Ligation of the hemorrhoids by latex rings: procedure description, prices, reviews

Hemorrhoids are a fairly common problem that people face regardless of gender. Naturally, this ailment is accompanied by constant discomfort, and in some cases fraught with complications. Moreover, the disease brings to the patient not only physical, but also emotional inconveniences. Modern medicine, fortunately, offers a lot of tools and techniques that can save a person from this violation. And one of the most modern and effective is the ligation of the hemorrhoidal node. So what are the procedures and is it really safe?

Hemorrhoids and severity of the disease

As is known, hemorrhoids are a pathology accompanied by an increase in the venous nodes of the hemorrhoidal plexus in the rectum with subsequent inflammation. It is accepted to distinguish four main stages of the development of the disease:

• At the first stage, there are not yet formed nodules. Patients complain only of discomfort in the anus. Sometimes there is itching and a slight burning sensation. By the way, this form of the disease is often treatable at home.
• In the second stage, there is already a node, usually with clear contours. During defecation, this node often comes out, but then retracts. Patients complain of discomfort. Sometimes feces can detect impurities of blood.
• The third stage is accompanied by approximately the same symptoms. However, the node after defecation is not drawn back, the patient has to adjust it independently.
• At the fourth stage, the node can no longer be fixed - it is constantly outside. Naturally, this phenomenon is extremely unpleasant. The patient constantly has difficulties and soreness when walking, sitting, etc., not to mention changing the emotional background. By the way, at this stage, latex rings are rarely able to help. Patients, as a rule, recommend a full surgical removal of the nodes.

What is the essence of ligation?

Ligation of hemorrhoids with latex rings is a relatively new procedure that has been offered to patients since 1962, after experimental research in the United States. On the other hand, this principle of treatment was first described by Hippocrates.

The essence of the procedure is quite simple. On the basis of internal hemorrhoids knit special latex rings. As a result, the blood circulation in the tissues of the node is disrupted, and therefore the tissues begin to die off. As a rule, the process begins 2-3 days after the procedure. The hemorrhoids detach and come out together with the ring and calves. By the way, this process can sometimes be a little painful. In its place a kind of stump is formed, covered with a connective tissue.

When is it advisable to conduct ligation?

Removal of hemorrhoids with latex rings is carried out if the patient has internal nodes with a pronounced, clear structure. Similar characteristics correspond to the second and third degree of the disease. Occasionally, ligation is prescribed at the fourth stage, but, again, only if both internal and downstream nodes have a clear structure.

How to prepare for the procedure?

In fact, the ligation of the hemorrhoidal node does not require special preparation, since the procedure itself is quite simple. Naturally, cleaning of the intestine is needed, which can be achieved by an easy correction of the menu and enema.

If you are taking medications that can dilute blood, be sure to tell your doctor about it - perhaps the drug regimen will need to be slightly adjusted. It is also not recommended to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, drugs containing paracetamol, ibuprofen) before the procedure, as this increases the risk of bleeding.

Treatment of hemorrhoids: ligation and a variety of procedures

In modern medical practice, two main methods of applying latex rings are used.

• The ring can be applied using a mechanical ligator. In the rectum area, an anoscope is inserted and fixed so that the hemorrhoidal node can be seen in the gleam of the device. After this, a ligator is inserted into the anoscope. With the help of a clamp, the doctor grasps the head of the hemorrhoidal node, draws it into the ligator, then applies a special trigger mechanism to the ring, which then clamps the base of the node.
• Vacuum ligation is a relatively new type of procedure. In the anoscope a special device is introduced, which creates a slight pressure. Thanks to the vacuum ligator, the head of the unit is quickly sucked into the device, after which a latex ring is put on it, which is then fixed on the leg of the process. By the way, during the procedure the doctor should carefully monitor the pressure, as otherwise complete separation of the node with subsequent heavy bleeding can occur.

Ligation of hemorrhoids with latex rings: are there contraindications?

