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Rubber Band Ligation

This is the most widely-used non-surgical method for the treatment of hemorrhoids. It involves placing tiny rubber bands around the hemorrhoid tissue, thereby strangulating the tissue until it drops off. Rubber band ligation works reasonably well for most Grade II and Grade III hemorrhoids, but it has its drawbacks.

The procedure is moderately painful, the bands cannot be applied in all cases due to technical reasons, and the procedure carries significant risks. Studies show that about 2% of patients undergoing rubber band ligation end up in the hospital due to complications. The most dreaded complication of rubber band ligation is infection and death.