Rubber Band Ligation - H.I.C. Article

Rubber Band Ligation Hemorrhoid Treatment

Rubber Band Ligation is one of several hemorrhoid treatments commonly performed today. Rubber Band Ligation is known as a Fixative procedure which is a non-surgical means of treating hemorrhoids or piles. The treatment itself dates back to ancient Greece, and was first attributed to Hippocrates, who in 460 B.C. referred to a practice that consisted of tying off the hemorrhoid using a piece of thread. In the 19th century a primitive form of the modern procedure was practiced in Europe and America, but was abandoned because of the severity of the pain it generated. A more refined method was reintroduced in the late 1950’s, which by 1963 was streamlined and perfected.

HIPPOCRATES Rubber Band Ligation

Hippocrates, Rubber Band Ligation Pioneer.

Rubber Band Ligation targets second-degree internal hemorrhoids, a condition in which the inflammation remains within the anal canal. The primary objective of a Fixative procedure is to reduce the flow of blood to the inflamed site. The intervention consists of tying off the hemorrhoids with rubber bands, which in turn aborts the blood supply necessary for the hemorrhoid to remain inflamed.

Prior to the rubber band ligation procedure it was not uncommon for the patient to undergo an enema, which may be necessary to clear the anal canal of stool. The actual RBL procedure requires the patient to lay on their left side, in a lateral, or fetal position, allowing the buttocks to protrude over the edge of the operating table, thereby giving the doctor direct access to the inflamed site.Using forceps to manipulate the hemorrhoid, the doctor then pulls it into the ligator, a cylindrical tool that isolates the region of the hemorrhoid, known as the base, from the anal canal, where the rubber band is then applied. It is not uncommon for two rubber bands to be secured in place to ensure that the blood supply to the hemorrhoid has indeed been sufficiently reduced to alleviate the condition. Typically, following the rubber band ligation procedure, the hemorrhoid shrinks and falls off from within seven to ten days.

Following the procedure it is common to experience some bleeding, especially after the first several bowel movements, in addition to experiencing mild pain or discomfort, and the sensation of pressure. Heavy post-operative bleeding is highly rare and requires hospitalization. Severe pain is usually the result of misapplication of the rubber band, and requires removal and reapplication of the band. Several other post-operative complications that require hospitalization are a) Blood Clotting, b) development of an Anal Fissure, and c) Sepsis, which is an infection of the pelvic area and is distinguished by pain, fever, and difficulty urinating.

According to studies, Rubber Band Ligation has a 60% to 80% success rate, and its efficacy is comparable to other Fixative treatments such as Coagulation Therapy. It tends to be a less risky and less painful procedure than surgery, with a far shorter healing time than surgical procedures require. Because of these factors, doctors will undoubtedly continue to favor treating hemorrhoids of this nature with Fixative procedures such as Sclerotherapy, Infrared Coagulation and Rubber Banding Ligation.

Written by David Gilbert

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