Efficacy, cure rate, recurrence rate and complications of Rubber band ligation for treatment of different grades of hemorrhoids in Koya - Erbil - Kurdistan Iraq, Retrospective Study

Background and objective: Hemorrhoids defined as lax fibrovascular cushions which are prolapsed, two main types of hemorrhoids are available, internal and external types, Dietary fiber deficiency, prolonged straining and prolonged use of the toilet, constipation, diarrhea, pregnancy and straining that increase intra-abdominal pressure, sedentary lifestyle, high body mass index and family history are all contributing factors. Hemorrhoids can be treated medically, surgically, and with office-based endoscopic procedures such as rubber band ligation. The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the response and cure rate, complications, and recurrence rate of grades 2 and 3 of Hermorrhoidal Disease treated as out-patient procedure by rubber band ligation in Koya-Erbil –Kurdistan –Iraq. Methods: This Retrospective study includes 400 patients seeking consultation and treatment at General Surgery Private Clinic between June 2018 and August 2021, who underwent rubber band ligation as out-patient procedure. Results: (59%) of cases were male and (41%) were female, mean age and SD was 38.42 ± 12.54. The most common chief complaint of the patients on presentation were abdominal distension, perianal itching, and abdominal pain, three Rubber Band Ligation sessions has been performed for (87.5%)of cases, but the remaining other 45 (12.5%) cases only need one or two sessions, Following the intervention, vast majority of the cases developed no complications and they were completely comfortable with the procedure, meanwhile only (15.25%) cases developed minor complications. Conclusion: Rubber Band Ligationis safe and effective intervention line for second and third grades of hemorrhoids, can be done as out-patient procedure under local anesthesia with minimum side effects and complications in compare to classical surgeries that can be treated conservatively.