Gastroenterology Pearland, Houston, Bay City, Lake Jackson
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Your GI Center provides hemorrhoid banding, also known as rubber band ligation, at our Houston, Bay City, and Lake Jackson locations. This minimally invasive office procedure is an effective treatment for internal hemorrhoids that cause bleeding, discomfort, or prolapse. Hemorrhoid banding is performed in our office without the need for surgery, general anesthesia, or extended recovery time. Most patients experience significant relief from their hemorrhoid symptoms after this quick, well-tolerated procedure.
Hemorrhoids are a common condition affecting millions of Americans. While lifestyle modifications and medical treatments can help manage mild hemorrhoid symptoms, hemorrhoid banding provides definitive treatment for internal hemorrhoids that do not respond to conservative measures. Our board-certified gastroenterologists have extensive experience performing hemorrhoid banding and are committed to helping you find relief from this uncomfortable condition.
Info
Hemorrhoid banding, medically termed rubber band ligation, is a procedure in which a small rubber band is placed around the base of an internal hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and fall off within several days. The area where the hemorrhoid was located heals with scar tissue, which helps prevent new hemorrhoids from forming in that location.
Hemorrhoid banding is performed through an anoscope, a small tube inserted into the rectum that allows your gastroenterologist to visualize the hemorrhoids. Using a special instrument, the hemorrhoid is grasped and a tiny rubber band is placed around its base. The procedure takes only a few minutes and is performed in our office without sedation or anesthesia.
Hemorrhoid banding is effective for treating internal hemorrhoids, which are located inside the rectum above the dentate line (the junction between the rectum and anal canal). Internal hemorrhoids typically cause painless bleeding with bowel movements and may prolapse (protrude) through the anus. Hemorrhoid banding is not used for external hemorrhoids, which are located below the dentate line and are covered by sensitive skin that would make banding extremely painful.
Your gastroenterologist may recommend hemorrhoid banding if you have internal hemorrhoids causing symptoms that have not responded to conservative treatment.
Hemorrhoid banding is a quick office procedure that does not require sedation or bowel preparation. You can eat normally before the procedure and drive yourself home afterward.
You will lie on your left side on the examination table. Your gastroenterologist will perform a digital rectal examination and then gently insert an anoscope into your rectum. The anoscope allows visualization of the internal hemorrhoids.
Using a special banding instrument, your gastroenterologist will grasp the hemorrhoid and place a small rubber band around its base. You may feel a sensation of pressure or fullness when the band is applied, but the procedure should not be painful because internal hemorrhoids are above the dentate line where there are no pain receptors. If you experience significant pain during banding, inform your doctor immediately, as this may indicate that the band was placed too low.
Typically, one to three hemorrhoids are banded during a single session. If you have multiple hemorrhoids, additional banding sessions may be scheduled several weeks apart to treat all symptomatic hemorrhoids while minimizing discomfort.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes. After hemorrhoid banding, you can resume your normal activities immediately, although you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day.
After hemorrhoid banding, you may experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum for several hours to a few days. Some patients experience mild discomfort or cramping, which typically responds to over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
You may notice a small amount of bleeding when the banded hemorrhoid falls off, usually within five to seven days after the procedure. This bleeding is typically minimal and stops on its own. However, if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or difficulty urinating, contact our office immediately, as these may indicate complications.
The banded hemorrhoid will fall off naturally during a bowel movement, usually within a week. You may not even notice when this occurs. The area heals over the following weeks, and the scar tissue that forms helps prevent recurrence of hemorrhoids in that location.
Most patients experience significant improvement in their hemorrhoid symptoms after banding. Bleeding typically stops within a few days, and prolapse is prevented. The success rate of hemorrhoid banding is approximately seventy to eighty percent, with most patients achieving long-term symptom relief.
To prevent recurrence of hemorrhoids, it is important to maintain soft, regular bowel movements by consuming adequate dietary fiber, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding straining during bowel movements. Your gastroenterologist will provide recommendations for preventing hemorrhoid recurrence.
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