Hemorrhoids are a fairly common problem faced by people regardless of gender. Naturally, this ailment is accompanied by constant discomfort, and in some cases it is fraught with complications. Moreover, the disease brings the patient not only physical, but also emotional inconvenience. Modern medicine, fortunately, offers a lot of tools and techniques that can save a person from this disorder. And one of the most modern and effective is the ligation of the hemorrhoid. So what is the essence of the procedure and is it really safe?
Hemorrhoids and disease severity
As you know, hemorrhoids are a pathology that is accompanied by an increase and subsequent inflammation of the venous nodes of the hemorrhoidal plexus in the rectum. There are four main stagesdisease progression:
- At the first stage, there are no formed nodules yet. 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.
- At 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 blood can be found in the stool.
- The third stage is accompanied by approximately the same symptoms. However, the knot does not retract after defecation, the patient has to set it on his own.
- At the fourth stage, the knot can no longer be adjusted - it is constantly outside. Naturally, such a phenomenon is extremely unpleasant. The patient constantly has difficulty and pain when walking, sitting, etc., not to mention a change in the emotional background. By the way, latex rings are rarely able to help at this stage. Patients are usually recommended complete surgical removal of the nodes.
What is the point of ligation?
Ligation of hemorrhoids with latex rings is a relatively new procedure that has been offered to patients since 1962, after pilot studies conducted in the United States. On the other hand, a similar principle of treatment was first described by Hippocrates.
The essence of the procedure is quite simple. On the basis of internal hemorrhoids put onspecial latex rings. As a result of this, blood circulation in the tissues of the node is disturbed, and therefore the tissues begin to die. As a rule, the process begins 2-3 days after the procedure. The hemorrhoid comes off and comes out along with the ring and feces. By the way, this process can sometimes be a little painful. In its place, a kind of stump is formed, covered with connective tissue.
When is ligation appropriate?
Removal of hemorrhoids using latex rings is performed 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 drop-down nodes have a clear structure.
How to prepare for the procedure?
In fact, ligation of the hemorrhoid does not require special preparation, since the procedure itself is quite simple. Naturally, bowel cleansing will be needed, which can be achieved with a slight correction of the menu and an enema.
If you are taking drugs that can thin the blood, be sure to tell your doctor about it - perhaps the drug therapy regimen will need to be slightly adjusted. It is also not recommended to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, medicines containing paracetamol, ibuprofen) before the procedure, as this increases the risk of bleeding.
Hemorrhoid treatment: ligation and varietiesprocedures
In modern medical practice, there are two main methods of applying latex rings.
- The ring can be applied with a mechanical ligator. An anoscope is inserted into the area of the rectum and fixed so that the hemorrhoid is visible in the lumen of the device. After that, a ligator is inserted into the anoscope. Using a clamp, the doctor grabs the head of the hemorrhoidal node, pulls it into the ligator, after which, using a special trigger mechanism, he applies a ring, which then clamps at the base of the node.
- Vacuum ligation is a relatively new type of procedure. A special device is inserted into the anoscope, which creates a slight pressure. Thanks to the vacuum ligator, the head of the knot is quickly sucked into the device, after which a latex ring is thrown over it, which is then fixed on the stem of the process. By the way, during the procedure, the doctor must carefully monitor the pressure, as otherwise, a complete detachment of the node is possible, followed by heavy bleeding.
Ligation of hemorrhoids with latex rings: are there any contraindications?
Despite the fact that the procedure is considered safe, there are still some contraindications. Their list includes:
- 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 andexternal knots;
- the presence of cracks in the mucous membrane in the rectum;
- various blood disorders, including clotting problems;
- exacerbation of various chronic inflammatory diseases, such as proctitis;
- hemorrhoids of the fourth degree.
Possible complications during the procedure
Latex ligation of hemorrhoids is a fairly simple and safe procedure. However, it does come with some risks, so patients should be aware of possible side effects and complications:
- Sometimes people after the procedure complain of soreness in the area of the treated hemorrhoid. As a rule, this is due to incorrect application of the latex ring. If you have pain, you should contact your doctor. Sometimes a specialist needs to remove an existing ring and redo the procedure.
- Quite often, after the operation and the process of separation of the nodes, patients note the appearance of blood impurities in the feces. A small amount is considered normal, but if the bleeding gets worse, see a doctor.
- Slippage of the latex ring is observed in some cases. Rarely, the cause is an incorrectly performed procedure, but in most cases, slippage is provoked by heavy lifting in the first few days after surgery, early start of sports training, constipation, etc.
- Ligation of the hemorrhoidal node is fraught with the formation of a blood clot, which is quite painful. However, the clot can be removedoften even with the help of drugs. Naturally, therapy is selected individually.
- Inflammation is one of the rather rare complications that occur after the procedure. As a rule, this happens in case of injury to the hemorrhoid during surgery or defecation. The inflammatory process is an indication for therapy.
- After the procedure, an anal fissure may form in the area of the detached node. According to statistics, such a complication is recorded in approximately 1% of cases. As a rule, a crack is formed as a result of trauma, for example, during constipation and defecation. If the problem is diagnosed in time and therapy is started, complications can be avoided, tissues regenerate.
How is the recovery period going?
Ligation of hemorrhoids with latex rings does not require hospitalization. However, some rules should be followed to speed up the healing process and avoid complications.
To begin with, patients are advised to review the diet. To avoid constipation, which can cause cracks and other injuries, the diet should include liquid foods, as well as foods rich in fiber, which stimulates the normal functioning of the intestines. The drinking regimen 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, you should avoid excessive physical activity, give up sports training, do not lift weights. Naturally, you need to carefully monitor personal hygiene, because otherwisecase, there is a high probability of infection and the development of an inflammatory process. However, the patient can return home and work almost immediately.
How much does the procedure cost?
Of course, for many patients, the cost of a particular procedure is an important point. So how much does hemorrhoid ligation 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 qualifications of the doctor, etc. We can only talk about average figures. In most cases, ligation of the hemorrhoid costs about 5-10 thousand rubles. The cost of the procedure, of course, will also fluctuate depending on the number of nodes and some other factors. However, if you consider that such a treatment regimen allows you to get rid of the disease forever, then the price is not so high.
Reviews from patients and doctors
What is hemorrhoid ligation really? Reviews of specialists, and the patients themselves, for the most part, are positive. This new procedure allows you to quickly and almost painlessly remove nodes. Relapses are possible, but according to statistics, this is extremely rare.
The procedure itself takes several minutes and, which cannot but rejoice, is rarely accompanied by severe pain. Of course, some discomfort is possible, but it quickly passes. There is no rehabilitation period as such, patients can immediately return to their usual way of life, however, withsome dietary and physical activity restrictions. Only contraindications can be attributed to the disadvantages, since not at all stages of the development of the disease it is possible to remove hemorrhoids by ligation.
