Rubber band ligation

Rubber band ligation is an outpatienttreatment for second-degree internal hemorrhoids.

In this procedure, a small bandis applied to the base of the hemorrhoid, stopping the blood supply to the hemorrhoidal mass. The hemorrhoid will then shrivel and die within 2 to 7 days. The shriveled hemorrhoid and band will fall off during normal bowel movements.

Rubber band ligation is a popular procedure, as it involves less pain than surgical treatments of hemorrhoids, as well as a shorter recovery period. Its success rate is between 60 and 80%.

History

Ligationof hemorrhoids was first recorded by Hippocratesin 460 BC, who wrote about using thread to tie off hemorrhoids.

In modern history, ligation using rubber band was introduced in 1958 by Blaisdelland refined in 1963 by Barron, who introduced a mechanical device called the Barron ligator.

Procedure

Rubber band ligation procedure is as follows:

1. Pre-treatment diganosis and prescribed medications
   • After diagnosis of the second-degree hemorrhoid, antibioticsare often prescribed, especially to patients with immune deficiencyor other medical condtions. Sometimes, a couple weeks of Mesalamineis prescribed previous to the rubber band ligation procedure.
2. Positioning
   • The patient is laid down on the left side, with knees drawn up and buttocks projecting over the operating table.
3. Application of the band
   • A proctoscopeis inserted into the anal opening. The hemorrhoid is grasped by forcepsand maneuvered into the cylindrical opening of the ligator. The ligator is then pushed up against the base of the hemorrhoid, and the rubber band is applied.

Complications

Possible complications from rubber band ligation include:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Band slippage or breakage
• Infection and pelvic sepsis
• Thrombosedhemorrhoids
• Anal fissure

Post-procedure instructions for patients

• Patient may experience some bleeding, especially after bowel movements. This may last for several days or more. If the patient thinks it is severe or persistent, patient should contact his/her doctor.
• Patient should not take Aspirinor anything containing Aspirin for at least 3 days.
• Acetaminophenor Ibuprofencould be taken for any discomfort the patient may feel. A warm bath for about 10 minutes, 2-3 times a day, may help.
• No heavy lifting or strenuous activities for 3-4 days.
• A stool softenersuch as Surfakis recommended once a day for about 3 days. Stool softeners are available over the counter at any drug store.
• Patient should avoid strainingto have a bowel movement. If patient does not succeed at first, he/she should try getting in a warm bath for about 10 minutes.

External links

• Hemorrhoids In Plain English - Rubber Band Ligation
• Yale New Haven Health
• WebMD Health Guide
• Modern treatment of hemorrhoids with rubber band ligation

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber+band+ligation Wikipedia article Rubber band ligation.