Endoscopic hemorrhoidal ligation of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids

Background: This study assessed the efficacy of endoscopic hemorrhoidal ligation for treatment of patients with symptoms caused by internal hemorrhoids. Methods: A total of 576 consecutive patients with symptoms caused by internal hemorrhoids were enrolled in the study. Symptoms were rectal bleeding (239 patients) and prolapse (337 patients). The severity of the hemorrhoids was classified by using the grading system of Goligher. Results: All patients were treated by the same operator. Mean follow-up was 17.5 months (range 8 to 24 months). The mean number of band ligations per session was 2.86. The mean number of treatment sessions was 1.24. At least one grade reduction in the severity of the hemorrhoids was achieved in most patients (93.58%). Moreover, rectal bleeding was controlled in 228 patients (95.4%), and rectal prolapse was reduced in 310 patients (91.99%). After treatment, 85 patients experienced anal pain, 37 had mild bleeding, 4 developed external hemorrhoidal thrombosis, and one had a peri-anal abscess. The latter 5 patients were treated surgically and recovered uneventfully. Conclusions: Endoscopic hemorrhoidal ligation is a simple, safe, and effective treatment for patients with symptoms caused by internal hemorrhoids.