Which technique is preferable for grade 2-3 hemorrhoidal disease: Laser vs. rubber band ligation?

Abstract

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to compare the short and long-term results (postoperative pain, complications, return to daily life, recurrence) between patients who underwent hemorrhoids laser procedure (HeLP) and rubber band ligation (RBL) due to grade 2–3 hemorrhoidal disease. METHODS The results of patients who underwent HeLP and RBL between June 2020 and June 2023 for grade 2–3 hemorrhoidal disease were evaluated retrospectively. The patient information was examined in terms of operation time, postoperative 1st, 7th and 14th day visual analog scale (VAS) values, the amount of analgesic used in the first 7 postoperative days, return to normal life (days), recurrence within 1 year and other complications (postoperative bleeding, thrombosis, urinary retention, infection/abscess, anal stenosis, deterioration in continence). RESULTS A total of 260 patients were included in the study, 166 of whom underwent RBL and 94 HeLP. Operation time, hospital stay (hours), VAS values, postoperative 7-day analgesic use (mg), worsening of incontinence, time to return to normal life (days), complications and recurrence within 1 year evaluated. HeLP has statistically significant lower postoperative 1st day pain and less analgesic use (mg) than RBL (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The reduced pain and fewer analgesic use provided by HeLP, especially on the first postoperative day, improves patients' satisfaction.