Objective:To assess and analyze the quality of life of patients suffering with uncomplicated grade I and II hemorrhoids in an adult general population following treatment by eitherrubber band ligation or cryosurgery through Short Form-36 quality of life survey questionnaire. Background: No study comparing the quality of life following treatment of hemorrhoids by rubber band ligation or cryosurgery has ever been done. Method: Sixty comparable patients with symptomatic uncomplicated grade I and II hemorrhoids were recruited in the study. Their quality of life was assessed using sf-36 version 2 questionnaire. The patients were then randomized into two equal groups to undergo either rubber band ligation or cryosurgery. The patients were followed after 2 months and Quality of life was reassessed using the same questionnaire. Change in quality of life in either group was then assessed and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Mean age of patients was 41.15±14.16 years. There were 45 males and 15 females. Bleeding was the main symptom in all patients followed by pruritus ani in 8 patients. The two groups were comparable regarding age and symptoms. There was significant improvement in quality of life after treatment by rubber band ligation and cryotherapy. However, for the cryotherapy group, the change was much higher in mental component score as compared to physical component score. The inter group difference of change in score from pre operative to post operative level was not statistically significant except for general health. Conclusion: Hemorrhoids negatively affect the quality of life of patients.Treatment of hemorrhoids by either rubber band ligation or cryotherapy is equally effective in improving their quality of life.

Keywords: Hemorrhoids; Rubber Band Ligation; Cryotherapy; Quality of Life.