Using Rubber Band Ligation to Treat Hemorrhoids
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Barron helped to pioneer the rubber band ligation which he described and wrote about in 1963. It was actually Blaisdell who first used rubber bands to treat hemorrhoids in 1958, but Barron invented the Barron ligator to help facilitate the procedure, so he tends to get most of the credit. This treatment has become the most commonly performed outpatient procedure for hemorrhoids. It’s most frequently used on Grades I and II hemorrhoids, but can also be used on higher grades of hemorrhoids as well. Some recent improvements have been made to the Barron method, including the development of the O’Regan Disposable Suction Ligator, but the traditional Barron rubber band ligation is still the most performed, so this article will discuss only this method.
Prior to banding, the doctor first has to isolate the hemorrhoid that is to be banded. This can be done with forceps, but is most commonly done with a ligating devise that sucks the hemorrhoid in. In order to reduce pain and discomfort, the patient is then asked if they are feeling any pain after the hemorrhoid is isolated. If no pain is experienced, then the ligating devise shoots a small rubber band at the base of the hemorrhoid. If the patient can feel pain, then the doctor will look for a better location for the band. Once the band cuts off the blood flow to the hemorrhoid, in about 7 to 10 days, the hemorrhoid will simply dry up and the band naturally slough off.
With rubber band ligation, it is possible to treat multiple hemorrhoids at the same time, but this may not always be the best course of action. There is an increased risk of pain and discomfort with multiple bandings, so some doctors will break the bandings into 2 or more treatment sessions. It’s not uncommon for a doctor to band only the largest hemorrhoid on the first visit, to make sure the patient responds well to the treatment. If this goes well, then the hemorrhoid doctor will do multiple bandings on a follow up visit.
Potential Complications:
- Bleeding
- Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids
- Pain
- Dull ache
- Sepsis
Success Rate
Rubber band ligation is well tolerated by most people and works on about 70% of patients. However, this means that 30% of patients may still experience recurrence and will require additional hemroid treatments.
Tagged with: hemorrhoid doctor
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