OBJECTIVE: This study reviews the results, and aims to assess our experience in outpatient rubber band ligation for symptomatic hemorrhoids in one tertiary hospital in Metro Manila.

METHODS: Patients underwent rubber band ligation with follow-ups scheduled at weekly intervals. Demographics, treatment success and complications were noted and tabulated.

RESULTS: A total of 183 rubber band ligations were performed. Successful treatment was measured based on resolution of symptoms on succeeding follow-ups. Complications and factors contributing to treatment failure were identified.

CONCLUSION: The success rate of the procedure was 97 percent and overall treatment failure rate was 3 percent. Complications such as bleeding, recurrence and post-ligation pain were not significant and were treated conservatively. Multiple rebleedings and residual hemorrhoids were considered as treatment failures with anticoagulant intake, prolonged bleeding history and associated anorectal pathology contributing to this outcome. Overall, the results of the study is comparable to international standards and is feasible in the local setting.