Long-term results of endoscopic hemorrhoidal ligation: two different devices with similar results.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of two different endoscopic hemorrhoidal ligation (EHL) devices for symptomatic internal hemorrhoid.

Methods: From November 2000 to February 2001, 218 consecutive patients with symptomatic internal hemorrhoids were enrolled. A total of 109 patients were treated with an EHL device 9 mm in diameter (group A); the rest were treated with a device 13 mm in diameter (group B). The patients' clinical presentations were rectal bleeding and prolapse. The severity of the hemorrhoid was classified using Goligher's grading.

Results: All patients were treated for one session, and were followed from 19 to 24 months (mean 22.4 months). The number of band ligations averaged 2.59 in group A and 1.68 in group B. Most patients had their hemorrhoids reduced by at least one grade (82.8 % in group A and 90.8 % in group B). Rectal bleeding was controlled in 108 patients (99.1 %) in group A and 109 patients (100 %) in group B, while rectal prolapse was reduced in 93 patients (85.3 %) in group A and 99 patients (90.8 %) in group B. Eleven patients in group A and 12 in group B experienced anal pain after treatment, and eight patients in group A and six in group B had mild bleeding. The patients' subjective satisfaction rates were 90.8 % in group A and 93.6 % in group B. The 1-year recurrence rates were 3.9 % in group A and 2.3 % in group B.

Conclusions: Both EHL devices can effectively treat symptomatic internal hemorrhoids. A device with a smaller diameter requires more band ligations, but appears equivalent with regard to treatment outcome and complications.