Overview
This study will involve the recruitment of adult patients with hemorrhoids for whom rubber band ligation is the recommended treatment. Patients will be randomized to receive banding with a latex band or non-latex band. Our goal will be to measure the performance of latex bands vs non-latex bands.
Description
This study will involve the recruitment of adult patients with symptomatic grade 2-3 internal hemorrhoids for whom rubber band ligation is the recommended treatment. Patients will be randomized to receive banding with a latex band or non-latex band. Our hypothesis is that non-latex hemorrhoidal bands are non-inferior to latex bands for the treatment of grade 2-3 internal hemorrhoids.
The secondary objective of the study is to compare banding-related adverse effects including pain, bleeding, and complications assessed both immediately and within 3 weeks following each hemorrhoidal banding.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Symptomatic grade 2-3 internal hemorrhoids undergoing rubber band ligation
Exclusion Criteria:
- Previous hemorrhoidal banding within the past year
- Known latex allergy
- Pregnancy
- Anticoagulation use
- Bleeding disorder
- Portal hypertension
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Immunosuppression
- Functional neurologic disorder
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Any records flagged "break the glass" or "research opt out".