed to evaluate the long-term results. The minimum follow-up period was 36 months, with a mean of 60 months. Of the patients, 80 per cent were improved, with 69 per cent totally free of all symptoms. A subsequent hemorrhoidectomy was required in 7.5 per cent. Results were similar when either bleeding or prolapse was the primary indication for treatment. Patients who had a single band applied fared as well as those with two or more ligations.