Despite the fact that the procedure is considered safe, some contraindications are still available. To their list it is possible to carry:

• Hemorrhoids of the first stage, when the nodes have not yet formed;
• Mixed types of hemorrhoids, in which there is no clarity in the separation of internal and external nodes;
• Presence of cracks in the mucous membrane in the rectum;
• Various blood diseases, including coagulation problems;
• Exacerbation of various chronic inflammatory diseases, such as proctitis;
• Hemorrhoids of the fourth degree.

Possible complications in the background of the procedure

Latex ligation of hemorrhoids is a fairly simple and safe procedure. Nevertheless, it involves some risks, and therefore patients should familiarize themselves with possible side effects and complications:

• Sometimes people after the procedure complain of pain in the area of the treated hemorrhoidal node. Typically, this is due to improper application of the latex ring. If you have pain, you should contact your doctor. Sometimes a specialist needs to remove an existing ring and carry out the procedure anew.
• Quite often after the operation and the process of separation of nodes, patients notice the appearance of blood impurities in the feces. A small amount is considered normal, but if the bleeding increases, then it's worth to see a doctor.
• In some cases slip of the latex ring is observed. Occasionally, the cause is an incorrect procedure, but in most cases, slipping is provoked by lifting weights in the first few days after surgery, premature start of sports training, constipation, etc.
• Ligation of the hemorrhoidal node is fraught with the formation of a thrombus, which is quite painful. However, you can remove the clot, often even with drugs. Naturally, therapy is chosen individually.
• Inflammation is one of the rather rare complications that occur after the procedure. Typically, this happens in case of trauma to the hemorrhoidal node during surgery or defecation. The inflammatory process is an indication for the therapy.
• After the procedure, an anal fissure can form in the region of the departed node . According to statistical data, this complication is recorded in approximately 1% of cases. As a rule, the crack is formed as a result of trauma, for example during constipation and defecation. If you diagnose the problem in time and start therapy, complications can be avoided, tissues regenerate.

How does the rehabilitation period go?

Ligation of hemorrhoids with latex rings does not require hospitalization. Nevertheless, some rules need to be followed to accelerate the healing process and avoid complications.

To start, patients are recommended to revise the diet. To avoid constipation, which can cause cracks and other injuries, the diet should include liquid food, as well as foods rich in fiber, which stimulates the normal operation of the intestine. The drinking regime is also important - you need to drink at least a liter of clean water per day (tea, coffee and juices do not count).

In the first few weeks, it is necessary to avoid excessive physical activity, to abandon sports training, not to lift the weight. Naturally, you need to carefully monitor your personal hygiene, otherwise the probability of infection and development of the inflammatory process is high. Nevertheless, the patient can return home and work almost immediately.

How much does the procedure cost?

Naturally, for many patients, the important point is the cost of a procedure. So how much will the ligation of hemorrhoids cost? The price, of course, will directly depend on the financial policy of the clinic, the equipment and medicines used, the city of residence, the qualification of the doctor, etc. You can only talk about the average figures. In most cases, ligation of the hemorrhoidal node costs about 5-10 thousand rubles. The cost of the procedure, of course, will vary depending on the number of nodes and some other factors. Nevertheless, if you consider that such a scheme of treatment allows you to get rid of the disease forever, the price is not that high.

Reviews of patients and doctors

What is actually ligation of hemorrhoids? The responses of specialists, and the patients themselves, for the most part are positive. This new procedure allows you to quickly and practically painlessly remove the nodes. Cases of relapse are possible, but, according to statistical data, this is very rare.

The procedure itself takes several minutes and, which can not but rejoice, is rarely accompanied by severe soreness. Of course, some discomfort is possible, but it quickly passes. The rehabilitation period as such is not present, patients can immediately return to a habitual way of life, the truth, with some restrictions in a delivery and physical activity. The disadvantages can be attributed except that contraindications, since not at all stages of the development of the disease it is possible to remove hemorrhoids by ligation.