Hemorrhoid treatment: Rubber band ligation

By | January 31, 2018

Hemorrhoids are blood vascular inflammation of the rectum characterized by the enlarging of the veins in the anal canal. It is composed of two types: the internal and the external type. Several treatments are available for such a condition and among them is the rubber band ligation.

This treatment for hemorrhoids can be done in an outpatient office or medical facility. The procedure in this treatment involves the application of a small rubber band at the haemorrhoidal base to stop the flow of blood going to the site of the mass. This rubber band application aims to shrivel and destroy the haemorrhoidal tissue in a span of two (2) days or up to seven (7) days. No surgical application is necessary to remove the hemorrhoid that has been shrivelled as the band will eventually fall of in times of a normal defecation or bowel movement.

This procedure (rubber band treatment) is applicable only to the internal type of hemorrhoids (the second grade) as this type readily protrudes outside the anal canal during bowel movement facilitating ease of application of the rubber band. This is well tolerated by patients who had undergone with the treatment due to its near pain-free process. Compared to surgical procedures, this rubber band ligation treatment for hemorrhoids has a shorter duration of recovery period. The popularity of this procedure is pointed to its success rate of sixty (60%) percent up to eighty (80%) percent.

Historically, the first recorded ligation of the haemorrhoidal mass was done using a thread to tie off the hemorrhoid mass. The process was recorded in 460 BC by Hippocrates (the father of modern medicine).

Blaisdell, in 1958, introduced ligation using a rubber band. This was further refined by James Barron by introducing the mechanical contraption to be known as Barron ligator in 1963.

Things to do and remembered by a patient after the rubber band treatment:

•It is normal to experience some form of bleeding, lasting for several days, after the treatment. If the bleeding persists and becomes severe, patient must notify and see his or her doctor.

•Patient is prohibited from ingesting aspirin or ibuprofen for a 14 day period.

•For any discomfort felt by the patient, acetaminophen is the recommended medication. This medication may be coupled with a 10 minute warm bath three times daily.

•For a period of up to four (4) days, lifting of heavy loads and engaging in strenuous activity must be avoided.