Hemorrhoids are a fairly common problem that people face regardless of gender. Naturally, this ailment is accompanied by constant discomfort, and in some cases 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 violation. 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 the severity of the disease
As you know, hemorrhoids are a pathology that is accompanied by an increase followed by inflammation of the venous nodes of the hemorrhoid plexus in the rectum. It is customary to distinguish four main stages of the development of the disease:
- At the first stage, there are still no formed nodules. Patients complain only of discomfort in the anus. Sometimes itching and a slight burning sensation appear. By the way, this form of the disease is often treatable at home.
- At the second stage, there is already a node, as a rule, with clear contours. During a bowel movement, this node often goes outside, but then is pulled back. Patients complain of discomfort. Sometimes in the feces you can find impurities of the blood.
- The third stage is accompanied by approximately the same symptoms. However, the node after defecation is not retracted, the patient has to set it on his own.
- At the fourth stage, the node can no longer be adjusted - it is constantly located outside. Naturally, such a phenomenon is extremely unpleasant. The patient constantly has difficulties 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 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 studies conducted in the United States. On the other hand, a similar treatment principle was first described by Hippocrates.
The essence of the procedure is quite simple. Special latex rings are put on the base of the internal hemorrhoidal nodes. As a result of this, the 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 hemorrhoidal node comes off and goes outside with the ring and feces. By the way, this process can sometimes be a little painful. In its place, a kind of stump forms, covered with connective tissue.
In what cases is ligation advisable?
Removal of hemorrhoids with 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 in the fourth stage, but, again, only if both the internal and the drop-down nodes have a clear structure.
How to prepare for the procedure?
In fact, ligation of the hemorrhoid is not particularly prepared, since the procedure itself is quite simple. Naturally, bowel cleansing will be needed, which can be achieved with a light correction of the menu and enema.
If you are taking drugs that can thin the blood, be sure to tell your doctor about this - you may need to slightly adjust the drug regimen. 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.
Treatment of hemorrhoids: ligation and varieties of the procedure
In modern medical practice, two main methods of applying latex rings are used.
- The ring can be superimposed using a mechanical ligation. An anoscope is inserted into the rectal region and is fixed so that a hemorrhoid is visible in the lumen of the device. After that, the ligator is introduced into the anoscope. With the help of the clamp, the doctor grabs the head of the hemorrhoidal node, draws it into the ligator, and then, using a special trigger mechanism, imposes a ring, which then clamps at the base of the node.
- Vacuum ligation is a relatively new kind of procedure. A special device is introduced into the anoscope, which creates a slight pressure. Thanks to the vacuum ligator, the knot head is quickly sucked into the device, after which a latex ring is thrown onto it, which is then fixed to the process leg. By the way, during the procedure, the doctor should carefully monitor the pressure, since otherwise a complete separation of the node with subsequent heavy bleeding is possible.
Ligation of hemorrhoids with latex rings: are there any contraindications?
Despite the fact that the procedure is considered safe, some contraindications are still there. Their list includes:
- hemorrhoids of the first stage, when the nodes have not yet had time to form;
- mixed types of hemorrhoids, in which there is a lack of clarity in the separation of internal and external nodes;
- the presence of cracks in the mucous membrane in the rectum;
- various blood diseases, including clotting problems;
- exacerbation of various chronic inflammatory diseases, for example proctitis;
- hemorrhoids of the fourth degree.
Possible complications during the procedure
Latex ligation of hemorrhoids is a fairly simple and safe procedure. Nevertheless, it carries some risks, and therefore patients should familiarize themselves with possible side effects and complications:
- Sometimes people after the procedure complain of pain in the treated hemorrhoid. As a rule, this is due to improper application of the latex ring. If you have pain, you should consult your doctor. Sometimes a specialist needs to remove an existing ring and carry out the procedure again.
- Quite often, after surgery and the process of separation of nodes, patients note the appearance of blood impurities in the feces. A small amount is considered normal, but if the bleeding intensifies, then you should consult a doctor.
- In some cases, slipping of the latex ring is observed. Occasionally, the reason is an incorrectly performed procedure, but in most cases, slipping is provoked by weight lifting in the first few days after the operation, the premature start of sports training, constipation, etc.
- Ligation of the hemorrhoid is fraught with the formation of a blood clot, which is quite painful. However, you can remove the clot, often 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 the event of a hemorrhoid injury 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 departed node . According to statistics, such a complication is recorded in about 1% of cases. As a rule, a crack is formed as a result of trauma, for example during constipation and bowel movements. If you diagnose the problem in time and start therapy, you can avoid complications, the tissues regenerate.
How is the rehabilitation period?
Ligation of hemorrhoidal nodes with latex rings does not require hospitalization. Nevertheless, some rules need to 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 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, you should avoid excessive physical activity, abandon sports training, do not lift weights. Naturally, you need to carefully monitor personal hygiene, as otherwise there is a high probability of infection and the development of the inflammatory process. Nevertheless, the patient can return home and to work almost immediately.
How much does the procedure cost?
Naturally, for many patients, an important point is the cost of a procedure. 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 numbers. In most cases, ligation of the hemorrhoid site costs about 5-10 thousand rubles. The cost of the procedure, of course, will fluctuate depending on the number of nodes and some other factors. Nevertheless, 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 of patients and doctors
What is ligation of hemorrhoids actually? Reviews of specialists, and indeed the patients themselves, are for the most part positive. This new procedure allows you to quickly and almost painlessly remove nodes. Cases of relapse are possible, but, according to statistics, this is extremely 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. There is no rehabilitation period as such, patients can immediately return to their usual way of life, however, with some limitations in nutrition and physical activity. Only contraindications can be attributed to the disadvantages, since not at all stages of the development of the disease, hemorrhoids can be removed by ligation.