Objectives: To compare open hemorrhoidectomy and Rubber Band Ligation (RBL) in the management of 2nd and 3rd degree hemorrhoids in terms post operative and hospital stay. Design: Experiential Randomized Control Trial. Setting: Department of surgery, Allied Hospital and Independent University Hospital Faisalabad. Period: Dec 2008 to May 2009. Patients & Methods: 100 consecutive patients with second and third degree hemorrhoids were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (50 patients) were

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... ated by open hemorrhoidectomy (Milligan morgan technique) while in group B (50 patients) rubber band ligations was performed. Open hemorrhoidectomy was performed under spinal anesthesia while rubber bands were applied with local xylocaine gel using Barron's rubber band ligator. All the three hemorrhoids were ligated in single session. Results: Average hospital stay was 24 hours in patient operated by open hemorrhoidectomy as compared to one hour in rubber band ligation. 60% patients in group A developed moderate to severe pain requiring I/V morphine derivatives while 40% developed mild pain and treated with NSAIDS. In group B only 20% patients developed moderate pain and were dealt with I/M diclofenac sodium. Eightyeight percent patients in group A and 60% patients in group B developed mild to moderate bleeding in first postoperative week, which was self limiting. 6 patients developed severe bleeding after hemorrhoidectomy requiring blood transfusion. During six month follow up, two patients (4%) of open hemorrhoidectomy and 3 patients (6%) of RBL presented with recurrence and respective procedures were repeated. Conclusions: Rubber band ligation is safe, quick, economical and effective method for the treatment of 2nd and 3rd degree hemorrhoids.