Rubber band ligation of symptomatic internal haemorrhoids; result of 450 cases

To assess the outcome of rubber band ligation of 2[nd] and 3[rd] degree haemorrhoids in terms of relief of symptoms. Case series. Colorectal clinic, Department of General Surgery, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center Karachi, from January 2001 to May 2008. All Patients with 2nd and 3rd degree haemorrhoids were included in this study. Data related to the age, gender etc, were recorded. Patients were counseled regarding prospects of success of the procedure. Short and long term outcome data were recorded for success of treatment. A total of 450 patients underwent rubber band ligation. There were 337 males [74.88%] and 113 females [25.11%] with male to female ratio of 3:1. Age of the patients ranged from 20-80 years. Male with 2nd degree haemorrhoids were 297 [66%] and females were 203 [22.88%]. Successful results were achieved in 86.22%. Rubber band ligation is a safe, effective and economical procedure for treating 2nd and 3rd degree haemorrhoids on out patient basis