Rubber Band Ligation of Internal Hemorrhoids

Rubber band ligation is one of the least expensive and most popular procedures for non-surgical hemorrhoid removal in the world. A number of studies have found it to have superior long-term efficacy when compared to other non-surgical treatments such as infrared coagulation and injection sclerotherapy.

As these same studies demonstrate, however, the main drawback for rubber band ligation has been pain. Between 4.5 – 29% of patients experience pain with traditional banding, with a higher incidence of pain associated with multiple bandings in one session. Also, serious complications such as urinary retention, stenosis, stricture and sepsis have been reported.

Now, thanks to our novel new device and improved technique (including single banding sessions), patients can experience optimal efficacy without the pain and complications associated with conventional banding. Only 0.2% of patients experience post-procedure pain with the CRH O’Regan System.

Furthermore, in the 2005 prospective study of 1,852 patients treated with the CRH O’Regan System, there was no urinary retention, stenosis, stricture or sepsis observed. Only two patients out of the entire series had to be referred for hemorrhoidectomy for complete resolution of their hemorrhoids, leading to a 99.1% effectiveness rate.

Added to this unparalleled safety and efficacy is the fact that the CRH O’Regan System is 100% disposable, thus eliminating the risk of cross-patient infection with pathogens. We also reduce the risk of overall infection by grasping the tissue with gentle suction instead of metal-toothed forceps or wall suction, which pose a risk of injury to the muscular wall and resultant sepsis.

As you can see, the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)—those acquired by patients receiving treatment or healthcare professionals on the job—is paramount in our practice. According to the CDC, HAIs account for an estimated 2 million infections, 90,000 deaths and $4.5 billion in excess health care costs annually.

In other design features, our unique ligator is smaller in size, affording greater comfort for patients when compared to traditional banding devices. The band can be placed using a “touch” technique, or can be placed with the assistance of a paired, slotted anoscope, quickly and efficiently. No assistant is required with our device, enhancing patient privacy.

Finally, our advanced minimally invasive techniques allow patients to return to work the same or next day with virtually no downtime, a striking difference to the 1-2 weeks (or more) of recovery associated with surgery and an notable improvement over the up to 4 days of recovery that have been reported with conventional banding.