Unilateral Leg Pain Following Rubber Band Ligation of Internal Hemorrhoids: A Case Report

Rubber band ligation is one of the most commonly performed office-based procedures for internal hemorrhoids. Since there is no somatic sensation in the area above the dentate line, this region is a suitable location for banding. With proper technique, patients may still feel mild rectal pressure during the procedure (which may last up to 1–2 days) but should not experience pain. We present the case of a 34-year-old man presenting with symptomatic hemorrhoids unresponsive to medical treatment. Proctoscopy revealed grade I internal hemorrhoids. Rubber band ligation was performed on all three hemorrhoidal piles, and the patient was subsequently discharged. Four hours post-procedure, the patient returned to the clinic with severe pain localized to the lower left leg, primarily in the shin and foot, accompanied by numbness and a pins-and-needles sensation. The patient’s pain was alleviated through the administration of local and oral analgesia without the necessity of band removal.