[Elastic ligation of hemorrhoids]

Elastic ligation, a simple therapeutic treatment of hemorrhoids, consists of placing a small rubber ring at the base of the hemorrhoid. This breaks it down anatomically, by ischemic necrosis. It is most called for in cases of hemorrhoidal dropsical swelling, involving separate, often prolapsed, cluster. This treatment may be carried out in conjunction with sclerosant injections. Painful incidence cannot always be avoided, but cases of severe hemorrhage are rare. The results of this treatment are often spectacular, especially if it is used discriminately, and it often supplants surgery.