1Postgraduate, Department of General Surgery, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Kanchipuram, MAHER University, Chennai
2Professor and HOD, Department of General Surgery, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Kanchipuram, MAHER University, Chennai
3Professor Department of General Surgery, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Kanchipuram, MAHER University, Chennai
4Postgraduate, Department of General Surgery, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Kanchipuram, MAHER University, Chennai
*Correspondence: Dr. Sufiyan Aathif. H, Email: dr.sufi001@gmail.com
Received: 12th Dec, 2025; Revised: 12th Feb 2026; Accepted: 13th Feb, 2026; Available Online: 10th March, 2026
Background: Hemorrhoidal disease is a common anorectal condition, and second-degree hemorrhoids are frequently managed with both minimally invasive and surgical procedures. Rubber band ligation and open excisional hemorrhoidectomy are widely used treatment modalities, each with its own advantages and limitations.
Aim: To compare the clinical outcomes of rubber band ligation and open excisional hemorrhoidectomy in the management of second-degree hemorrhoids.
Materials and Methods: This hospital-based observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kanchipuram, over a period of one year. A total of 75 patients with second-degree hemorrhoids were included. Based on routine clinical practice, patients underwent either rubber band ligation (n = 38) or open hemorrhoidectomy (n = 37). Outcomes assessed included procedure duration, postoperative pain using the Visual Analogue Scale, time to return to normal activities, complications, and recurrence. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and a p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The duration of procedure was significantly shorter in the rubber band ligation group (12.4 ± 3.2 vs 32.6 ± 6.8 minutes; p = 0.001). Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower at 6 and 24 hours (p = 0.001), and patients returned to normal activities earlier (3.2 ± 1.1 vs 10.5 ± 2.6 days; p = 0.001). Complications were more frequent in the hemorrhoidectomy group but were not statistically significant. Recurrence was higher in the rubber band ligation group (15.8% vs 5.4%), though not statistically significant (p = 0.14).
Conclusion: Rubber band ligation offers better short-term outcomes and faster recovery, while open hemorrhoidectomy provides more definitive treatment with lower recurrence.
Keywords: Hemorrhoids, rubber band ligation, hemorrhoidectomy, postoperative pain, recurrence, observational study.
How to cite this article: Aathif.H S, P.S S, Babu.K S, Sivakumar S. Comparative Evaluation of Rubber Band Ligation and Open Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy in the Management of Second-Degree Hemorrhoids: An Observational Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(16s): 588-591. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.16s.63
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None